Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/536070
ATV/UTV Aggressive styling only the start for all-model BY DAVE McMAHON EDITOR IN CHIEF The cover barely had been pulled off the all- new 2016 Yamaha Grizzly, and media in atten- dance at the OEM's model year 2016 ATV/ Side-by-Side Press Unveil in Stone Mountain, Ga., were already agreeing with the upgrade. After all, there's a lot to like about the 2016 Grizzly, starting with the aggressive new look, which is meant to appeal to the more recre- ation-focused consumer. But it's what on the inside that counts with most consumers, since the Grizzly 700 is the top-selling big bore util- ity ATV in the U.S. marketplace (models over 650cc). The 6 percent increase in maximum power and 9 percent increase in max torque compared to the 2015 Grizzly 700 are ideal starting points. The same reliable 708cc engine that can be found in the base Yamaha Wolver- ine, and the newly-announced R-Spec, gives the new Grizzly an edge in durability and reli- ability, not to mention off-road capability, that Grizzly consumers are seeking. The Grizzly 4x4 was part of an impressive 2016 Yamaha off-road lineup that was revealed at the Georgia event, including the Wolverine R-Spec SE and Wolverine side-by-sides; the 60th anniversary edition SE Raptor 700R and YFZ450R sport quads; the all-new Raptor 90 now targeted for the 10-year-old and up begin- ner; and the Kodiak 700 4x4. Off-road product planning manager Travis Hollins and testing supervisor Pat Biolsi provided details of the new-look Grizzly. The Grizzly maintains the balance that has made it the top-seller in its class. It does a lot of things well, including handling, suspension, comfort and reliability. "With utility ATVs, everyone wants to talk about the engine and how important it is, but Grizzly is still the number one selling model out of all of them," Hollins said. "It's all put together in one solid package. The Grizzly customer is typically an enthusiast, buying the top of the top of the top. They want the best machine out there, and they're willing to spend the money to get that high level of performance." Those 4-wheel-drive lovers are often recre- ationally based and out trail riding, although they still want the Grizzly for work. "They're very machine-focused. It's about how the machine handles in different situations, and that the Grizzly does so well." The introduction of an all-new Grizzly is simply meant to help keep Yamaha on the throttle. The new engine's power and torque will provide a noticeable difference in performance. "We're focused on putting that power to the ground, and how that power comes to the ground," Biolsi said. "More power is great, but nobody rides a dyno curve. It's all about put- ting the power to the ground and what it feels like, making it responsive but not too respon- sive where you can't control the tire spin. You need to know what exactly is going to happen when you give it more throttle. The torque increase is actually more important than the peak power increase. It's the same drive sys- tem we've always had in Grizzly, and this new model overall benefitted greatly from that." The increased engine performance was boosted by a new shape, design and location of the air filter. The air intake track increased thanks to the air filter being moved to under the seat. In fact, the intake track in the 2015 model was 60mm, and it increased to 200mm. "The air in there gets the velocity up, and All-new Yamaha Grizzly offers gains galore 34 • July 13, 2015 • Powersports Business www.PowersportsBusiness.com The all-new 2016 Yamaha Grizzly brings added power and torque with its all-new 708cc engine. See Grizzly, Page 39