From Yamaha Motor Corp.

-- Yamaha Motor Corp., U.S.A. introduced the world's first Electric Power Steering (EPS) system on an ATV with the 2007 Grizzly 700, and now has again proven it is the leader in innovation as well as customer attention by taking another surprising step: building the Grizzly 700 with and without EPS for 2008. The Grizzly 700 FI is the toughest, most innovative and best-selling ATV, and now it is available to even more people with two price points.

The Yamaha EPS system is unparalleled in the industry and has received numerous awards and countless customer praise.  As the rider turns the handlebars and the torque-sensing EPS system senses the twisting force put on the handlebars and wheels, the electric motor kicks in and assists in the turn.  The harder you turn, the more the EPS assists allowing the rider to tackle the toughest terrain with the least amount of effort.

The Grizzly 700 without EPS starts at approximately $600 less (MSRP) and comes with all of the benefits and features as the EPS version - plus steel wheels. The Grizzly 700 powerplant is adapted from Yamaha's leading sport ATV, the Raptor 700R, which makes it the most powerful Grizzly ever and gives it a sporty, fun ride even with the engine tuned for true utility use.

Included in the list of highlights are a forged piston for reduced weight and added durability, while an aluminum cylinder body with composite coating offers reduced weight, increased cooling ability and additional wear resistance. The roller rocker arms reduce friction in the valve train, which allows the engine to rev more freely leading to better overall performance and improved throttle response. Of course, the ultra-convenient electric start feature continues to make firing the liquid-cooled, four-valve SOHC powerplant to life a snap.

Delivering all that power is the industry-exclusive Ultramatic(tm) automatic transmission system. The transmission's gearing makes full use of the powerband under a variety of riding situations, and the automatic centrifugal clutch maintains constant belt tension for reduced belt wear and industry-exclusive all-wheel downhill engine braking. The shift lever is conveniently located on the left side, and gear options include high, low, parking, neutral and reverse.

The gate shifter allows the rider to easily see what gear he or she has selected. This is also easy to see on the redesigned LED display, which offers dual trip meter, speedometer and odometer in addition gear selection, fuel level indicator, On Command indicator and EPS and fuel injection indicator lights. The EPS and fuel injection indicator lights let the rider know when the systems need to be serviced according to the self diagnostic system.

The Yamaha Fuel Injection system (YFI) improves throttle response throughout the powerband, helping the rider take advantage of that improved low- to mid-range power.  YFI offers unmatched performance at high elevation as the system is able to detect and compensate for changes in altitude.  The more precise fuel delivery offered by the YFI means clean power delivery, better throttle response and improved fuel economy under a multitude of riding situations.  In addition, YFI means no choke and easier cold starting, which is great for those early morning hunts or chores around the farm. 

The three-way On-Command system, featuring push-button 2WD/4WD and 4WD with differential lock, is the perfect compliment to the Grizzly 700 powerhouse.  Located on the right handlebar, the push-button is at the rider's fingertips to command all four wheels as the terrain dictates. 

As if one industry first with EPS wasn't enough, Yamaha continues to pile on the extras with this class leading model with four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes. Most full-featured models see three discs, two up front and one on the rear axle, which controls braking for both rear wheels.  In the case of the Grizzly 700, brake calipers are coupled to each wheel individually for unmatched braking feel and power.

Both 2008 Grizzly 700 FI models are available in Hunter Green, Steel Blue, Red and Realtree(tm) AP HD Camouflage at Yamaha dealerships nationwide.  In addition, the 2008 Grizzly 700 FI with EPS is available in a Ducks Unlimited Edition featuring Advantage Max-4 HD Camouflage.  The Ducks Unlimited Edition will be available in Yamaha dealerships in September 2007.

For more information on Yamaha, visit www.yamahaoutdoors.com.

* ATVs with engines 90cc or greater are recommended for use only by riders age 16 years and older.

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