Yamaha Grizzly 660

[dsb5610]

Anyone have any experience with the Yamaha Grizzly 660? I am close to pulling the trigger on a pair of them. Will be used for running around the property, pulling a trailer and taking trips to the various trail systems around the midwest.

dsb

 

[scesnick]

I have a 2005 rhino. ( same engine) I have had some issues with the engine. A full top end rebuild for one... I have not heard of many Grizzlies having the same problem though... That said, I am happy with my rhino. Ever think about buying one instead of 2 quads. They rip the trails up and will do work better than a quad.. Just a thought...

 

[dsb5610]

scesnick,

Thanks for the feedback. We debated between a Rhino and two ATVs. Since the Rhino's bed is so small we would need to pull a trailer with either purchase and the towing capacity is about the same. After looking at all of them we decided to go with the ATVs so we can divide and conquer at times as well as both participate when we go to the trail systems. We've had Gators for years and sold the last one after buying a Toolcat earlier this year. The Toolcat takes care of the heavier work. Now we need something to cover the light work, running around and play time.

dsb

 

[Mrwurm]

I have a 2005 Grizzly 660. I use it primarily for trail riding. I actually ride it quite fast and push it to the limits. I chose this type of ATV over a sport type because of the smooth plush ride. I've not had any problems of any sort. I have about 600 miles on mine. At 599 pounds its the lightest of all the big bore utility quads. I've raced just about every big bore utility ATV (700's, 800's) and I have'nt found one that could out accelerate it yet. (I have'nt raced against an Outlander 800. I hear they are really fast)

The only downside that I am aware of is the braking performance. Grizzly 660's are known for their weak brakes. Mine is no exception. Don't expect to be able to stop on a dime.

 

[dsb5610]

Thanks Mrwurm,

Speed is low on our list and our trail rides will be leisurely. We originally started looking for the smaller full size 4x4s. After seeing the various features and options we ended up focusing on the 660. It is not much more $$$ than the 450 and has more towing and rack capacity.

dsb

 

[bigdeer2000]

have you looked at the new grizzly 700 efi? not only has fuel injection also has power steering.

 

[Mrwurm]

I do most of my riding with a co-worker who has a Suzuki Vinson 500 auto. He loves it and would'nt have anything else. Might be cheaper than a Grizzly 660. I think his trans selector moves smoother than mine and he has three head lights compared to two on the Grizz. I don't know what the towing capacity is.

 

[dsb5610]

bigdeer2000,
We did look at the Grizzly 700s. Looks like a great unit. I like the idea of EFI but personally do not see a use for power steering. It is a 1st year unit and I rarely buy 1st year technology. The 660s we are looking at are new 2006 models and there is a good discount. We actually started out looking at the basic 4x4 units but found out for not much more we could get a larger unit with more features, and then, the next size up was not that much more ..... Anyway, we drew the line at the 660s.

Mrwurm,
I am not aware of a Suzuki dealer near me otherwise I would look at a Vinson. In searching for ATVs I've discovered they are a lot of good testimonials from owners and there is a lot of bashing by non-owners. I appreciate you sharing someone else's good experience.

dsb

 

[scesnick]

since you have a Toolcat already I would go with the quads also. My buddy owns a Yamaha dealership and he said the " steering assist is awesome and he don't really see where there would be any problems with it. It is a simple set up. He said you can steer with one hand, even with the diff lock on and on the blacktop..

If i was buying a big bore 4wd. I would look at the king quad myself. But they are all nice and it really comes down to preference. Good luck and have fun with what ever you decide...

Shawn.

 

[ovrszd]

bigdeer2000,
We did look at the Grizzly 700s. Looks like a great unit. I like the idea of EFI but personally do not see a use for power steering. It is a 1st year unit and I rarely buy 1st year technology. The 660s we are looking at are new 2006 models and there is a good discount. We actually started out looking at the basic 4x4 units but found out for not much more we could get a larger unit with more features, and then, the next size up was not that much more ..... Anyway, we drew the line at the 660s.

Mrwurm,
I am not aware of a Suzuki dealer near me otherwise I would look at a Vinson. In searching for ATVs I've discovered they are a lot of good testimonials from owners and there is a lot of bashing by non-owners. I appreciate you sharing someone else's good experience.

dsb

My family all own wheelers. My wife and I ride a Kaw 650 Prairie and a 700 Polaris Sportsman. My Sons own a Grizzly 660, Suzuki 500 Vinson, Kaw 750 Brute Force plus an array of 2wd rockets.

For speed, it's Kaw 750 Brute Force, Grizzly 660, Kaw 650 Prairie, Polaris 700 Sportsman, Suzuki 500 Vinson.

For hard, fast trail riding, it's Kaw 650 Prairie, Kaw 750 Brute Force, Suzuki 500 Vinson, Grizzly 660, Polaris 700 Sportsman.

For comfortable leisure riding, it's Polaris 700 Sportsman, Kaw 750 Brute Force, Kaw 650 Prairie, Grizzly 660, Suzuki 500 Vinson.

For dependability, it's Kaw 650 Prairie, Suzuki 500 Vinson, Kaw 750 Brute Force, Grizzly 660, Polaris 700 Sportsman.

This evaluation is after 4 years of ownership on all of these except the Brute Force which we've only had two years.

The thing we all complain the most about the Grizzly is it's top heavy feeling when riding timber trails. The women never want to ride the Grizzly or the Vinson when doing that. They all want to ride the Kaw 650 Prairie, it's the most stable because of a solid rear axle.

For puttering around on dirt roads and easy trails, everyone wants to ride the Polaris. It's got the most comfortable platform and seat. It's only complaint is that it steers heavy, especially when in 4wd.

For the best all around combination, I believe it's between the Kaw 750 Brute Force and the Kaw 650 Prairie. If you are after blistering speed, it's the Brute. If you are after all around use, it's the Prairie. Starting from a dead stop, sitting square on the seat, the Brute will lift the front tires off the ground on takeoff. The Prairie will leave you less tired at the end of the day.

Sorry to ramble, hope this gives you a comparable base. All manufacturers have left over models lurking around. I would suggest finding someone that will let you get some seat time on various models.