Motosport Yamaha

Monday, 09 January 2012

YMA is pleased to announce the release of an all new 300cc utility ATV called the YFM300A Grizzly. This new model combines ease of use and impressive functionality with Yamaha’s high build quality standards.

The new ATV is designed for riders who are looking for an easy-to-use high quality 2WD ATV at an affordable price.

Easy-to-use yet sophisticated, compact yet powerful, high quality yet affordable, focused yet versatile… the new Grizzly 300 offers more for less. It replaces both the YFM350A Grizzly 350 2WD and YFM250 Big Bear 250 Semi Auto for 2012. With its abundant overall engine and chassis specification and easy-to-use character, this quality ATV is ready to work hard and play hard.

The ‘easy-to-use’ philosophy has heavily influenced the overall design of this ATV, and virtually every feature of the powerplant is designed with a view to making life easier and more enjoyable for the rider.

The driving force behind the Grizzly 300 is a 287cc liquid-cooled 4-stroke SOHC single-cylinder engine which delivers plenty of pulling power that enables this gutsy ATV to tow 227kg gross weight. On the farm, the excellent towing capacity makes the Grizzly 300 a willing and tireless workhorse that is ready for hard yakka at the touch of a button.

Fed by a 32mm CV carburettor for responsive and fuel-efficient performance, the 4-valve engine’s power characteristics are very similar to the current Grizzly 350 2WD, and the strong and linear low to mid-range torque gives a relaxed low-stress riding experience for reduced fatigue when at work.

For a more comfortable ride the Grizzly 300 engine is equipped with a single-axis balancer which helps to cut engine vibration and reduce rider fatigue. This balancer gear is located alongside the crankshaft, and rotates in the opposite direction in order to reduce the inertial forces produced by the motion of the piston and con rod.

Smooth, quiet and economical, this electric-start engine is a competent performer in all sorts of work situations, making it an ideal choice for utility users looking for an affordable and versatile all rounder.

The highly efficient liquid-cooling system featured on the Grizzly 300’s engine offers the rider a number of important advantages over the traditional air-cooled design, including stable engine performance.

A large-capacity radiator is mounted 582mm off the ground in order to help keep it clear of mud and other debris which could reduce its cooling efficiency – and for effective operation even in extreme conditions, the radiator is equipped with a lightweight electric fan which is activated when sensors detect a rise in coolant temperature.

This feature makes the Grizzly 300 ideally suited to low speed use – such as when towing or doing lots of stop-start work when checking stock – because the electric fan will maintain a good airflow through the radiator for stable engine performance. The additional insulation around the cylinder and head created by the water jacket reduces mechanical noise.

Our designers set out to make an ATV which would offer just as much enjoyment to a new rider as it would to an experienced ATV user, and it’s therefore equipped with fully automatic transmission complete with Hi-Lo dual range function.

The drive train features a constantly variable transmission (CVT) and centrifugal clutch which deliver smooth, seamless acceleration, making the Grizzly 300 a relaxing and enjoyable ATV. Just push the throttle and you’re on the move… automatic constantly variable transmission takes away the hassle of using clutch and gears.

To complement the dual range automatic constantly variable transmission, gear ratios have been specially designed for optimum manoeuvrability. Both high and low gear ratios can be easily selected by means of a right-hand operated lever.

The high ratio mode ensures smooth and responsive performance during normal use, and when using the vehicle for towing or climbing, the low ratio can to be quickly selected. There’s also a reverse mode for easy parking or getting out of tight situations, as well as a neutral mode.

Another user-friendly feature on the Grizzly 300 is its shaft drive system which transmits the power smoothly and efficiently to the rear wheels. Requiring little routine maintenance, the clean and quiet running shaft is another ‘easy-to-use’ feature which makes this ATV so simple to own and maintain.

Yamaha’s ‘easy-to-use’ philosophy is carried through into the Grizzly 300’s compact chassis, which is built around a strong and reliable tubular steel frame. For enhanced versatility and easy manoeuvrability the dimensions of the chassis have been kept to a minimum, and with an overall length of just 1895mm the Grizzly 300 is actually 89mm shorter than the Grizzly 350 2WD, and 21mm shorter then the Big Bear 250.

