2012 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI Auto 4x4 EPS Review

Voted "Best of the Best"...
The Grizzly 550 EPS sets the bar and tops the sales charts with industry-leading durability and reliability.

With all the features of its big bore brother including industry first electric power steering (EPS) bit in a slightly smaller engine package, the 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI EPS is the ultimate utility AT and Field & Stream's "Bset of the Best."

The 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI packs all the same great features as the 2012 Grizzly 700 FI and it's powered by a 558cc engine. That makes the Grizzly 550 just about the perfect balance of performance, features and price.

At the heart of the Grizzly 550FI EPS SE, you'll find a powerful 558cc, four-stroke engine with fuel injection that delivers plenty of power, and makes cold starting a breeze.

The long-travel four-wheel independent suspension serves up awesome ground clearance to get up over and around the gnarliest terrain. While the bush button On-Command system will have you in complete control, simply select the 2WD, limited-slip 4WD or Diff-Lock 4WD to suit the terrain. Yamaha's Electric Power Steering, Ultramatic Transmission and disc brakes at every wheel round out this awesome middleweight ATV, without breaking the bank.

2012 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI Auto 4x4 EPS Highlights:
Excellent Power-to-Weight Ratio
Electric Power Steering
Electronic Fuel Injection

2012 Yamaha Grizzly 550 FI Auto 4x4 EPS Key Features:
New for 2012:
o New oil access cover allows easy access to check oil level.
o Fenders have a textured finish that resist scratching and scuffing.
o Gas charged rear shocks offer a quality damping feel and excellent performance over a long period of time.
o Rugged Maxxis® tires get the Grizzly moving over the gnarliest terrain.

ENGINE:
o This 558cc 4-stroke SOHC 4-valve liquid-cooled engine is derived directly from the industry-leading Grizzly 700 powerplant.
o Compact engine design features a 35-degree cylinder angle for ground clearance and lower seat height for quick steering and maneuverability.
o Ceramic-composite cylinder liner provides outstanding durability and heat dissipation; 92mm forged piston is light and strong and rides on a carburized chrome-moly connecting rod.
o Two-lobe overhead cam and a pair of needle-roller rocker arms reduce friction by 50 percent for increased fuel efficiency and torque.
o Gear-driven crankshaft balancer shaft and 4-position rubber engine mounts reduce vibration.
o Yamaha Fuel Injection uses a Mikuni® 40mm throttle body and idle speed control valve to provide easy cold starts and flawless fuel delivery in nearly any condition, from below sea level to 15,000 feet.
o Stainless steel exhaust system features aluminum heat shields and a screen-type spark arrestor for great power with minimum noise output.
o High-capacity aluminum radiator with fan motor delivers maximum cooling efficiency and is positioned high in the frame for optimal protection.
o Five-position shift lever with L, H, N, R and P gates has a light shifting feel with easy engagement, providing positive Ultramatic transmission control.
o Sealed drive case keeps out water and debris to help increase durability.

Chassis/Suspension:
o Electric Power Steering. This assist feature, pioneered by Yamaha on the Grizzly 700 FI EPS, lightens steering for superior comfort and terrainability.
o 5.3-gallon fuel tank is located under the seat for excellent mass centralization and handling; there's a 4.8-liter waterproof storage compartment under there, too.
o 11.8 inches of ground clearance and full-length composite skidplate deliver maximum underbelly protection while enhancing terrainability.
o 25x8-12 front and 25x10-12 rear Maxxis® tires provide responsive steering and handling and excellent comfort.
o Rugged injection-molded front bumper and CV joint guards protect against rock and debris damage.
o Full-size chassis provides the same high level of comfort enjoyed
by Grizzly 700 riders.
o Five-way preload-adjustable shocks provide a comfortable ride, whatever the load or trail conditions.
o Front and rear lower A-arm guards offer excellent protection -and Grizzly 550 features WideArc™ front A-arms for outstanding ground clearance that's 5 inches wider than that provided by ordinary designs.
o Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes serve up consistent, long-lasting braking power.
o Direct driveshaft design efficiently transfers power while providing outstanding durability with less vibration.

ADDITIONAL FEATURES:
o Center-mounted, heavy-duty trailer hitch comes standard and can tow more than 1300 pounds.
o Rugged steel cargo racks with special, extra-durable wrinkle paint finish can pack a total of 286 pounds combined (99 front, 187 rear).
o Large, specially designed seat is extra plush and widely contoured for all-day rider comfort.
o Trick digital instrument panel boasts a multifunction LCD display with speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeter, hour meter that counts the engine's running hours, 4WD status, transmission position, clock and fuel gauge.
o Dual 35-watt multireflector halogen bulb headlights with high/low beams provide bright illumination for nighttime work or play.
o Assembled in Newnan, GA, U.S.A.

OTHER
Instrumentation Digital LCD multifunction display; speedometer, odometer, dual tripmeter, hour meter, clock, fuel gauge and gear position
Lighting Dual 35W Halogen multireflector headlights & 21W/5W brakelight
Warranty 6 Month (Limited Factory Warranty)