I am very seriously looking into buying a new automatic 400 4X4. I like both the Kodiak and the new Bruin 350.

My questions is this: Is it worth spending the extra $1200 for the Kodiak 450??? From what I can see the differences are the motor, the locking front differential and the LCD speedometer and the rear disc. The chassis and the suspension are identical.

Now FYI we do not ride fast but ride long distances in the desert and mountain roads and never take them through water or mud!!!

Handling and reliability is very important. Is a liquid cooled engine more reliable in the long run or more prone to problems like radiator leaks, impeller etc. Is the power difference between the 350 and the 450 noticeable???

Do you ever use the front locking differential or is it a nice thing to have??? We do have a winch in the family so keep that in mind.

Appreciate any input.

Thanks,

Marco Polo

Rubicon 500
Recon 250
Breeze 125
XR50

 

Another thing. I believe the Bruin doesn't have HI/Low transmission. Personally I would go with the 450. Unless you've ever been stuck and have only 1 wheel spin in the front, diff lock is worth its weight in gold. If the extra money is really not much of an issue then I would get the 450.

Good luck and let us know what you get.

 

you're gettin' a helluva lot more quad with the 450, IMO, but i like to ride mud. for what you are going to do with it, you may be just fine with the bruin. i'm sure they've got the majority of the bugs worked out of that engine by now and i'll bet it'll be a pretty good quad. it doesn't sound like you'll need a rear disc brake, front locker or LCD so the bruin would probably be perfect.

 

Hey Kodiak,

Checked your pictures out and have two questions.

1. I live in southern California so excuse my ignorance. Can you plow the snow without chains on your atv?? I see that yours did not have any so I am wondering. From my question you can see that I have never ridden in snow hihi!!

2. Is that yellow atv a Vinson?? If yes what do you think about the Vinson?

By the way a dealer in Los Angeles has Kodiaks 400 4X4 for $5299 OTD (Out the door). They want $5100 OTD for the Bruin and $6100 OTD for the 450. For the new Ranche 400 AT they want $6000. The Bruin will show up in dealers first week of September.

Thanks,

Marco Polo

Rubicon 500
Recon 250
Breeze 125
XR50

 

for another grand i would definitely get the 450. don't even have to think about it. that low range is an important item if you do any heavy pulling or descending big hills.

 

Hello marcopolo.
The answer is Yes you can plow with out chains. Depending on how the winter is going some times chains are useless. In my pictures your right I don't have chains but my front tires are studded. We had a pretty icy winter so chains wouldn't do much. However if there is a lot of packed snow chains work excellent. Until you actually try plowing snow you will never believe how much an atv can push.

And to answer you second question, Yes that certainly is a yellow Vinson. Its my stepfather's 02 auto to be exact. Personally I'm a die-hard yamaha guy but the Vinson is an incredible atv. It is by far more comfortable than my Kodiak. The seating position is very comfortable. It has a top speed of around 60-62 mph, which is great for a utility atv. He has around 2000 miles on it right now and has had no problems except for rear brakes. The only thing that I am disappointed in would be the completely plastic front end and my step father would agree. However he purchased the bumpers for it and that seems to correct that problem.

If you wondering anything else please let me know.

Later
Marc

 

Hey Kodiak400, Hows that vinson ride? they sure look sharp.

 

Hey Marcopolo, I have the 04' Kodiak 450 and freakin love it. I am not sure what types of roads you will be on but I live in Washington State and we have alot of jeep 4x4 trails that I take my quad on. The front Diff. is great I have only had to use it a couple times so far. I go to a place called Rocky Candy which is mostly forest service roads and I ride for hours I just did almost 100 miles last sat. there and the Kodiak was great. I have gone though some heavy brush and have never worried about my Radiator getting impeled. I have also rolled my quad 3 times doing stupid things and the only damage I have is a slightly bent front break handle and some scratched plastic. Other then that no damage. I have the Warn 2500 winch on the front so I have not been in a situation yet where I have not gotten out of. I personally think the Kodiak 450 is a great machine and I have had no problems with it.