October 31st, 2025.



For a business that operates nationwide across the toughest terrains, reliability isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. For Murray Thomson, Director of Lockstock Sporting, that unwavering dependability is found in a pair of unlikely heroes: two 1994 Yamaha Big Bear ATVs.

Based just south of Edinburgh, Lockstock Sporting manages a busy calendar of simulated game and clay pigeon shooting events. The job requires moving heavy clay traps, often with a total hauling weight of up to 600kg, across demanding estates across the UK. It’s a job where downtime is not an option, and for Murray, nothing has proven more reliable than his two Yamaha ATVs.

“They've embarrassed my newer competitive ATVs several times over the last few years,” Murray states. “My new bike refused to start last weekend, and I just jumped on one of the old Yamahas, and it started first time, and away we went.”

Murray’s trust in the brand runs deep, rooted in his first-ever quad, a Yamaha Breeze he had as a boy. This long-standing loyalty led him to purchase his first Big Bear when he started his business over ten years ago. Impressed with its performance, he was so determined to find another that he drove seven hours to secure an “immaculate barn find” in rural England, just to have a second one.

The reason for his dedication is simple: their bulletproof reliability. “They've had a battery each in the entire time I've had them,” Murray states. "Our work is quite heavy… but they’ve wanted absolutely nothing.”

While these machines may be older, Murray highlights the powerful engineering that makes them so capable. He praises their torque and constant four-wheel drive, stating, "They just pull like trains." For him, the mechanical transmission and engine braking are crucial for safely handling steep descents with a heavy load, a feature he feels is superior.

Ultimately, Murray’s Big Bears are more than just old machines; they are a testament to Yamaha’s enduring quality. They are lighter and easier to transport than many modern ATVs, yet they deliver all the power and capability required for his demanding business. They are a shining example of how Yamaha’s commitment to building durable, reliable machines has a long and storied history, a legacy that continues to be proven, year after year, job after job.

www.yamaha-motor.eu