Fans of big-bore, multipurpose ATVs can rejoice: After a few quiet years, the venerable Grizzly 700 returns with significant changes including more power, improved ride comfort, and as much as 30% better gas mileage, Yamaha claims.


Designed to achieve one of the best power-to-weight ratios in its class, the 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 700 continues to separate itself from the competition with a lighter, redesigned 686 cc engine (new forged piston and cylinder head, higher compression ratio, single-pipe exhaust, etc.) that boosts top speed while simultaneously reducing fuel consumption. Derived from the sporty Raptor 700R, it is fuel-injected for easy starting and crisp throttle response, but has been reworked for even more low-end torque to match its rugged personality. The emission-reducing Air Induction System is just icing on the cake.

A fully automatic Ultramatic transmission with dual range drives the 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 700, and a centrifugal clutch maintains belt tension for reduced wear. The push-button On-Command system includes 2WD, limited-slip 4WD, and Diff-Lock 4WD settings for ideal propulsion regardless of terrain conditions.

The 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 700's available electronic power steering (EPS) provides extra comfort on rough trails, especially in 4WD mode. It offers variable assist based on speed and torque. A new steering lever ratio and revised geometry further reduce steering effort.

Elsewhere, the new suspension settings (longer A-arms, increased shock absorber stroke, different geometry) are said to improve ride quality without sacrificing any of the Grizzly's agility. A shorter rear sub-frame increases approach/departure angles, and allows the use of stronger ball joints for more clearance.

Meanwhile, 4-wheel hydraulic disc brakes (the front and rear brakes can be operated independently) combined with full-time engine braking means that slowing down the 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 700 requires less effort. Oh, and by the way, this middleweight ATV can tow up to 600 kg (1,322 lb).

In the end, the great news is that the many upgrades don't affect pricing, which still ranges from $9,599 to $11,599 for standard, EPS, EPS SE, and EPS S-LE models. Consider the 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 700 along with products like the Can-Am Outlander 800, Honda TRX680F, Polaris Sportsman 800, Suzuki KingQuad 750 AXi, and Kawasaki Brute Force 650/750.