By Rick Campbell, Editor/Publisher

When a manufacturer wants to introduce a brand new model, they start with the press. There's nothing like a bunch of wild-ass consumer editors to test the metal of the strongest machines. Then you want to provide them with a memorable experience. Great environs, incredible trails, gourmet food, world-class scenery, technical challenges, makes it the best of the best.

Steve Nessl, Yamaha's PR guru, selected the perfect place to intro the 700 EFI Grizzly for 2007 (or is that 2006 and a half … it is only June!). The Paws Up Resort is about 40 minutes from Missoula, Mont., you know, Big Sky Country. I didn't notice the sky being any bigger, but that might be because of the three days of clouds we encountered. I did, however, notice some of the most beautiful rolling hills, majestic mountains, rushing rivers and quiet streams. That might be why we also encountered bald eagles, mule deer, coyotes, elk and more. It is hard to imagine a 37,000 acre ranch amidst all this beauty, but that is where we enjoyed our first exposure to the new 700 Griz.

The trails were as challenging as you would want them to be, even though it is designed to be a utility vehicle. Those consumer rag guys put it through the paces. Ups, downs, dirt, pucker bush, logs, rocks, streams … we went through it all with no obstruction or challenge too great for our rides. Of course, those consumer guys were racing about with no speed too great for anything presented. Old guys like me simply tool along, perhaps using the machine like it was intended.

With electronic fuel injection, the changes in altitude, from about 3,500 feet to almost 8,000 feet, went unnoticed and uneventful. Crank the throttle and she responded in kind. The power-assisted steering was as forgiving as you can imagine. Rocks or stumps would merely be noticed with the latest steering technology compensating for it all. The suspension and new, thicker seat made boney butts like mine not even notice the bumps and rubs of three and a half hours of in-the-saddle exploring.

Most impressive to me, however, was the engine braking capabilities of this great four-wheeler. I never used the brakes once in the entire time riding, except when I needed/wanted to come to a complete stop. The most extreme downhill would be conquered with no effort at all and no touching of the foot or hand break controls necessary. I can easily see where a hunter, lineman, rancher, etc. would thoroughly enjoy having a machine that eased the operation of the steering and braking so well. The 700 EFI Grizzly from Yamaha will surely be referred to as the “Cadillac of ATVs.”

At the end of our tour/test, Yamaha asked us to describe what we liked about the 700, as well as what we'd suggest in the way of improvements. I could only think of three things on the subject of what I liked: Responsive, forgiving and ease of operation. I think they have a winner on their hands.