I have been lurking many of the ATV forums for a month or 2 now and have been visiting the ATV dealers trying to make up my mind. First considering the Grizzly, then the Rincon then the Prairie and then back and forth from the Grizzly to the Rincon for about a month I started looking at the Kodiak 450. After doing more research and flopping back and forth from now the Grizzly to the Kodiak I chose the Kodiak 450.

Last night I was doing my last little bit of research and was thinking about the Rancher AT. So I stopped by the Honda dealer and looked at the Rancher AT. Although I did not ride it, I almost changed my mind.

Went ahead and bought the Blue 2004 Kodiak 450 & Warn winch. Got it home and went riding down a few trails. First impression was great. I am impressed with the ride and feel of the Kodiak. I cannot comment on the power yet because of the break in period. The ride is smooth and the transmission is just as smooth. Climbed a few hills in low range, 4wd and the diff lock is great.

So far, this ATV seems like a great machine.

 

Congrads on the Kodiak, I know you'll enjoy it! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Keep me posted. I'm in the same boat you were!

 

I have purchased a 04' Kodiak 450 a month ago and love it. I have surpassed the break in period and love the power and the ability to climb thing as well as go through mud. Within the first couple weeks I had put 20hrs and 127 miles on it. I was in the same boat as you looking at the grizzly and I looked at a few hondas. My girlfriend said I had to get the kodiak instead of the grizz right now since she wanted to ride as well and she did not want to ride the grizz since it was so big. After doing a lot of research and speaking to several dealers I decided on the Kodiak. This thing is SWEET!!! I also got the winch as well.

 

Hey guys,
i went to a rally and ended up winning a honda 350ES 4x4. It was a big decision to keep it, sell it or trade it. I went for the later and traded it for a kodiak 450. I didnt like the idea of ES. It came with a back up foot shifter and I had to wonder, how good it must be if it has a back up? I like the 450's power, diff lock, and engine breaking. I put kenda Bearclaws which slowed down my top speed ( stock tires i had it to 92 km/h) but I dont mind because it digs better in the mud. Its a utility after all, and not a banshee or a raptor.

 

I may be looking more at utility ATVs. I have the Polaris Scrambers500’s that have been treating me fine. I was wondering how the Kodak 450 does in power? Most of my riding terrain has changed, so I will need more of a utility machine. I would like these features engine braking, 4x4, extended fenders etc. I don’t want to spend too much money. Please give me some advise.

 

The 04' Kodiak 450 at least for me has great power I take it on pretty nasty stuff and never have a problem. The Engine breaking is freaking cool, 4x4 on command is a great feature as well. I would never trade my Kodiak for anything except maybe the grizz. Everyone will give you there own opinon some are great others are not. I just know from my experiance that I love the Kodiak I live up in Washington and we have some pretty insane 4x4 trails that I have take the kodiak on and have had a blast when I got stuck I just hit the 4x4 button and occasionally hit the front diff. locking button, but never once got stuck. I have beaten this thing up pretty bad at certain points and it has never let me down. Thing is built like a tank [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I will give you my thoughts after I get some saddle time,,,
picked mine up yesterday .....0.3 mile on new bike...can't wait to see what it can do....

 

Congrads on your new Kodiaks! Thanks for the info.

 

Watch out for the loose handlebar issue. Its a easy fix. Put a castle nut on the bottom of the steering column and the proper cotterpin.
Also, a yamaha filter wrench is adviseable to buy. I thought it was a waste of money until i did the first oil change. Had to reef on the filter like a gorrila to get it off!!!!!!!!!, or you could get them to do the oil change for you. Put on some bigger tires for 4x4ing in the extreme mudholes. Anyways, I love my machine.


HAPPY TRAILS