2016 Yamaha Grizzly Preview

Yamaha boasts its Grizzly 700 is the top selling big bore Utility ATV in the industry and the venerable four-wheeler should be even better for 2016 thanks to a host of updates, including a new 708cc engine.

Yamaha’s 708cc single-cylinder mill is the same one found in the Wolverine R-Spec UTV launched earlier this year. Compared to the outgoing 686cc mill, the new engine produces a claimed 6% more peak horsepower and 9% more peak torque. It benefits from a dual overhead cam design, compared to a single overhead cam last year.

A new intake system is partly responsible for the gains and features a high-flow air filter and optimized intake joint. The air filter can be removed with no tools and has a larger surface area. Thanks to its high placement under the seat, the air intake is better at preventing water, mud, and dust from causing internal problems.

A new storage area has been added for 2016 just in front of the seat, which is capable of holding up to nine pounds. Other storage areas include a water tight area in the front right fender, and a small rear compartment under the tail light that can hold 4.4 pounds. Further storage gains come from larger diameter front and rear racks, which can hold more weight (110 pounds up front and 198 pounds in the rear).

For improved rider comfort, the seat is 60mm longer for 2016 and benefits from thicker foam.

Read our review of the 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 700 EPS Long Term + Video

Yamaha retains its fully independent front and rear suspension, but has tweaked it for 2016 with 1.2mm longer stroke. Five-way pre-load adjustable, nitrogen gas charged shocks are still found at all four corners. As well, both front and rear CV joints have a slightly larger diameter (3.6mm front and 4mm rear) for improved durability. Also improving durability are new forged hubs, compared to cast hubs in 2015.

While some changes are difficult to notice from a distance, larger 26-inch tires stand out. Yamaha says the new rubber helps increase ground clearance by 13mm, while improving traction and comfort without sacrificing durability. Suggested air pressure drops from 5.1 psi to 4.4 psi with the larger tires.

Also new for 2016 is digital meter, which features displays for fuel gauge, speedometer, odometer, dual trip meters, clock, 4WD status, gear position, and EPS warning. Other updates include new LED headlights and taillight that draw less power and have a longer service life, new handlebar light (with high beams) that follows the position of the handlebar for better trail illumination, and blow-molded front grab bar that replaces an injection molded design to improve strength.

Cast aluminum wheels and carbon metallic paint come standard on the Grizzly Special Edition.

The 2016 Yamaha Grizzly comes in four iterations: Base ($8,899), EPS ($9,699), Special Edition ($10,299) and Limited Edition ($10,899). The Base model comes with everything mentioned above, while the EPS model benefits from electronic power steering.

Upgrade to the Special Edition and you get cast aluminum two-tone wheels, carbon metallic painted body, and two-inch receiver hitch.

The Grizzly Special Edition is well suited to colder climates, thanks to a windshield, heated seat, and heated grips and thumb warmer.

The Limited Edition is targeted to northern buyers (namely Canada) and includes cast aluminum two-tone wheels, crimson metallic painted body, two-inch receiver hitch, removable windscreen, and heated seat, grips, and thumb warmer.