I recently purchased a new grizzly 550 with EPS. Love it. I must have watched every single one of your test videos before I made my decision. It came down to the Brute Force and the Grizzly. The Can Am is great but it cost as much as a small car.
K I think you helped me make my decision for me! I'm actually on my way to dealer right now(: And for a smaller displacement the power is impressive, and yes now that you mentioned it the engine note is def throaty for a 500 single, and the parking brake is a small but overlooked feature for sure! cheers sir!
I love my Grizzly 550. I just turned 100 miles on the odometer. she runs smooth and the 4WD will take it almost anywhere. It is surprisingly nimble in the woods.
Thanks for all of these great vids ATVTV!!! Keep it up. Think you have done any recent test of the Honda Recon??? or any Polaris Ranger?? I'm ur biggest fan, Cheers!
@rainmaker1213 A diff lock basically locks both front wheels together so they turn at the same speed. Having both front wheels 'locked' gives you more traction.
@TheQuadrider777 That's the beauty of the 4wd system on the Grissly! It's in 2wd, then push in the button and it goes in 4wd with the front differential open. YOu can ride it around all day like that - that's the way I usually ride out on the trails. Then flip the switch over the button and you lock in the front diff. Now it's in TRUE 4wd, not like the Polaris that needs to slip before it has 4wd. The Griz will have all four wheels moving at the same speed - no matter what the condition.
@TheQuadrider777 It depends on what you want in a 4 wheel drive system? The Sportsman is a automatic AWD system. The Grizzly gives you the control o chose 2wd, 4wd, or 4wd with a locked front differential. I prefer to control the drive functions and also the benefit it gives with better engine braking control.
@thesimpleguy77 That is the effect that a locked front differential makes to the steering of an ATV. Without EPS the steering is horribly grabby. That's why they have a limiter on the speed with the front dif locked. So, even with EPS it will still be more difficult to steering when locked than in 4wd or in 2wd.
Is this the same as the 700 sized machine with a 550cc engin in it, or is it a bit smaller but has the same looks? I am debating on getting a 550 0r a 450 for utility/ hunting/ pullling/ trail riding/ and farming. no choke on the 550 concerns me and so does the pwr steering, can it tear up and if so can the steering function normally without it?
@MrShannon888 Not real sure. Mileage really varies from rider to rider and depending on riding conditions. We only got just a bit over 20. But it was new , ridden hard, and up and down the mountain from 6000 to 11,000 feet. My guess is that ridden easy you should get 25 to maybe even 35 mpg.
@ATVTVCOM also, a big inconvenience is that to even check the radiator fluid level you have to take the front rack and plastic off. Sure, it has a gauge that will tell you if it's low, but I would rather know before I go out on a trip, rather than just find out halfway out in the middle of nowhere. Maybe the 09 aint like that tho, mines a 2010, so idk if it'd be different
That simple and reliable sentiment is what attracts me to the Big Bear - in my opinion, quite possibly the best atv around. It's got Diff. Lock for tough situations, yet almost anybody coulud probably fix the carburetor on the trail. Not so with the fuel injection.
While watching this video, it sure appears that the shocks are really stiff on this Grizzly. Any time one wheel is off the ground, it doesn't look like the other 3 adjust at all. How does it ride comfort wise? I'm looking at one for my wife.
@tennessee226 The 550 and the 700 are identical except for engine size. EFI and EPS have been used for a long time now in cars and are pretty trouble-free but of course I suppose simpler is always more reliable.... There is a slightly heavier feel with no EPS working.
The shocks were set at the second notch rather than softest. It rides pretty good, but this is still a full-size machine. Maybe you should look at either the 400-450 or the King Quad 400 for a better size machine.
Both are fantastic machines. I prefer the KQ as the engine is a bit smoother, better sounding, and I prefer a parking brake over a park position in the transmission.
@maracuja363 What you should buy and what I would buy might be two very different machines! What will work best for you depends on several factors - where you ride, how you ride, what you want from and ATV, and the nearest dealer. With that said, although we like the XP 550 Touring, we prefer the King Quad 500 EPS or the Grizzly 550 EPS.
@AituBan Switch to 4wd and then switch to lock. A light will come on on the gauge pod saying lock. At that time both front wheels are 'locked' together and both will turn at the same speed. If not then somethings wrong and the unit needs serviced. It could be as simple as an electrical connection.
@CrimsonBloodStar There's the Honda Rancher, Rubicon, and Rincon that are automatics without belts. The best belt-drive trannys in my opinion are the King Quad, Grizzly, and Brute Force. In that order.
@chancerbob95 I'd make sure to get the latest generation in either 550 or 700. They are heads above the older models. Although EPS isn't as critical on the Grizzly as it is on the King Quad, if you can find one for a good price it would be better. Of course they seem to add a bunch to the price....
