Think reliability, and the Yamaha Grizzly 350 comes to mind. This highly-engineered quad has tons of practical features, including an ergonomic seat design, superb cargo and towing capacities, and durable plastics and bolt-on accessories. Curious to know what makes the Grizzly one of the most reliable ATVs in the market? Read on.
The Yamaha Grizzly 350 was a spin-off of the Grizzly 660, produced from 2006 to 2013. Standout features such as Ultramatic V-belt transmission, IRS, and a sporty aesthetic earned it the title, King of the Grasslands. Its reasonable price point made it a favorite among off-roaders.
Often referred to as the Workhorse of Utility Vehicles, the Yamaha Grizzly 350 has proven time and again that it can simultaneously be dependable and rank high on the fun factor. And it still does even to this day. Discover what makes the Grizzly one highly reliable and uncompromising four-wheeler.
A Mini Power Quad
The Yamaha Grizzly 350 went out in the market when its almost-big-bore sibling, the Grizzly 660, was undergoing enhancements and transitioning from a 660- to a 700-displacement power quad. Just like the Grizzly 660, this mid-size 4×4 boasted superb ergonomics, a three-position On-Command 4WD system, and fully-locked differentials. All of these improvements added to the versatility and rugged charm of the vehicle.
Steep hills and climbs became an easy task for this first-class 4×4 – thanks to its advanced design, light steering, and class-leading turning radius. Large-diameter ventilated hydraulic dual front discs and single rear drum brakes never fail to put the quad to a halt, whatever the road conditions. Aggressive all-terrain tires add to grip and responsive handling in the most technical of trails.
Yamaha Grizzly 350 Models
This sport-utility vehicle, produced from 2006 to 2013 (for 2007 to 2014 models), released a total of 35 models and six trims throughout its production period – 2WD and 4WD base models in a blue, green, red, and black finish, 2WD and 4WD Camouflage trims, and IRS-fitted versions in base colors and Hunter Green. Below is a complete list of all Yamaha Grizzly 350 versions:
| Year | Model |
|---|---|
| 2007 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35GW (2WD) |
| 2007 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGW (4WD) |
| 2007 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGIW |
| 2007 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35GIHW (Camouflage) |
| 2008 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FG1HX (Camouflage) |
| 2008 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FG1XG |
| 2008 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGHX (4WD) |
| 2008 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGXGR |
| 2008 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35GXGR (2WD) |
| 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FG1HY (Camouflage) |
| 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FG1YB (4WD) |
| 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGHY |
| 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGYB |
| 2009 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35GYB |
| 2010 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGHZ (Camouflage) |
| 2010 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGIHZ (Camouflage) |
| 2010 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGIZG (Hunter Green) |
| 2010 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGZGR |
| 2010 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35GZGR (2WD) |
| 2011 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGAL |
| 2011 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGHA (Hunter Green) |
| 2011 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGIAL (IRS) |
| 2011 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGHIA (Realtree AP, IRS) |
| 2011 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35GAL (2WD) |
| 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGBGR (Green) |
| 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGBL (Blue) |
| 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGHB |
| 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGDGR (Green) |
| 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGDL (Blue) |
| 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGDR (Red) |
| 2013 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM35FGHD (Realtree AP) |
| 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM350DEG (Green) |
| 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM350DEL (Blue) |
| 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM350DER (Red) |
| 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 350 | YFM350DHEH (Realtree AP) |
Except for the difference in trims and color finish, the Yamaha Grizzly 350 had little to no changes. One of the most notable was the slight increase in fuel capacity from 3.57 to 3.8 US gallons, which helped improve the vehicle’s fuel economy.
The series stopped offering 2WD by 2012 and, conversely, made IRS a standard on all trims starting the same year. Color availability for the quad remained unchanged across all years of manufacture. The trims per year also went down from five to two in the last three years of the Grizzly.
2007 Yamaha Grizzly 350 Specs & Features
- Engine – The Grizzly 350 uses a four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder SOHC engine. The forward-inclined power mill has a bore-stroke ratio of 83 x 64.5 mm, an engine displacement of 348 cm3, a compression ratio of 9.20:1, and a wet sump lubrication system. A 33-mm Mikuni BSR carburetor and a wet-element air filtration system handle the air-fuel mixture. The vehicle’s top speed is between 42 and 50 mph stock, and the estimated fuel economy is 20.45 mpg (11.5 liters/100 km).
