Family ties: Yamaha Kodiak and Grizzly

The Yamaha Kodiak and Grizzly are both single-cylinder, but still right different when it comes to price. The fact that a 700cc Yamaha is not available at a bargain price is certainly not a new finding. Yamaha is also aware of the elitist position of the ATV. Officially, it is said that the new Kodiak 700 was designed as a work tool. The Grizzly 700 is a toy for the leisure sector. A price difference of 1,500 euros definitely justifies taking a closer look at the two sisters. At first glance, the differences appear marginal, but on closer inspection it becomes clear that the Yamaha Kodiak and Grizzly have their own character traits.

Yamaha Kodiak and Grizzly: CVT Philosophy

Let’s stay with the similarities for now: Both ATVs are powered by the redesigned 700 single-cylinder. One millimeter more stroke and one millimeter more bore increase the displacement to 708 cubic meters. The cylinder head is really new: two at the top Horizontal camshafts control the gas exchange via 4 valves. The engine output is said to have increased by 7 percent, but Yamaha is silent about an exact value.
When it comes to CVTs, Yamaha stays true to the ultramatic for large ATVs. A centrifugal clutch is responsible for the start-up process. The belt is always taut. This technology promises a longer service life for the drive.
After just a few meters on the two bears, it becomes obvious that Yamaha pursues different CVT philosophies at Kodiak and Grizzly. You think you can feel a difference in performance, but when measuring the acceleration you have to recognize that the effect is hardly in different values. At full load acceleration, the Grizzly CVT regulates the engine speed 1,000 revolutions higher than with the supposed workhorse Kodiak. The ‘sporty’ Grizzly is trimmed for performance, with the Kodiak Yamaha tries to keep the engine speed at the speed at which the highest torque is available for a long time. If the noise level is significantly higher, the grizzly takes a few tenths of a second from its sister. In the final bill after 400 meters, the advantage has almost been balanced out. The Grizzly has a lead of just two tenths of a second.

In comparison: final ratio and brake

The final translation of the test candidates Yamaha Kodiak and Grizzly differs marginally. The Grizzly rolls on 26-inch tires as standard, while the Kodiak has 25-inch Maxxis tires. This probably explains the speed difference, which is just 1.3 km / h in favor of the Grizzly.
4 disc brakes keep the 314 kilogram grizzly safely under control. The left handlebar controls and the foot pedal slow down the rear axle, while the right hand controls release the kinetic energy of the 314 kg heavy vehicle Keeping ATVs safely under control.
On the Kodiak, Yamaha has dispensed with the independent wheel brake on the rear axle. A cable operated oil bath multi-disc brake, which is integrated in the rear axle drive of the Kodiak, is responsible for the deceleration and the function of the parking brake. The technology works well, although the disc brake system of the Grizzly demonstrates superiority. Even after several braking attempts, a 75 percent deceleration is still possible, with the Kodiak we registered 68 percent under identical conditions.

Conclusion: Kodiak or Grizzly?

The siblings are similar but not the same. Top quality workmanship and good handling characteristics can be attested to both ATVs. There is a notable difference in price. You have to decide for yourself which features you can do without, because the grizzly is not afraid of work either. The decision is made easier by our details on equipment, all-wheel drive, differential lock, shock absorber, seat height and tank in ATV & QUAD in the test in issue 2015 / 11-12 – to be found at> p438641.webspaceconfig.de/atv-quad-magazin_com//bestellung/. vdm

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