Looking at at 02 Bear 4x4. How reliable and durable are these Quads from your knowledge or past experience? I've owned a Suzuki Quadrunner 4x4 since 94 and I'm looking for a new quad. I just can't get used to all the valve noise in the Yahama. Thanks, Ken

 

In my opinion, the Big Bear 400 would have to be the most reliable of the Yamaha stable of quads.
I have never noticed any valve train noise from any of the Yamahas. Like you said, it may be something that you get used to, but I think you notice it because the Suzuki 250s and KingQuads have the least engine noise, when sitting on the machine, compared to other fourwheelers.
It has to do with the "lay down" style engine used in these quads.

KNOWSALOT

 

I just bought a new big bear and its great. Ive noticed that its great for mudding. The engine is very Powerful. One of the greatest quads ive ever owned.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]Text

 

I bought a 2002 Big Bear 4x4 in August, it is the best quad that i have ever purchased. It is great for utility but has enough speed for recreation. I ride with friends that have hondas, kawa, suzuki's, and my yamaha will go better in the mud and up hills. I havent met a hill that my big bear wont go up, so the big bear in my opinion is the best deal on the market today.
Big Theron

 

great bike!! get the warn winch if yamaha still offers it for 70$ well worth it include the mount plate, over all its an awsome ride! got my 02 in nov. there's nothing it cant do not a hill i cant do that my cous does on his 400ex. you will like it

 

I have a question for you guys with manual trannys since I have only driving autos, who does the manul clutch work, I mean how do you operate it?

Thanks

 

Do you automatic clutch like on most utility quads? or manual like on sport quads? The big bear has an automatic clutch, which just means when you want to shift up, you pull up on the foot shifter, when you want to go down you push down. On the other hand, fully manual requires a hand clutch that you hold in like a car or truck. Most full manual clutches are 1 down and 5 up (depending on the gearing of coarse) Hope i answered your question. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Easy as it gets. Let off the gas and shift. Just like a car only you don't have to push in a clutch. Just let off the gas and shift it up or down. My god I wish the Grizzly could have had a manual shift transmission.

 

a mannual clutch is like one in a car little gas as u let out the clutch lever