@Mraybrake There is no comparison between a parking brake and a park position. The Griz has a better 4wd system. A better driveline. A better power steering - more natural feel. Also check out the King Quad 500 EPS. It is my favorite.
@ATVTVCOM thats what i was thinking.i like the simple quads because theres not much that can go wrong with them and when they do brake, you can either get it fixed or get a new one because there cheap.we dont need a 75 hp machine. a 500cc class machine is all a person would ever need.but whats funny is that a 2011 500cc class machine cost as much as a 2007 big bore did when it was brand new and now the big bores are 10000 grand.i dont get it. thanks for the good vids though!!!!!!
Both are great machines. I lean towards the KQ simply due to a bit taller geared transmission (lower rpms while cruising), a little better sounding (and smoother running engine) and the fact that it has a parking brake rather than a park position in the transmission.
my grizzly 550 has been great for plowing my fields and spreading manure, a bit more fun than using the tractor. but it has been a good solid little machine and a 5 year warranty is not to be sniffed at. The drawback is that the farming attachments are very expensive for what you actually get.
@Reverseflush I don't think there's really a best. There are advantages to either design. Personally, and especially since Yamaha has the best belt CVT trans in the business, give me Yamaha. Belt CVT is simpler, easier for the owner to work on, and cheaper to fix. Belt CVT can be easier to get water in, but the water drains/dries easily. Imagine if water enters the Honda trans. The water can't be removed without oil changes, it can cause expensive damage, and no way of an easy trailside fix.
@TheQuadrider777 No matter what you get you usually need to replace the stock tires with a set of radials. It will handle wayyyyyy better. The Suzuki King Quad sounds better than the Grizzly. I would never put an aftermarket exhaust on a quad like this - too loud! You'd irritate everyone else out on the trails.
@Dave49399 They claim liability reasons. I wouldn't expect any of the Japanese companies to EVER come out with a 2-seat ATV or a 50" UTV. Sad but true.....
@MrPinhead11 It wouldn't surprise me. Although I hate to see technology continue to drive the cost of ATVs up. I'd rather afford a simple machine than read about a super high-tech one.....
Don't confuse 'old' with 'educated' and 'experienced' ;-) The newer Grizzlies (like this 2009) do indeed have a lower center of gravity as compared to the older models..... BTW: Not sure why you said 1999....Must have something to do with a lack of education or experience. Heck, maybe even a lack of AGE!
As always, THE best tests/ reviews on ATV's posted anywhere on the web, keep 'em coming Doug. Excellent review.
I recently purchased a new grizzly 550 with EPS. Love it. I must have watched every single one of your test videos before I made my decision. It came down to the Brute Force and the Grizzly. The Can Am is great but it cost as much as a small car.
This and the King Quad 500 are two of my favorites as well.
K I think you helped me make my decision for me! I'm actually on my way to dealer right now(: And for a smaller displacement the power is impressive, and yes now that you mentioned it the engine note is def throaty for a 500 single, and the parking brake is a small but overlooked feature for sure! cheers sir!
pretty cool atv and nice driving skills too
I love my Grizzly 550. I just turned 100 miles on the odometer. she runs smooth and the 4WD will take it almost anywhere. It is surprisingly nimble in the woods.
@Reverseflush Hondas are either standard transmissions with automatic clutches, or hydrostatic drives.
Thanks for all of these great vids ATVTV!!! Keep it up. Think you have done any recent test of the Honda Recon??? or any Polaris Ranger?? I'm ur biggest fan, Cheers!
@jetdr You made a great choice! Congratulations.
@rainmaker1213 A diff lock basically locks both front wheels together so they turn at the same speed. Having both front wheels 'locked' gives you more traction.
@TheQuadrider777 That's the beauty of the 4wd system on the Grissly! It's in 2wd, then push in the button and it goes in 4wd with the front differential open. YOu can ride it around all day like that - that's the way I usually ride out on the trails. Then flip the switch over the button and you lock in the front diff. Now it's in TRUE 4wd, not like the Polaris that needs to slip before it has 4wd. The Griz will have all four wheels moving at the same speed - no matter what the condition.
how high is the stock snorkle, where is it at? i have a honda rancher 350 and its stock snorkle is 34 inches high up by the gas tank
what happens if you go through deeper water? do the electric gauges short?
Love this review!
Hey with the 550 - did Yamaha concentrate on centralization of the weight distribution as they did in the Grizzly 700?
@TheQuadrider777 It depends on what you want in a 4 wheel drive system? The Sportsman is a automatic AWD system. The Grizzly gives you the control o chose 2wd, 4wd, or 4wd with a locked front differential. I prefer to control the drive functions and also the benefit it gives with better engine braking control.
