Big Bear — Made With Farmers In Mind

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 34, 10 February 1987, Page 5 (Supplement)

Big Bear — Made With Farmers In Mind

If some of the world's early motorcycle pioneers could see one particular 1987 model they'd probably turn in their proverbial resting places. But it's been designed and built with a purpose, and nowhere more than in New Zealand will it be right at home. Yamaha's Big Bear has absolutely no resemblance to any of the early twowheelers, either in performance or style. It has been designed for a rough and tough job and that is exactly what it does. For a start it is four-wheel drive and the power plant is a specially designed 348cc four-stroke intended for heavy work. The whole thing climbs like a mountain goat and pulls loads like an elephant. It is made to order for farming, hunting, shooting and fishing. Yamaha has slotted-in a five-speed dual range transmission so traction can be tailored to load and terrain. Reverse gear is standard and

can be selected from any forward gear or neutral. The full-time four-wheel drive system gives almost unbelievable traction, and there is Yamaha's 'LCD' - limited control diff- onthe front wheels. Power transmission is Yamaha's proven shaft drive. Moller Yamaha marketing

manager, John Daniels, says the turning circle is better than many two-wheel drive four-wheeled competitors, and "certainly superior to all other 4 x 4s". Independent double-wish-bone front suspension is combined with Monocross rear suspension to provide a comfortable ride. The cosmetics include

dual headlights, a 10-amp DC terminal, a rugged rear luggage rack, trailer hitch, a large capacity storage box under the rear fender, and what John Daniels describes as "the biggest set of paws in the business". The first examples of this new model have now arrived in the country with a retail price of $7,810.