Published on November 7th, 2025 | by Joe
Factory Yamaha Grizzly 700 Race Test Review | Ironman GNCC 2025
What happens when you take a Yamaha Grizzly 700, one of the most proven utility ATVs ever built, and turn it into a full-fledged GNCC cross-country racer? We teamed up with Yamaha, BNR Motorsports, and Dirt Wheels Magazine to find out at the 2025 Ironman GNCC in Crawfordsville, Indiana, one of the most legendary stops on the GNCC circuit.
Why the Grizzly 700?
Back in April 2024, ATV on Demand reviewed Cody Collier’s GNCC-winning Can-Am Renegade 1000, a 90-horsepower V-twin monster that dominates the Pro 4×4 class. But the sheer cost and complexity of those one-liter twins had us asking a different question — what about a true single-cylinder 4×4 race class?
With Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Can-Am, Polaris, and CFMoto all offering 4×4 ATVs in the 570–700 cc range, the potential for affordable, inter-brand competition is huge. These machines can cost $6,000 less than twin-cylinder 1000s, offering a path for more racers and sponsors to enter GNCC competition.
So, when Yamaha offered a factory-built Grizzly 700 prepared by BNR Motorsports for the Ironman GNCC, we jumped at the chance — calling in Evan Hartzel, our experienced test rider and cross-country racer, to put it to the test.
BNR Motorsports Build Details
BNR’s approach was to reduce weight, improve safety, and refine the Grizzly’s race ergonomics while keeping its single-cylinder heart intact. Both factory racks were removed to save weight and improve safety, and BNR fabricated and installed new fender braces to maintain rigidity after rack removal. BNR also designed and installed custom front and rear bumpers specifically for the Grizzly. The front bumper provided broad coverage and angled geometry for better approach angles, while the rear bumper shielded the differential — perfectly positioned to protect against sport-ATV bumpers on tight GNCC tracks.
The stock 12-inch wheels and 26-inch tires were replaced with 12-inch billet-aluminum beadlock wheels from Racoon Racing Wheels, wrapped in 25-inch GBC Dirt Devil tires. A square tire setup was used to free up traction for sliding and improve acceleration in aggressive race conditions. The factory light pod was removed, and the LCD display relocated atop the front storage box between the rider’s knees. A taller BNR stem was added, topped with Fasst Company Flexx Handlebars for better ergonomics and reduced rider fatigue. A Lone Star Racing anti-vibe clamp mounted the bars securely, and a kill-switch lanyard was added for safety.
Racoon Racing steel footpegs provided a taller stance, better grip, and improved foot pivot, with raised kick-ups to keep the rider’s feet secure during aggressive riding. Looking ahead, BNR Motorsports is working with FOX Racing Shox to develop a dedicated shock package for factory Yamaha Grizzly race machines, along with a new ECU flash aimed at boosting horsepower and throttle response. We look forward to testing these products in another Grizzly race experience next GNCC season.
What We Learned on the Track
Racing the BNR-built Grizzly revealed just how capable Yamaha’s single-cylinder platform truly is. With a skilled rider on board, the Grizzly’s low weight, stability, and exceptional braking let it carry impressive speed through technical terrain.
With Evan racing a roughly 48-horsepower machine against 90-horsepower Can-Am Renegades and having never raced a 4×4 prior, he decided to sign up for the 4×4 C class. He got a mid-pack start but managed to work his way up to a very respectable 5th place out of 27 racers by the end of the two-hour race — an impressive showing for both the rider and the Grizzly platform.
These characteristics allowed Evan Hartzel to fully exploit the power available — keeping pace with riders on heavier, twin-cylinder machines. With only minor modifications, the Grizzly proved remarkably fast and controllable, and additional upgrades like aftermarket FOX shocks and ECU tuning would only improve its performance.
Even with those enhancements, the total cost would still remain near the price of a stock Can-Am Renegade 1000. In a single-cylinder 4×4 class, the Grizzly would be a legitimate contender. Its combination of light handling, strong brakes, predictable power, and Yamaha reliability could easily spark a new wave of GNCC competition. We believe class turnouts would grow quickly — and racing would be more fun, affordable, and competitive than ever.
Learn More
Learn more about the Yamaha Grizzly 700 at yamahamotorsports.com
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