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Yamaha Big Bear 400

Yamaha Motor Company Ltd. is a Japanese automobile manufacturing company with various ATVs/ UTVs, personal watercraft, speed boats, motorbikes, and outboard motors, to its name. It has successfully produced a series of ATVs and 4*4 UTVs for multipurpose use.

Big Bear 400 is an ATV quad designed for robust use on the trails, in the forests, ranches, farms, and work sites. The camouflaged variants are perfect for hunting. Yamaha manufactured Big Bear 400 for a dozen years from 2000 to 2012. It released several models and trims during this period. The powerful engine and dual drive modes make the Big Bear 400 one of the best four-wheeler ATVs on the market.

Let’s learn more about this solid ATV that is easier to use and can survive in different conditions.

What to Know about Yamaha Big Bear 400

This imposing ATV quad can impress any adventurer and hunter with its 385cc engine and smooth throttle. The oil-cooled engine is accompanied by a cooling fan to maintain optimum temperature and prevent overheating. This increases engine efficiency despite driving on brutal tracks for long hours.

You can use Big Bear 400 any season and have a great time in the wild. Yamaha discontinued its production in 2012 to develop more ATVs in the line-up. Big Bear 400 has the same terminology as its predecessor (the 350cc 1987 model). It was designed for farm and ranch work but became a versatile vehicle over the years.

The flat steering is easy to handle on bumpy roads. The seat comes extra thick and is comfortable for rough drives. In fact, Big Bear 400 is known to handle the toughest of rides with great ease. It has a towing capacity of 1102 lbs, along with carriers at the front and rear. Furthermore, it has spacious under-seat storage with water-resistant capability. Sounds fantastic, doesn’t it?

The five-speed transmission with 2WD/ 4WD switch makes it a suitable choice for many off-road terrains. You can drive Big Bear 400 all day long without feeling uncomfortable or extra tired. The shocks, suspension, and ground clearance ensure that your ride is smooth and safe despite the road conditions.

Many veterans confirm that Big Bear 400 can handle a lot. A few enthusiasts have tested the ATV quad to ascertain its full abilities. Turns out, Big Bear 400 can pretty much deal with any condition, sun, storm, running into trees, towing heavy loads, and whatnot. Let’s look at the various trims released by Yamaha during the 12-year production run.

Trims and Models

The engine, CDI ignition, BSR33 carb, and the high-quality body material plus accessories make the Big Bear 400 a worthy ATV quad in the market. The trims have similarities and differences that make them reliable, versatile, and unique.

Specifications of Yamaha Big Bear 400

Yamaha did its best to make Big Bear 400 as bulletproof as possible. The exhaust and muffler are made of stainless steel. The rear brake is sealed to prevent direct exposure to the environment. Even the electronic fittings with fuses are located under the seat to prevent damage.

Dimensions: 79* 43.7* 46.1 inches (LWH)
Curb Weight: 586 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 4 gallons (gasoline with 86+ or 91+ octane number)
Wheelbase: 48.4 inches
Turning radius: 124-126 inches
Seat Height: 35.2 inches
Top Speed: 52 mph listed but touches 45 mph mostly (can be upgraded for better speed)
Load Capacity: 264 lbs
Towing Capacity: 904 to 1102 lbs
Additional Underseat Storage: 88 lbs
Ground Clearance: 10.5 inches

Engine and Ignition

The engine is the highlight of the Big Bear 400. It is a 386cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke SOHC engine with a compression ratio of 8.6: 1 and a bore-stroke ratio of 3.27*2.82 inches.

It has a DC-CDI ignition (electric start) and an auxiliary recoil backup. An AC-magneto generator system is also included, along with a battery.

Brakes, Shocks, & Suspension

Big Bear 400 has hydraulic disc brakes at the front and sealed mechanical drum brakes at the rear. The 2004 model has special Showa shocks on the front and rear. All models have independent double wishbone with 5-way preload adjustment and 5.8-inch travel as front suspension and swingarm with 5-way preload adjustment and 7.6-inch travel as rear suspension.

Drivetrain and Transmission

Yamaha Big Bear 400 has a constant-mesh five-speed wet clutch automatic transmission with reverse gear. It also has a secondary shaft drive system with left foot operations. The 2012 Big Bear 400 has an On-Command In/ Out button that allows you to switch between 2WD and 4WD with just a touch.

Tires and Upgrades

The ATV quad comes with Dunlop tires mounted on tubeless steel wheels. The front tires are KT404 AT258- 12, and the rear tires are KT4058 AT2510- 12.

Big Bear 400 can be upgraded to increase its performance and top speed. Talk to your mechanic to choose the necessary ones for your Big Bear 400. Some popular upgrades are:

Yamaha Big Bear 400 has an average retail value between $1175 and $4050. The list prices are around five and seven thousand dollars. The hunter camouflage model is the most expensive one on the list. Some trims have a higher price due to additional features and accessories.

Additional Features and More About Yamaha Big Bear 400

What makes Yamaha Big Bear 400 a preferred choice for all-terrain and all-weather drives? Why do adventurers, farmers, ranchers, hunters, woodsmen, etc., choose this ATV quad over other models in the category?

Final Words

Yamaha Big Bear 400 is not a racer ATV quad but a workhorse and a recreational vehicle. It is safe, dependable, and comfortable to use in different conditions. The price range is decent and competitive if you want something that doesn’t mess up your budget.

As many veterans declare, Big Bear 400 is an ATV for the battlefield. It can sustain extreme temperatures and high elevations (more than 10,000 feet) and continue to deliver exceptional performance. It’s no surprise that Big Bear 400 continues to be one of the best ATV quads even years after it has been discontinued.