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Over the last several years, Yamaha Motor Corporation's line of four-wheel drive all terrain vehicles (ATVs) has remained the leader in the highly competitive utility ATV category. In 1997, with the introduction of the new Big Bear, Yamaha plans to continue its strong showing within the class with its tough and reliable ATVs that are second to none.
The 1997 utility ATV line includes the new generation Big Bear, one of the best values
in a 4 x 4 ATV; the Kodiak, the company's most powerful four-wheel drive machine; the
Wolverine 4WD, the class's spirited workhorse ATV: the Big Bear 2WD, the two-wheel drive
version of the popular Big Bear and the Timberwolf 4WD and 2WD, offering a wide diversity
of ATVs to meet all needs.
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The Kodiak, the flagship model of the Yamaha utility ATVs, sports a powerful 386cc four-stroke engine and full-time four-wheel drive for high-powered off-road work.
Kodiak's powerful engine is supported by a 32mm Mikuni carburetor, automatic clutch, a fivespeed, dual-range transmission that shifts into reverse from any gear -- a Yamaha exclusive, shaft drive and electric start with an auxiliary recoil starter. The oil cooler is located up front for a increased airflow and has a thermostatically controlled fan to help stabilize temperatures in heavy load/low-speed conditions. Kodiak has a 3.6 gallon fuel tank for exceptional range.
The Kodiak is ideal for hunters and farmers as a work partner or a companion to the serious outdoorsman. Kodiak can handle its fair share of the load, shouldering a combined 265 pounds with its standard front (89 pounds) and rear (176 pounds) steel-tube cargo racks. The sturdy front bumper is designed to accommodate a winch, rated to 2000 pounds.
Other features on the 1997 Kodiak include a double wishbone front suspension with four inches of travel, single shock/swingarm rear suspension with over four inches of travel, dual front and single rear drum brakes, 30 watt krypton headlarnps housed in a tough round assembly and a powerful 18 amp hour battery for reliable cold morning start-ups.
The 1997 Kodiak is available in Moss Green or Red.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 6,349 (US)
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The Wolverine 4WD combines the best features of a sport model and a utility model to create an adventurous vehicle with the ability to tackle the biggest chores. For the sportsman, the Wolverine features light weight handling and exceptional comfort due to its long-travel suspension, while those using it for work will appreciate the great 4WD traction and load capacity.
Wolverine features a compact 348cc air-cooled four-stroke engine with high-RPM power and reliability. Supplying the engine with its fuel mixture is a 34mm Mikuni CV carburetor. An oil cooler is installed at the front of the engine to maintain low temperatures of its five-speed transmission. With its 3.4 gallon fuel tank and comfortable seat, Wolverine is prepared to ride for the longest of hauls.
The Wolverine's clutch is an inner push type located on the left side of the machine that uses only one shift link for less weight and size as well as a better shift feel. The front and rear driving mechanism is designed to decrease the overall size and weight and allow for longer wheel travel. The 1997 Wolverine features a front double wishbone and rear single shock/swingarm suspension allowing for over seven inches of travel and dual front, reverse gear and single rear disc brakes.
The 1997 Wolverine is available in Moss Green or Red and will be available in Yamaha
dealers nationwide in August.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 6,149 (US)
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What do you get when you cross a bear and a wolverine? The new generation Big Bear 4x4, a bigger and lighter, smoother and stronger, friendlier and more rugged off spring of two of Yamaha's most popular ATV's -- the Wolverine and the Big Bear.
Yamaha's rugged Big Bear is better than ever in 1997 with class-leading pulling power, suspension travel, and ground clearance. The biggest changes resulted from cross-engineering carefully selected high-performance Wolverine components, like the sport-minded chassis, lower engine cases and transmission design. With these changes, the popular Big Bear, one of the best values in 4x4 ATVs, is sure to remain a favorite among farmers, ranchers, and hunters.
The Big Bear's air-cooled 348cc four-stroke engine powers its durable five-speed semi-automatic single-range transmission. Low-maintenance front and rear shaft drives require minimal maintenance and a simple to use reverse gear adds to the ATV's ease of use. Its reconfigured suspension gives the Big Bear a class leading six inches of travel, an increase of almost two inches, front and rear, from the 1996 model.
