Well I finally nailed down a deal and bought the 2005 Yamaha Bruin 350 4X4 Ultramatic. And am I glad I didn't wait any more.

I went ahead and got the camo cause, well, I didn't have too many options. The showroom was pretty full and most of the folks were looking to buy Bruins right then and there. The dealer had two colored ones and a camo. Two guys there talking had bought the colored ones and the third guy was thinking of the camo. They said the salesman said no more in for awhile.....so I grabbed the sales guy I talked with the day before and told him, "I'll take the camo one at the price we came up with yesterday." Done deal.

I sent two others guys to another dealer I had almost done a deal with. Even though I didn't do a deal with him, he called me later and said, "Thanks! I sold two quads. Come on in and I'll give ya something for the referrals." So I'm gonna head over there today. Maybe pick up a skull cap helmet or something.

I even got the snowplow set-up with it for an additional $69. I think there is going to be a retirement party for the old snowblower in the very near future. 87 octane for everyone!

Uncle Matt (in IL)

Hope you enjoy it! Report back in when you get'er good and broke in.

Good to hear Matt, I`m sure youll love it!

Well got some hours on the Bruin now. Hunting was handled easily. Haul them deer and guys in - no problem. Eroded creek beds crossed - no problem. A bit of exploring where there are no trails wasn't a problem either. Plowed a good bit of snow and made some tall cash. Pushed snow easily. No problems to report whatsoever. Gets GREAT fuel mileage, unbelievable actually.

Uncle Matt (in IL)

RonM got a Bruin a few months ago too. Got me the Kodiak camo in October and couldn't be happier so far, though I only have about 10 hours on it.

I hope you enjoy your Bruin as much as I've enjoyed my Kodiak. I almost bought a Honda Rancher, but at the last minute I changed my mind and bought the Yamaha. I couldn't be happier with it. I hauled 5 deer out this year (once with my buck on the front rack, a buddy's buck on the back rack and then both of us at 200 lbs + each). I love the ultramatic. All of my friends have Ranchers and it's great to outpull them, and outrun them too! Anyway, just my two cents.

Congratulations Unc. No matter what you got I'm sure you would have enjoyed it. I ride almost every day but snow is a no-no here in North Augusta, SC. I have been very happy with my Kawasaki Brute Force but it is a hoss And gas mileage is not it's forte.

I am waiting to see what Duckstamped got.

Good riding!

Get AFTERMARKET TIRES, trust me yall. Go to www.highlifter.com and join. I own a 05 450 yami and couldnt be happier. NOTHING RUNS LIKE A YAMI!

If you go with bigger aftermarket tires, be sure you talk to your dealer about a new clutch. The clutch in the ultramatic was designed for your specific tire size, and going bigger will cause problems with your clutch/tranny. I think a new one is like $100 bucks or so. I"m no mechanic, so if I'm wrong, someone please correct me. Just my two cents!

Here's one that honks. Don't know about the Yam but I doubt seriously if it will hang with the Brute.