Launched in 2022, the SSR Bison 400 is a mid-performing utility vehicle designed by SSR Motorsports. It is also one of the most powerful UTV models under the company’s name. For starters, this beast is a 2-seater that features selectable 2-wheel and 4-wheel with rear locking differential, a gas-assisted dump body, and a couple of other accessories often considered as extras with other bigger-name models. The Bison 400’s affordable price range makes it quite attractive to many customers.
This UTV is powered by a 391cc, 4-stroke, liquid-cooling, single-cylinder engine, generating 22.1 lb-ft of torque. However, it makes up for its lack of speed in grunt and acceleration. The UTV has enough power to easily drive through soft terrains like sand and mud and motor up hillsides. The Bison 400 also comes with 25-inch front and rear stock tires, all with directional tread patterns that should offers adequate grip in almost every terrain.
SSR Bison 400 Top Speed
With the vehicle’s engine tuned primarily for low-end acceleration and torque to help with most working tasks, the UTV doesn’t offer much in the speed department. Depending on the terrain, the SSR Bison 400 top speed is between 35 and 38mph.
Although the SSR Bison 400 reviews are mostly positive, this mid-performing UTV is far from perfect.
List Of Common SSR Bison Problems (With Sure Fixes)
Although the SSR Bison 400 is one of the most inexpensive utility vehicles out there presently, it still gets a lot of looks from customers, especially those looking to save a few bucks. However, one has to wonder; is saving a few bucks even worth it for this somewhat unfamiliar and mid-performing vehicle? This article will examine some of the notable SSR Bison 400 problems so that you can decide if this vehicle is worth your money or not.
Grinding & Gear Sticking
The most notable problem with the SSR Bison 400 is shifting gears. Users often notice that while shifting gears, the shifter tends to skip gears entirely. In addition, it can be quite challenging to move the gear stick to Park. Oftentimes, regardless of the amount of force you put in, it just won’t comply and settle in the Park setting.
In fact, drivers are compelled to leave their Bison 400s in gear even while it’s off, which could result in it rolling off if parked on a steep surface. Furthermore, a grinding sound might occur especially when attempting to shift gears. Although this might seem like a regular occurrence in the UTV, it can actually cause damage to its drivetrain with time.
Possible Fix
The grinding and sticking of gears are likely because the shift cable requires an adjustment. Therefore, owners should find the shift cable and make sure the nut holding it in place hasn’t become loose. However, if you notice that the nut is loose, then it needs to be tightened appropriately.
Irritating Beeping When Reversing Or Using The Turn Signals
The beeping sound the SSR Bison 400 makes when driving in reverse or when utilizing either turn signal is one of the most annoying problems with the machine. The aforementioned beeping sound is more of a strident ringing than an actual beeping sound and has often been likened to the sound dump trucks make when going in reverse. While this loud ringing can be quite unpleasant on the ears, it shouldn’t be much of a big deal.
Possible Fix
Fortunately, there’s a quick fix for anyone who doesn’t want to hear this annoying sound while driving. To disable the beeper from both the reverse and turn signals, you’ll just need to unplug the beeper from underneath the hood of the Bison 400.
Excessive Heat
Another common complaint with the Bison 400 is how overly hot the cab can become while driving. This intense heat is a result of hot air from the engine compartment getting into the vehicle’s cab. While the vehicle doesn’t come with any side doors to aid air circulation, its pre-installed windshield contributes majorly to this heat problem.
The warming of the machine’s cabin can make it particularly uncomfortable to ride around for extended periods during the hotter months. However, there is a number of ways to reduce the heat in the cabin.
Possible Fix
The most potent way of beating the heat, even during hotter months, is to set up a heat shield. Heat shields usually fit behind and under the vehicle’s seats to help minimize the heat. Additionally, owners looking to save a few bucks can create DIY heat shields from materials such as roofing rubber or aluminum sheets.
Another viable and equally effective option is to set up an automotive fan underneath the SSR Bison 400’s seats. The installation of an automotive fan will improve air circulation in the vehicle’s cabin and aid in dissipating the heat. Furthermore, the utility vehicle comes with a 2-piece fold-out windshield. So, to reduce the cabin’s heat, users can easily fold the windshield out.
Excessive Noise In The Cabin
While slightly off-putting engine sound is expected in a UTV, the Bison 400 is unfortunately much noisier than other UTVs powered by the single-cylinder engine. This excessive noise is even more noticeable while inside the vehicle. Furthermore, the engine sound intensifies as it echos off the various plastic components within and around the cabin area.
Possible Fix
Anyone bothered by this problem should install sound-deadening materials around the engine, between, and under the vehicle’s seats. This will help in muffling the engine sound in the cab.
Big Turning Radius
As a 2-seater, the SSR Bison 400 isn’t a particularly big UTV from a symmetrical perspective. However, even for a 2-seater, the turning radius is relatively poor. This problem makes turning around on trails quite difficult, potentially requiring a 6-point turn based on the trail. While this isn’t much of a big deal, it’s still important to consider before deciding where to drive the SSR Bison 400.
Possible Fix
To get more turn angle from your front wheels and eventually a smaller turning radius, you’ll have to make the Bison 400’s track width — and even the entire UTV — wider or make its tires considerably smaller.
Also Read: Common Kawasaki KRX 1000 Problems
Conclusion
Although there are various problems with the SSR Bison 400, many of them are negligible and can be fixed with some mechanical work or modifications. Furthermore, as a user of one of these lesser-known UTVs, you may often require some mechanical knowledge as several repair services are unfamiliar with them. With this guide, you can handle these repairs yourself. For its price range, the Bison 400 makes for a great light working utility vehicle and meets many owners’ expectations.
