Grizzly road use

[piran]

Reading my owners manual I was quite surprised to discover that Yamaha categorically state that my quad should not be used on roads, or any flat surface. I could not understand this until I also discovered that the machine does not have a rear diff, only a front diff which is in use only when 4wd is selected. I assumed the box at the back was a bit more complicated than a simple bevel gear.
This means that in 2wd the rear of the machine behaves just like a chain drive, ie both wheels rotate together and give the rider a hard time when cornering.
I find this a very strange mechanical idea, and because I always have to use tarmac roads to get to my riding country, I may just sell the Grizz and look for a quad with a rear diff. If one exists!
I know riding technique can largely overcome the lack of a rear diff but it does not explain (as an inexperienced owner) their absence. Even my 40 year old garden tractor has a decent sized diff! perhaps I'll swap it out.
Any comments welcome please.

[DODGE57HEMI]

All quads (except one, more later) have a rear diff that is locked together. These machines are designed for off hwy use therefore the statement in your owners manual. Just like anything with a locked rear diff if the conditions are right there can be problems causing the unit to flip. The only quad I know of with a selectable rear diff is a Polaris with turf mode, ( if they still make it) but there again the owners manual still suggests not using the vehicle on paved flat roads.

Sent from D57H's killer Thunderbolt!

[Sasquatch]

I have put many miles of rubber down on hard-pack and/or paved roads in the past...

I think Yamaha is making this statement as a way to release themselves (cover their own @$$) from liability if/when a rider should wreck while riding their new "Off Road Vehicle" while "on road"

The machine will function just fine on asphalt. Just remember that the design of the machine including its suspension and drivetrain was NOT created with the intension of driving on paved roads. You will need to greatly reduce speeds, lean into turns, ect. to compensate for the reduced handling characteristics induced from riding (any brand atv) on a hard surface... failure to compensate will most likely result in damage to persons and/or property! (hence the warning)

[BLKGRIZZ]

I've put many miles on paved roads, never had a problem. Just use common sense and drive at a reasonable speed.

[outinnavy]

kawi bayou had an unlock-able rear diff and the po po has one also

just ride normal man you'll never notice the rear wont turn independently

[doulos]

The technique I use on hard surfaces is for instance, if I'm turning left, I put all my weight on my right foot but lean my body left... letting the inside of the quad lift ever so slightly so the rear inside tire can slip, as it's traveling less distance than the outside rear. Sounds complicated but it's pretty basic and instinctive in practice.

[Hammer07]

were you looking for an off road vehicle, or on? the reason your lawn mower has a differential is so that it doesn't tear up your grass.
your grizz essentially has a spool in the final drive because traction is your friend when you are OFF ROAD.
as for use on paved roads, just don't expect it to handle like a sports car. slow down and lean as you go thru a turn

[awames76]

most states they are not legal because of no turn signal, horn and that kind of stuff, in indiana there are a few countys [im in one] that u can ride on county roads if it is reg with the dnr [farming community], there are some older cars and trucks that has posi rear ends

[piran]

Thanks for all your replies, friends, comments and advice taken on board, still feel it would have been better to have a lockable diff at the back, same as front, but perhaps it would have to be much heavier duty as it would be locked most of the time off-road.
Here in Spain they can be made legal for road use but limited to a snails pace, 45km/hour, about 28mph, presumably for that very reason, no rear diff.

[gregp]

Yes, on most ATV's, the rear differential is not a differential at all. It is a simple right angle gear box, with two output shafts. As mentioned here, there have been a couple of manufacturers that have offered machines with optional "1 wheel drive". This was called "Turf Mode" IIRC, as it prevented the rear wheels from tearing up the grass. These machines could have a locking differential on the rear, or they could simply disengage one output shaft. I have never inspected one, so I do not know how they approached this issue.