Yamaha adds independent rear suspension to Kodiak, launches new Bruin and Grizzly for 2005
Jun.
29, 2004 – Riders who have been asking for an independent rear suspension
for their Kodiaks will get their wish for 2005.
At its annual dealer meeting, held in Las Vegas last week, Yamaha unveiled what's new for 2005. The list includes independent rear suspension for the utility Kodiak 450 and 400, a new Bruin 250. a new Grizzly 80, and some special edition bikes.
The announcement that the Kodiak 450 Automatic 4x4 and the Kodiak 400 Automatic 4x4 will have independent rear suspension beginning in 2005 draw applause from the dealers.
Yamaha
says the independent rear suspension greatly enhances the Kodiak's off-road
performance and ground clearance as well as its ride comfort.
The 450 also gets tough new styling and a front guard that Yamaha says backs up the machine's heavy-duty performance.
The Kodiak 400 also gets the independent rear suspension and tough styling, as well as a heavy-duty composite front bumper and CV joint guards that help prevent damage to the boot covers and won't dent or rust.
The
tuning fork company says a hydraulic rear disc brake provides superior, face-free
stopping power under all conditions.
The 2005 Kodiak 450 is expected to hit the showroom floors in July with a suggested retail of $6,199. The Kodiak 400, also available in July, retails for $5,799.
Meanwhile,
the Bruin 250 joins the Bruin 350 in the Yamaha stable. The new 250 has Grizzly-style
bodywork with integrated floorboards, and is powered by a 230cc, air-cooled,
four-stroke, single-cylinder engine.
This two-wheel drive machine will be available in September at a suggested retail of $3,499.
For
the younger crowd, Yamaha is creating a Grizzly 80 for 12-16 year olds. The
machine has Grizzly styling, and four-stroke power and performance.
The shaft drive is virtually maintenance-free, and an air intake restrictor plate can be removed for increased power as a rider's skill increases.
The Grizzly 80 is priced at $2,599 and will be available in October.
Finally, Yamaha is coming out with a special edition YFZ450, 660 Raptor, 350 Raptor and Banshee.
The
2005 YZF450 features a new seat with a non-slip surface that increases comfort,
revised front suspension settings for improved bump performance and reduced
rider fatigue, and aluminum allow shift and rear brake levers that are lighter
and provide a more positive feel.
The special edition YFZ450 features limited-edition yellow-and-black plastic. This YFZ will be available in October at a suggested retail of $7,099, which is $200 more than the regular YFZ450 that should be in dealers' showrooms right now.
The
special, limited-edition Raptor 660R features a Sport Camo livery with a Water
Dipped paint pattern on the cowl. Available in August, the suggested retail
is $6,399, or $200 more than the now-available regular 660R.
The Raptor 350 special edition has a special livery that adds a sportier edge with a Metallic Water Dipped, Carbon Fiber cowl. Price: $5,199. Availability: August.
The regular Raptor 350 is available now at a price of $4,999.
Finally, the Banshee special edition, available in August, has a special limited-edition livery with Black bodywork and Water Dipped cowl. This 347cc two-stroke retails for $6,099.
The regular 2005 Banshee retails for $6,099.