Yamaha Big Bear 400: [EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW]

The Yamaha Big Bear 400 is described as one of the most brutal and reliable ATVs that could quickly get the job done. Its perfect body, rugged appeal, mighty engine, and towing capabilities are some traits that make many ATV enthusiasts adore this machine.

The Yamaha Big Bear 400 made a significant following during its 12-year production period. It offers valuable features for hardcore riders, including dual driveline modes, a powerful engine, and smooth transmission to make it one of the most sought-after ATVs in the market. Aesthetically, the ATV features flat-style handlebars to provide comfort when steering it.

The compact frame design gives the impression of a robust ATV ready to take on anything the trails may throw at it. Further, the class-exclusive three-position on-command allows you to switch different drive systems as you may find necessary.

The Yamaha Big Bear Features

To better understand the Yamaha Big Bear 400, you may need to examine its features closely.

The Engine

The Yamaha Big Bear features a simple but powerful engine of 386cc. The air/oil-cooled SOHC engine is reliable in all-weather performance. Some of the exciting traits associated with the engine include;

• It features a DC-CDI ignition system designed to guarantee dependable starting. Further, it maintains a consistent spark at all RPM to provide optimal engine performance.
• It features a large-capacity oil cooler coupled with cooling fans to maximize the engine's efficiency under heavy loads.
• Features an automatic cam chain tensioner to enhance engine maintenance while extending the engine life
• Stainless steel muffler for superior power

Chassis and Suspension

The ATV features a perfectly designed suspension to handle the roughest bumps from the rough terrain without compromising the vehicle's stability. The following traits characterize the Yamaha Big Bear 400 suspension;

• A compact frame design uses fewer components to reduce the weight of the ATV. Hence, lighter steering and turning radius. Additionally, the compact design enhances the durability of the ATV.
• The compactness of the chassis and suspension also guarantees maximum maneuverability of the ATV.
• Good ground clearance and a high level of air intake make the machine handle muddy conditions with lots of ease.
• Independent rear suspension and five-way adjustment make the ATV comfortable for all-day riding.
• Large-diameter ventilated hydraulic disc brakes for sufficient stopping power in different conditions.
• Well-designed A-arms provide incredible reliability.
• Low seat height to provide ease and convenient handling of the ATV

Yamaha Big Bear 400 Additional Features

• The installed speedometer with an odometer makes the ATV more versatile and lets the rider keep track of the engine maintenance.
• It features a super-durable wrinkle-finish cargo rack to help the rider organize their load.
• Flat-style handlebars guarantee rider comfort through light steering effort.
• Water-resistant storage box to provide extra convenience
• Easy-to-use handlebar breaks for safety and convenience
• Large-capacity fuel tank with built-in gauge, which is mud and water-resistant

2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400 Features

Examining the features and specs that best describe the 2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400 will give you a crystal clear understanding of the ATV.

Engine

The 2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400 is powered by a four-stroke single-cylinder SOHC engine with an engine displacement of 386 cubic centimeters. Further, a 33-mm Mikuni BSR carburetor perfectly handles the air-fuel mixture. The 3.96 gallons of fuel tank capacity ensures you can use the ATV for a considerable time without having to refill it.

The Ignition

The DC-CDI electric system brings the 2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400 to life. Additionally, the ATV features an AC-magneto generator system that aids the start process.

The Body Structure

The 2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400's body comprises both steel and plastic material. Further, it has a front A-arm skid plate, quality hand grips, fenders, and rear bash plates. The instrumentations of the 2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400 comprise a speedometer, trip odometer, and fuel/temperature indicators.

The Suspension

The 2000 Yamaha Big Bear 400 boasts an independent double-wishbone suspension with adjustable preload shocks designed to allow about 6 inches of wheel travel. The high-quality front and rear shocks provided maximum ground clearance for reliable maneuverability on different terrains.

The 2001 Yamaha Big Bear 400

The 2001 Yamaha big bear 400 was an excellent machine for many ATV enthusiasts as it had several adorable features. While some people loved its five-speed transmission and auto clutch manual shits, others valued its low first gear. Additionally, the 2001 Yamaha Big Bear 400 had a compact 400cc air-cooled four-stroke engine that gave it the power to handle any challenging terrain with a lot of ease.

Carburetor For Yamaha Big Bear 400

The carburetor for Yamaha Big Bear 400 was designed with precision to guarantee excellent efficiency in mixing air and fuel for the internal combustion of the engine to power the machine.

However, if you want to boost the speed of the Yamaha Big Bear 400, then you might need to consider installing a bigger main jet in the carburetor to generate more power for fast speed.

How Much Horsepower Does A Yamaha Big Bear 400 Have?

The Yamaha Big Bear 400 features a 4-stroke single-cylinder engine with a horsepower of about 22.9 HP. Generally, the Yamaha Big Bear 400 is a dependable ATV capable of taking you to places where you would have a hard time accessing with other means. Moreover, if you are passionate about DIY, there are several modifications that you can make to make it a better machine.

Frequently Asked Questions About The Big Bear

What is the Yamaha Big Bear Top Speed?

Speed is an essential part of an ATV, which explains why many ATV enthusiasts will always enquire about the top speed of an ATV before they can invest their money.

The Big Bear ATV boasts a top speed of 52 mph on the stock. However, according to most owners, the average top speed is 45 mph. Even though the ATV was designed to handle heavy-duty tasks, you can make several modifications to improve its speed and power. Some modifications may include;

• Installing new and quality rims and taller tires
• Replacing krypton bulbs with LED lights
• Installing a larger main jet in the carburetor to allow the engine to produce more power
• Installing quality performance exhaust to enhance the performance of the engine
• New fuel line for better performance of the engine

What Is The Best Fuel For Big Bear 400?

The best fuel for the Big Bear 400 is unleaded gasoline with an Octane number of 86+ and 91. Further, the fuel should have 10% less ethanol and less than 5% method to prevent vehicle performance issues. The use of lead oil should come only as a last resort.

What Flaws Does The Yamaha Big Bear 400 Have?

It will be incorrect to say that the Yamaha Big Bear has no flaws. A used Big Bear is likely to have worn-out plastics with rusted racks. In addition, some Big Bears may suffer from recurring and inexplicable battery drain.

Where Is The VIN Located In A Yamaha Big Bear 400?

When purchasing a second-hand Yamaha Big Bear, examining the VIN is essential as it gives you crucial information about the vehicle's past.

The VIN of the Yamaha Big Bear is typically located on the steering shaft on an aluminum plate. If you cannot spot it there, you should look for it on the left side of the frame or beneath the engine rail.

How Much Does A Yamaha Big Bear Cost?

The cost of the Yamaha Big Bear 400 is $5,399 – $6,599, depending on the year that it is produced and the added accessories. When purchasing a second-hand ATV, it is vital to closely examine its condition to avoid investing your money in a valueless machine.

Conclusion

The Yamaha Big Bear 400 is a great and robust ATV that can thrive under battlefield conditions. Regardless of the track conditions you intend to use the machine on, you can be sure it will never fail to deliver. During its time, it was one of the best and most sophisticated multifunctional ATVs on the market.