Introducing the 2009 Yamaha Gizzly 550 FI 4x4
Utility and SxS:
The award-winning Grizzly 700, the world’s first ATV featuring power steering, is pretty much the same quad as last year’s with the exception of an improved thumb throttle and a revised ceramic coated cylinder. The compact sized Grizzly 450 gets new 700 inspired front end styling, new sealed brakes, a 2” receiver hitch, a new sealed inner fender storage compartment and a thicker and more comfortable seat.
Yamaha is very much responsible for the exploding Side X Side market, actually they invented it with their 2004 Rhino 660. As for 2009 improvements the new Rhinos are about the same as last year's models except the 2009 gets a Grizzly 700 engine upgrade which features Yamaha's new four valve ceramic composite cylinder. An all new air filter location is also used on all of the 2009 Rhino UTVs. Yamaha opted to use the space under the hood for its choice intake spot. The new location should reduce intake noise. It also offers tool-free service. Bed rails are also found on the 2009 units.
We're told the Rhino will be available in some new SE colors for '09 including Brushed Silver, Black Metallic and Red Mid-Night Armor. Blue and red carbon fiber "Water-Dipped Body Kits" will also be available in 2009. Speaking of colors and styles, a limited (as in only 200) custom paint body kits will be available from Yamaha which include; “Real Fire”, “Blue Flame” and “Silver/Red Torn”.
New for 2009 Rhino models is this new air intake location found in the front of the machine under the hood. The new location is said to make less intake noise and servicing the air filter should be easier.
New 2009 Grizzly 550 FI 4x4
In 2007 Yamaha offered two Big Bear and six Grizzly utility models. Seeing the only missing spot in their wide utility line up Yamaha engineers went to work to make a 500 class 4x4 model available for 2009.
Yamaha’s mission was to equip their new 500 class ute with as much attention to detail as their mighty award-winning 700. With that said, the 550 gets the following; power steering, a 558cc fuel injected engine based on the 700 FI’s engine, a stainless steel exhaust system, Yamaha’s Ultramatic Transmission, an industry exclusive 4-wheel hydraulic disc braking system with a handlebar mounted rear master cylinder and separate front and rear controls, On-Command push button 4WD, an improved thumb throttle shape, an optimized crank balance, a direct drive shaft, under seat fuel tank, front and rear 5-way pre-load adjustable suspension, a dash mounted digital meter, a high mounted air intake and exhaust duct, a water trap equipped airbox, a left hand side gate-style shifter, under the seat and fender mounted sealed storage, new A-arm guards, and a 6ix inch thick plush seat. As you can see, they mean business with their new 550. We're looking forward to a full ride review on this impressive new 4x4.
The 550 Grizzly comes with Yamaha's first in class power steering. If you haven't rode a quad with power steering you need to try one for yourself. The ride is amazing. Check out our Gizzly 700 ride review for all the details of this incredible ATV breakthrough. In short you'll notice much lighter steering effort under all conditions, inclduing Diff. Lock.