The Big Bear's new lightweight design trims 20 pounds off the 1996 model which, combined with a tighter turn radius, provides exceptional handling. Also improved for 1997 is its ground clearance, which has been raised by almost an inch and is aided by a smaller front differential.
Big tires and strong brakes allow Big Bear to be a workhorse on the trail or the farm. Big Bear sports the largest tires in the class and a wheelbase of almost 49 inches. Braking is handled in front by a sealed hydraulic drum and in the rear by a sealed mechanical drum. Also, the front cargo racks can carry 88 pounds while the rear racks can handle 176 pounds, allowing you to bring home 264 pounds of just about anything you please.
What do you get when you cross a bear and a wolverine? The new generation Big Bear 4x4, a bigger and lighter, smoother and stronger, friendlier and more rugged off spring of two of Yamaha's most popular ATV's -- the Wolverine and the Big Bear.
The new-generation Big Bear's 350cc-class engine is supported by a new lightweight chassis offering exceptional maneuverability. The Big Bear, one of the best values in 4x4 ATVs, has always been a favorite among farmers, ranchers, and hunters.
Taking its lead from Big Bears of the past, the new generation Big Bear offers a powerful 348cc, 4-stroke engine and a 5-speed semi-automatic transmission with an easy-to-use reverse gear. For 1997, the Big Bear sports increased suspension travel and ground clearance as well as a lighter frame and tighter turning radius, which puts it at the head of the class in these categories.
The 1997 Big Bear is available in Green or Gray and will be available in Yamaha dealers
nationwide in October.
Suggested Retail Price: $ TBA (US)
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Brand new last year and popular enough to trigger an early release in 1997, the Big Bear 2WD is swiftly clawing its way to the top of full-size, two-wheel drive utility ATVs. The Big Bear 2WD is just as comfortable whether hauling a half-ton of wood or just your fly-pole and tackle.
The Big Bear 2WD is, for the most part, an out growth of the equally popular Big Bear 4WD. The four-wheel drive transfer was removed to convert it into a two-wheel drive machine. The 2WD maintains the same light and responsive steering as the 4WD but sports a tighter turning radius for increased maneuverability.
Powering the Big Bear 2WD is a 348cc four-stroke engine and five-speed and dual range transmission with reverse. For easy serviceability, it also sports a maintenance-free shaft drive system, auxiliary recoil starter and electronic ignition. The Big Bear's shifting is simplified by a user-friendly automatic clutch, providing smooth action. This controlled power allows the Big Bear 2WD to carry more than 264 pounds and tow 904 pounds with a trailer hitch.
The braking system is comprised of two front hydraulic drum brakes and a single mechanical drum brake in the rear. Its double wishbone front and rear single shock/swingarm suspension minimize rider fatigue. With its extra-wide footpegs and generously padded seat, the 1997 Big Bear 2WD offers a level of comfort and balance unmatched in its class.
The 1997 Big Bear 2WD is available in Moss Green and is currently available at Yamaha
dealers nationwide.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 4,799 (US)
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The Timberwolf 4WD --Yamaha's value-oriented ATV--combines the lightweight features of the original Timberwolf 2WD and the superior traction of four-wheel drive. The 1997 model boasts a 229cc air-cooled four-stroke engine with 24nun Mikuni carburetor, automatic clutch, five speed transmission with electric start. An auxiliary recoil starter provides an extra level of security when far from camp.
The Timberwolf's front end utilizes a MacPherson Strut system for a smooth ride and precise, light steering. Its rear suspension has a long travel swing arm to help absorb bumps and ruts. Other features include a reverse gear, shaft drive, and a fully sealed rear brake.
The 1997 Timberwolf 4WD is available in Green and Burgundy.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 4,849 (US)
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The Timberwolf - Yamaha's best selling ATV--continues to offer outstanding value and proven versatility to utility ATV customers. The 1997 Timberwolf 2WD is proof that a utility ATV doesn't have to be all work and no play.
Offering a lightweight 229cc engine and low first and second gear ratios in its five-speed transmission, the Timberwolf is adept at low speed, hefty payload pulling. Its tight turning radius, reverse-gear and exceptional ground clearance allows it to perform well in managing cramped conditions.
The 1997 Timberwolf has standard cargo racks with multiple tie-down points, able to haul 264 pounds.
Color choices include Moss Green, Gray, or Red.
Suggested Retail Price: $ 3,899 (US)
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