Hey guys Im trying to decide between a 2000 Kodiak 4wd and the 2000 Rancher ES. I like the fact that the Yamaha has the radiator and ability to switch in and out of 4wd. THe Kodiak is roughly $800 more. I want to use it for light work as well as hunting, help!

 

Well around here we all have honda's and I got 1 of those rancher's and they are hard working machins when you need it and realy fun when you want it. So we have never had problems with are honda's yet and my thoughts are telling you that the better choise is you'rs.

 

i mean honda is you'r better choise.

 

Both are good quads. There is a little bit off a price difference but the Kodiak has a bigger engine. I did a lot off research, narrowed the field down & then test drove them. I went home & next week test drove them both again.

Test drive them then you will have a better idea off which one fits you & your needs better.

Bottom line is the Rancher won all the shootouts in its clas as did the Kodiak in its class.

Good Luck

 

First, they are both good machines as I have owned both Yamaha and Honda atv's. I think the Kodiak is the better choice due to the following : 4x4 on command, less wear and tear; reliable auto trans, disc brakes, water cooled. Yamahas can also be started in any gear and reverse, having to start in neutral is a PAIN and the reverse is easy on the Kodiak. Like I said, they are both quality machines but offer much different features.

 

I had just gone thru the same thing as your going thru now Johnsen. I narrowed my options down to Kawi Prarie 400 4x4, Kodiak 4x4, Rancher ES 4x4.

Prarie: Was the most comfortable and fastest of the bunch, but i ruled it out rather quickly with No EBS and the kawi relibility being a question.

Kodiak:
Goods:Great handling, and quick. Disk brakes, Liquid cooled, selectable 2wd/4wd, excellent EBS.
Bads:backup starter (no recoil, No speedo (if u consider that bad, i have added my own, it should be the last thing to look at when considering a quad)

Rancher ES:
Goods: Sure trac, nice LCD, ES, nice backup starter
Bads: Non selectable 4x4, lacks power, smaller tires


I test drove them all and the decision became pretty clear. i walked away with a Kodiak, and im glad i did. The great handling of this quad was far better then the others. My buddy walked away with a Forman ES, and i gotta tell you he has been stuck already in Mud (3 times) that my kodiak has made it thru no prob. Im not saying the Kodiak is some superior 4x4, it could have been his driving skills, or the formans low ground clearance, but the kodiak is for real, and helluva fun quad.
I think it just comes down to an issue of Money, Honda makes a great quad, but for an extra 600$ (should be less than 800$ gap) you get alot of nice options.
Either way you will win.

goodluck...

 

It would be the best $800 you ever spent.