- Lubrication – The Grizzly’s oil capacity without oil filter cartridge replacement is 2.33 US quarts/2.2 liters and 2.43 US quarts/2.3 liters with oil filter change. Depending on ambient temperature, you may use engine oil with a viscosity of SAE 5W-30, 10W-30, 10W-40, 15W-40, 20W40, or 20W-50 and with no anti-friction modifiers. For top performance, it should have an API service classification of at least SJ (manufacturer-recommended API grade of SG is now obsolete) and meet JASO T903 standard MA.
- Drivetrain – Grizzly’s five-speed Ultramatic V-belt shaft drive has a gated shifter and reverse gear. Its wet, centrifugal sprag clutch system is left-hand-operated and responsible for maintaining constant belt tension and reducing its wear while delivering AWD engine braking. On-Command 2WD/4WD enables riders to select between the two driveline modes with push-button ease. The secondary reduction ratio is 41/21 x 24/18 x 33/9 (9.545), and forward gear is 35/20 (1.750). A 9.83-feet turning radius allows for better cornering and sharp turns. A fully-sealed drive case keeps water and debris out.
- Ignition – The 350 uses a DC-CDI ignition with an electric start system and auxiliary mechanical recoil backup. It has an AC-magneto generator system powering up electronic accessories. Likewise, it requires a 12V, 12 Ah, 210-CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) YTX14AH battery (view on Amazon) with assembled dimensions of 5.20 x 3.50 x 6.40 inches (175 x 87 x 155 millimeters – L x W x H) as well as a 30-Amp main fuse. All Yamaha Grizzly 350 trims require an NGKDPR8EA spark plug with a 0.6–0.7 mm (0.024–0.028 inches) gap.
- Tires – Tubeless, Maxxis M979 AT25 × 8-12 front tires and Maxxis M980 AT25 × 10-12 rear tires mount on 12 x 6.0AT/12 x 7.5AT (front/rear) panel steel rims. Tire pressure recommendation is 25 kPa (0.25 kgf/cm2, 3.6 psi). Do not go beyond the range of 3.2 psi/22 kPa (0.22 kgf/cm²) and 4.1 psi/28 kPa (0.28 kgf/cm²) when airing the tires and 36 psi/250 kPa (2.50 kgf/cm²) when seating the tire beads.
Grizzlies released in Australia and New Zealand had Cheng Shin C-828s for front and rear knobbies. Go for Kenda K538 Executioner ATV Bias Tires (view on Amazon) for reduced rollover and increased traction in muddy situations.
- Brakes – Right-hand-operated dual disc brakes and a left-hand and left-hand-and-right-foot operated single-disc rear brake provide the Yamaha Grizzly 350 its stopping power. Rear brake pads come with a wear indicator, allowing the rider to check the brake shoe wear sans disassembling the brake.
- Suspension – A steel tube frame encloses an independent double-wishbone front and swingarm rear suspension with preload adjustment and 160 mm (6.3 inches) and 180 mm (7.1 inches) of wheel travel. Shocks for both are an oil damper/coil spring type.
- Dimensions – Overall dimensions are 78.1 x 42.7 x 44.1 inches (1,984 x 1,085 x 1,120 mm – L x W x H). The minimum ground clearance is 9.6 inches (245 mm), while the vehicle wheelbase is 48.5 inches (1,233 mm). Curb weight is 245 Kg/540 lbs for US, UK, and Europe releases and 249 Kg/549 lbs for Australian and New Zealand markets. The seat height is 32.6 inches/827 mm.
- Capacities – Combined racking capacity of the vehicle is 120 Kg/264.6 lbs, while the maximum loading limit is 210 Kg/463 lbs – a combination of rider weight, cargo, accessories, and tongue. Maximum towing capacity is 1,102 lbs/500 Kg and is optimized via a WARN Vantage 2000 (view on Amazon) fitted for all units released in Europe.