@thesimpleguy77 That is the effect that a locked front differential makes to the steering of an ATV. Without EPS the steering is horribly grabby. That's why they have a limiter on the speed with the front dif locked. So, even with EPS it will still be more difficult to steering when locked than in 4wd or in 2wd.
Is this the same as the 700 sized machine with a 550cc engin in it, or is it a bit smaller but has the same looks? I am debating on getting a 550 0r a 450 for utility/ hunting/ pullling/ trail riding/ and farming. no choke on the 550 concerns me and so does the pwr steering, can it tear up and if so can the steering function normally without it?
@Candrews316 It is at the end of the video, but it's best to check around at the dealers as they are selling things at below retail price nowadays.
It's up under the steering stem by where the gas tank used to be. I don't know the measurement though in inches.
It's currently on our website!
whats the real difference between a raptor and the yfz450 also which one is faster
@Flattrack450r The best is the 2007 when they went with the revised machine and included EPS.
what do u suggest on buying a used grizzly. because i really cant afford a brand spankin new quad
does the eps cut out in diff lok?
Do u think that one day a manufacture's will put traction contral on a atv or a sxs?
@MrShannon888 Not real sure. Mileage really varies from rider to rider and depending on riding conditions. We only got just a bit over 20. But it was new , ridden hard, and up and down the mountain from 6000 to 11,000 feet. My guess is that ridden easy you should get 25 to maybe even 35 mpg.
@ATVTVCOM also, a big inconvenience is that to even check the radiator fluid level you have to take the front rack and plastic off. Sure, it has a gauge that will tell you if it's low, but I would rather know before I go out on a trip, rather than just find out halfway out in the middle of nowhere. Maybe the 09 aint like that tho, mines a 2010, so idk if it'd be different
what is a beter atv the polaris sportsman or the yamaha grizzly
Im Going to be getting a 550 in few weeks and I just wanted to know how fast does it go,Im all about speed so I want to know.
That simple and reliable sentiment is what attracts me to the Big Bear - in my opinion, quite possibly the best atv around. It's got Diff. Lock for tough situations, yet almost anybody coulud probably fix the carburetor on the trail. Not so with the fuel injection.
Which Brute Force - as there is no 550 ?
@Rawwswaqq Unfortunately a park position in the transmission doesn't take the place of a parking brake!
While watching this video, it sure appears that the shocks are really stiff on this Grizzly. Any time one wheel is off the ground, it doesn't look like the other 3 adjust at all. How does it ride comfort wise? I'm looking at one for my wife.
have u tested the arctic cat 1000 yet.
Absolutely spot on !
@tennessee226 The 550 and the 700 are identical except for engine size. EFI and EPS have been used for a long time now in cars and are pretty trouble-free but of course I suppose simpler is always more reliable.... There is a slightly heavier feel with no EPS working.
It is a very close choice - the KQ is a bit smoother running and I prefer the shifter without a park position.
Suzuki King Quad 500 or Grizz 550? I'm thinking king quad for myself.
Awesome ATV!
The shocks were set at the second notch rather than softest. It rides pretty good, but this is still a full-size machine. Maybe you should look at either the 400-450 or the King Quad 400 for a better size machine.
Both are fantastic machines. I prefer the KQ as the engine is a bit smoother, better sounding, and I prefer a parking brake over a park position in the transmission.
@maracuja363 What you should buy and what I would buy might be two very different machines! What will work best for you depends on several factors - where you ride, how you ride, what you want from and ATV, and the nearest dealer. With that said, although we like the XP 550 Touring, we prefer the King Quad 500 EPS or the Grizzly 550 EPS.
@ATVTVCOM what does irs mean i forgot
@ATVTVCOM yous guys should test the redline revolt
@ATVTVCOM thank you
how does this compare to a honda foreman?
i love this show especially the projects but its too bad i cant watch it on tv though as i live in england.
@ATVTVCOM
I think Honda has a direct drive doesn't it?
@AituBan Switch to 4wd and then switch to lock. A light will come on on the gauge pod saying lock. At that time both front wheels are 'locked' together and both will turn at the same speed. If not then somethings wrong and the unit needs serviced. It could be as simple as an electrical connection.
@ATVTVCOM
What is the best?
@CrimsonBloodStar There's the Honda Rancher, Rubicon, and Rincon that are automatics without belts. The best belt-drive trannys in my opinion are the King Quad, Grizzly, and Brute Force. In that order.
@Tfox58 Electric Power Steering and Electronic Fuel Injection
@Reverseflush Don't confuse transmission gears and belt drives with drive shafts. Even belt-drive ATVs have drive shafts.
