I'm looking at 350-400cc ATVs for the first time. I've ridden friends machines but this would be my first purchase.

It sounds like both the Yamahas and Hondas are almost the same - built good and reliable, pretty much the same features. Does it really matter?

When I read the forums, it sounds like the old Ford/Chevy debate - its hard to know if there's much of a difference, except personal preference.

Any ideas from long-time Yamaha owners out there?

 

Well if you are looking at Honda's Rancher 350 and Yamaha's Kodiak 400, no they do not have pretty much the same features. Both machines are Good. But are very different from one another.
One is an Auto tranny.
One has selectable 2 or 4 wheel drive.
One has all disk brakes.
One has Adjustable shocks.
One has 401cc' the other 329.
One is $4799.00
One is $5599.00
Take a closer look and decide what is right for you.

 

One thing to look at is i know for sure that honda uses lots of sealed bearings. But a friend of mine has a fourtrax 300 3x4 and all the bearings are shot after one summer of riding!

I'm not sure if the Yamaha does or not