Yamaha’s designers have paid particular attention to keeping the weight of the bodywork and other chassis components as low as possible, and this weight saving gives the Grizzly 300 greater agility, manoeuvrability and performance than its predecessors.

Featuring newly-designed fenders, the Grizzly 300’s clean and simple ‘no-nonsense’ styling has been strongly influenced by the rugged looks of the class-leading Grizzly 700. Equipped with powerful dual headlights and a Grizzly 700-style grille, the newest member of the Grizzly family comes with all the attitude of a big-capacity ATV combined with the power of a 350 and the lower weight and easy manoeuvrability of a 250.

This fresh new look serves to underline the Grizzly 300’s serious functionality, and just like its bigger brothers in the Grizzly family, this tough 300 is not afraid of work. With a range of professional features such as flat tubular steel front and rear carriers, the Grizzly 300 offers a useful 65kg carrying capacity – which, along with a towing ability of 227kg, gives an impressive total payload of 292kg.

Users are sure to appreciate the luxuriously-padded seat which is a full 63cm long. Featuring a 50cm wide rear section which tapers to 28cm at the front, this seat has been developed from our larger Grizzly-series models, and offers high levels of riding comfort.

For a relaxing ride the spacious footboards on this new all-rounder are the same size as those on Yamaha’s larger models, allowing riders of all sizes to adopt a stress-free riding position. And with a capacity of 10.7 litres, the tough plastic resin fuel tank allows the Grizzly 300 rider to cover long distances before needing to refuel.

What really sets the Grizzly 300 apart from other models in the class is its unique combination of a high overall specification together with an affordable price, and of course, its easy-to-use character. Yamaha’s leading technology has been applied to the design of the independent double wishbone front suspension system, which offers a number of important advantages to the rider.

The front suspension gives a generous 151mm of front wheel travel for outstanding riding comfort and reduced fatigue on bumpy terrain. As well as delivering high levels of rigidity for precise and predictable steering characteristics, the double wishbone design also ensures that the front tyres remain perpendicular to the ground as the suspension moves up and down. This allows the tyres’ contact patch area to remain constant, which gives high levels of grip and excellent straight line stability, together with a natural cornering feel and good levels of feedback.

At the rear end the Grizzly 300 benefits from Yamaha’s proven Monocross suspension system which is designed to handle rough terrain. This reliable rear suspension design gives 141mm of rear wheel travel which delivers high comfort in the field or out on the trail.

In order to achieve the most desirable balance of traction, wear resistance and sliding qualities, Yamaha’s designers have chosen to fit 22-inch Maxxis tyres to the new Grizzly 300. The 22 x 7-10 front tyres and 22 x 10-9 rear tyres are fitted to steel wheels which make for a low unsprung weight and give responsive suspension action for agile handling and steering qualities.

This stylish and affordable all-rounder comes with a hydraulic disc braking system at the front and rear. Every single component in the system – including the brake pad material, hoses and caliper sizes through to the master cylinder design, disc material and lever ratio – has been carefully selected in order to achieve a linear braking response.
The front brake is operated by the right hand, while the rear brake can be operated by either the left hand or the right foot – and for added convenience there is a cable-operated parking brake.

To handle more extreme operating conditions, the Grizzly 300’s electrical components are situated as high as possible in two locations at the front and under the seat to ensure optimum protection from mud, dirt and water.

For added reliability and flawless operation the system uses the same marine-style electrical connectors that are featured on our bigger Grizzly models. The battery and multi-circuit fuse box are located beneath the seat for easy access, and to ensure there is sufficient power for accessories such as a winch and GPS, the system is powered by a 400W generator.

Offering a blend of Yamaha’s technology and high quality standards and a wide range of user-friendly features, the affordable Grizzly 300 brings functionality combined with all-round useability to the up-to-350cc class.

The YFM300A Grizzly is available now in traditional Steel Blue colour, priced just $6990 inc GST. This is substantially less than the outgoing YFM250 Big Bear Semi Auto which was priced at $7899 inc GST.