@chancerbob95 I'd make sure to get the latest generation in either 550 or 700. They are heads above the older models. Although EPS isn't as critical on the Grizzly as it is on the King Quad, if you can find one for a good price it would be better. Of course they seem to add a bunch to the price....
is it reliable?????????? please respond
@Pokefan100000000 No recent Honda tests. We do have a Ranger test coming. Both an XP and a 500 Crew.
How does this compare to the kawasaki brute force
@Reverseflush I prefer the Hydrostatic but it's a personal choice.......
@dylaninLG It would have to be much deeper - as in too deep to ride probably!
@Redneck77536 Sorry. No Vid on that machine.
@TheodoreKColdiron If you're all about speed you should get a Brute Force 750, an Outlander 800, or a Sportsman XP 850.
@ESP471 Independent Rear Suspension.
@Mraybrake There is no comparison between a parking brake and a park position. The Griz has a better 4wd system. A better driveline. A better power steering - more natural feel. Also check out the King Quad 500 EPS. It is my favorite.
@ATVTVCOM thats what i was thinking.i like the simple quads because theres not much that can go wrong with them and when they do brake, you can either get it fixed or get a new one because there cheap.we dont need a 75 hp machine. a 500cc class machine is all a person would ever need.but whats funny is that a 2011 500cc class machine cost as much as a 2007 big bore did when it was brand new and now the big bores are 10000 grand.i dont get it. thanks for the good vids though!!!!!!
doesn't the 550 only have like 8 less hp tho?
@MrSpookylukey Actually we are no longer on TV so this is the way to watch it ;-)
@Reverseflush Best what?
@ATVTVCOM heard they were good machines
what do you prefer? The KQ 500 or the griz 550?
Both are great machines. I lean towards the KQ simply due to a bit taller geared transmission (lower rpms while cruising), a little better sounding (and smoother running engine) and the fact that it has a parking brake rather than a park position in the transmission.
my grizzly 550 has been great for plowing my fields and spreading manure, a bit more fun than using the tractor. but it has been a good solid little machine and a 5 year warranty is not to be sniffed at.
The drawback is that the farming attachments are very expensive for what you actually get.
make 1 about thesport man xp 850/550
@nostresstoday We gat about 90 but that's our riding in the mountains...
@93timberwolf Yes
Holy Shit!!!! Listen to that guitar playing at the end of this vid!!!!
@ChrisAlhanouch ummmm try about 8,000?
@THizzle80 About.
I agree Grizzly. But Yamaha is also located in USA
@Reverseflush I don't think there's really a best. There are advantages to either design.
Personally, and especially since Yamaha has the best belt CVT trans in the business, give me Yamaha.
Belt CVT is simpler, easier for the owner to work on, and cheaper to fix. Belt CVT can be easier to get water in, but the water drains/dries easily.
Imagine if water enters the Honda trans. The water can't be removed without oil changes, it can cause expensive damage, and no way of an easy trailside fix.
Has anybody ever had a problem with overheating on the grizzly? I love Yamaha products I have a YZ250 that is rock solid.
@1728jeff7928 The Raptor is more of a big bore desert-woods machines with lots of torque. The YFZ is quicker and more nimble.
@cyclonesoo7 It would be identical to this...
@TheQuadrider777 No matter what you get you usually need to replace the stock tires with a set of radials. It will handle wayyyyyy better. The Suzuki King Quad sounds better than the Grizzly. I would never put an aftermarket exhaust on a quad like this - too loud! You'd irritate everyone else out on the trails.
@Redneck77536 Grizzly !
Exact same machine except for the engine size.
@midwesternoutdoors Extremely.
@Dave49399 They claim liability reasons. I wouldn't expect any of the Japanese companies to EVER come out with a 2-seat ATV or a 50" UTV.
Sad but true.....
I don't like belt drives. I like drive shafts
@MrPinhead11 It wouldn't surprise me. Although I hate to see technology continue to drive the cost of ATVs up. I'd rather afford a simple machine than read about a super high-tech one.....
@Richierich1285 If only we could get our hands on one;-)
@as140672 Grizzly has a better reputation for reliability.
@GHOSTthaHOST Not sure on absolute speed, but the 550 is a far, far better machine in every way. I mean EVERY way!
@jadelovessam Nope.
Don't confuse 'old' with 'educated' and 'experienced' ;-) The newer Grizzlies (like this 2009) do indeed have a lower center of gravity as compared to the older models.....
BTW: Not sure why you said 1999....Must have something to do with a lack of education or experience. Heck, maybe even a lack of AGE!
i have this atv
@adamisaredneck No.
The Yamaha is how "Made in the US of A' should be! May be a Japanese company but it ''us' that are doing the building...
weird polaris sais so
i love it but.....i dont wont 1 im geting 1010 sportman xp 850 HELL YA.......
More comfortable, not as work oriented.