Hey guys. I'm trying to decide on a second quad, something with 4x4 and in the 400-500 cc range. I'm looking at the new 04/05 honda rancher 400AT and the new 05 kodiak 450. The way I see it, each has some advantages and disadvantages-

Honda Pros:
Great reliability
Solid auto trans - no belts to worry about slipping or getting wet
Very stable and low center of gravity for hills
Ability to switch between auto and ESP shift mode

Honda Cons:
Supposedly 'decent' power, although I haven't ridden one
Firm ride
No locking front diff
No low range

Yamaha Pros:
Good power
IRS for comfy trail rides
Locking front diff
Low range? I'm not sure if it has one or not?
Supposedly tippy on off cambers
Belt cover allowing water in/belt slip

The transmission on the Kodiak is my biggest deterrent. I've read more than a few posts about kodiak owners taking in water when it's deep, and having to drain their belt cover etc. This does not sound like fun, I'd much prefer manual gears or a solid auto than having to deal with water in there. I know on my prairie the stock snorkels are up very high, under the handlebars. I've since extended them even higher, but previously I could go into water over the racks and never get any in the belt drive/have slippage. I'd want the same capability or better if I had to choose a belt drive unit. I'm just a little hesitant to go the rancher route because some people have commented that they ride rough, and of course the lack of low range/locker. Primarily though, this will be an atv for a friend or girlfriend to ride, and it won't be going through as much super deep or nasty stuff as I would with the prairie.

Any thoughts or other pro's cons of the two would be appreciated!!

 

First of all everybody on this forum is gonna tell u to get the yamaha. and i am one of them.. i say get the kodiak// i have a grizz and never had this problem// and instead of riding in lakes ride around it

 

I wouldn't worry about the yamaha transmission unless you are thinking of mud bogging it. I don't care what bike you have, you'll end up spending money on it then. Both are great bikes though. Have your girlfriend test ride both and see which one she would like. Since it is a second bike, see if she likes it and then make your decision based on it. I would not worry about the belt drive though. I agree, ride around the lake, get a boat to go through it.

 

Who's the better dealer , service is everything, best dealer in my area sells yamaha so thats what most of us drive. I'v got a 660 grizz.

 

the rancher was one of my choices as well. i am glad i went with the kodiak, haven't had any belt problems. the one thing that concerned me about the rancher was the possibility of the transmission having a problem, which apparently is extremely costly. i'm not saying that you would ever have a problem but it is something to consider. overall i would choose the kodiak for its suspension (adjustable, longer travel and now with IRS), more power (with low range), higher ground clearance, diff lock. hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

For those offering riding advice, thanks but no thanks. Some of the places I ride, the trails themselves are 2-3 feet underwater for miles..(everglades in FL), so the ability to do well in those conditions is important to me.

I do agree the rancher transmission is probably more expensive to fix, however I plan on buying a 4yr extended warranty, in which the trans is covered.

I really like the kodiak's supposed smoother ride, locker, and low. I really don't like the belt drive and possible tippiness on off camber stuff. I like the reliability of the honda and drive by a dealer every day on the way home, which would be convenient should any warranty work be necessary. I do my own maintenance.

 

Don't rule out the Honda Foreman or the ever popular Vinson 500!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1