Frag Out! Magazine
Issue link: https://fragout.uberflip.com/i/861022
Yamaha Grizzly 700 FI 4x4 ATV is the flag- ship model – in my opinion, it is the best se- rial-produced vehicle of this type that has ever been made. The best cross-country ATV of really great power. During off-road trips, we lose a lot of money for repairs. That is why access to servicing for our vehicles should be easily available, so that we can avoid or minimize the amount of trouble. When I was looking for my dream vehicle, I also wanted to be sure that I would be able to re- turn home on my own – although I was 100% sure that breakdowns and failures would occur during each few days' trip (believe it or not but regardless the model of ATV, there are always some issues, especially bear in mind that I spend a lot on my Grizzly). So far, it works fine. This model is well-made and has a rela- tively uncomplicated construction – you can check this by googling up some information about that. The simplicity of use makes it possi- ble to do the basic servicing on your own: blocks, oil, filters, electrical elements, suspension – you can deal with all of that with tools available in any garage (I mean, a normal garage that is not only used for vehicle storage). All the parts that you can replace and repair on your own are eas- ily available and dismantling is effortless. I take my ATV to a workshop only in serious situ- ations – repairs at workshops are expensive but I had to do that twice in the last several years of driving a Grizzly. Yet, when it happened, I had to pay quite a sum. Well, I must admit that it was not the vehicle's fault. It was rather due to my stupidity and creativity on the (off-)road. I did not use it too often for driving on water – when I bought it five years ago, the engine and axle air inlets were above the handlebars. I couldn't help myself... I drove it deep into the water; only the air inlets and the mirrors pro- truded above the surface. I got rid of those pipes pretty soon. First of all – they looked dumb, sec- ond of all – I was tempted to submerge them in water and such fun required the ATV to be in- spected and repaired. So, it was totally pointless. Now, when I eventually decide and drown my Yamaha in the water maximally up to the seat, everything ends up fine and without any dam- age. However, you must be aware of the fact that every submersion of your ATV will end with some failures, especially in the case of pretty old machines. Swamps – driving on such terrain is seamless. The axles may get blocked sometimes, but only on rare occasions. Grizzly is perfect for driving on snow in winter – 50 cm high snowdrifts seem to be no match for this vehicle. I do not even have to start the 4x4 drive and use the rear drive (I can have more fun that way). The highest speed I have reached on asphalt is 105 km/h, but I weigh over 100 kg – my son goes a little bit faster. He is lighter, younger, and less... umm... concerned (yup, less concerned about re- pairs as well; all in all, the old man will handle them...). Driving on sand? As if on railways – when you turn on the 4x4 it goes like crazy through blocking and loose sand. In total, I have drove this vehicle for about 5000 hours of operation – it is quite a lot, so I think I have the right to state an opinion about this model. Mr. Franko's Grizzly www.fragoutmag.com