- Exterior – The 350 comprises a steel tube frame (with a 4° caster angle and 21-mm trail) and plastic body material in red, Steel Blue, Hunter Green, black, and camo. The 4×4 comes standard with hand grips, front and rear fenders and utility racks, full footrests, and front and rear bumpers. 1.7-watt warning indicators, a 21-watt tail/brake light, and dual 30-watt headlights mounted on the front fenders provide the quad superior light distribution.
Yamaha Grizzly 350 Pros and Cons
Flaws and highlights aside, Grizzly owners highly suggest purchasing a 2008 or later-year model (one that has IRS) if you want to get the most out of your four-wheeler. An updated instrument cluster, slightly larger radial tires, aftermarket plastics, and clutch mods are other top recommendations. Most importantly, proper upkeep is crucial to extending the life of your quad – especially if it has had more than two previous owners.
Pros
- The automatic transmission is very reliable.
- Riders like the feel of the quad when riding.
- The power-to-weight ratio is just right for young riders.
- It does not have a radiator – one problem less for riders to worry about!
- The Grizzly 350’s wet brake system is impressive (and envied by other ATV owners).
- Yamaha’s CVT belt is the best in class and lasts thousands of miles before requiring a replacement.
- It will turn corners and ride over mud like nobody’s business.
- Handling improves with mud tires.
- Its plush suspension and handling make it ideal for both leisure and technical riding.
- Its lightweight makes it nimble and less prone to get stuck in the mud.
- Color options are a bit limited.
Cons
- More experienced and aggressive riders prefer manual shifting over automatic transmission.
- It tends to cater to smaller, lighter riders and may feel a bit underpowered for drivers over 6’2” and 200 lbs.
- The vehicle does not have a low range.
- Only IRS models come with a front differential lock.
- Instrumentation is pretty primitive and would require aftermarket ones to be installed.
- Some may find the motor too noisy – (Yamaha motors always seem to have a tick)
- It does not have the best fuel mileage in its class.
- Cylinders on the Grizzly are only Nikasil-plated (you will need Nikasil sleeves if you need them bored).
Yamaha Grizzly 350 Price
The original list price in 2007 was $4,199 for the base (2WD) model, $5,099 for the 4WD one, and $5,949 for the Camouflage trim. IRS, which was not offered until 2008 and was made standard until 2012, started at $6,299. Hunter-Edition models were from $5,949, with the 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 350 – YFM350DHEH (Hunter Edition) being the most expensive at $6,749. The increase in price for all trims and models across the Grizzly’s 8-year production run did not exceed $800 from its 2007 MSRP.
Auction listings show values between $1,000 and $4,736, with 2013 to 2014 Yamaha Grizzly 350 models seen on trader sites. Units worth over $2,500 are decent workhorses with a healthy number of hours and mileage under their belt, sometimes even less than 500 hours. These secondhand machines usually have a new battery, aftermarket utility racks, and Vale sprayer kit or front- and rear-mounted sprayers. Resale units in the UK have regular documents available.
Older model years are relatively scarce. If you happen to come across one, expect cracks and breaks or deteriorated plastics and very high hours. Make sure to check for a leak in the carburetor or if tires deplete after a week of use.
About Yamaha
Yamaha Motor Company Limited is the maker of Yamaha Grizzly 350 and the world’s top water vehicle manufacturer. This Japanese firm, founded in 1887, started as a piano and reed organ manufacturer and eventually ventured into the production of motorcycles after World War II. In 1955, it separated from its parent company to become Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd.
Since then, Yamaha has helped shape the ATV industry and continues to do the same in other trades such as motorsports, off-road vehicles, personal watercraft, speed boats to outboard motors.
Conclusion – Yamaha Grizzly 350 4×4
The Yamaha Grizzly 350 may be small, but it takes after its bigger sibling in terms of prestige and functionality. It is an excellent vehicle built for yard work and recreation. It provides riders the extra torque and hauling capabilities of a midweight, along with a selectable 2WD and 4WD option.
With its no-nonsense design, tech enhancements, and huge aftermarket support, this iconic quad will never stop being the go-to vehicle for many hardworking folks and adventurers.
Kris is an avid off-roader and outdoor enthusiast who loves to brave the elements and take on challenging terrain. He also enjoys sharing his passion and knowledge with others so that they, too, can appreciate the ride.
About Kris