I am about to get a new 4-weeler. I'm thinking about the '05 kodiak 450 4x4 IRS. I love the suspention, clearance, camo paint job, and just about everything about it except the automatic transmition. I spend alot of time in pretty deep water while i'm duck hunting, and I keep hearing that with the auto. trans. It wouldn't be the best bike for me because of belt slippage. I have always been a Honda fan, but the lack of clearance bothers me. I have also looked at the Arctic cat 500 with manual shift. it seems perfect but a little on the expensive side, especially the attachments. any input would be helpful.

 

well what i did was put silcon in a tube around the belt case and it has not slipped at all the kodiak are very good

 

when you say deep water, how deep? the intake for the belt is under the front rack and the exhaust for the belt is under the rear rack. the air intake is tucked up under the gas tank/seat. if you think you will bury the racks then you will need a taller quad or snorkel kit.

 

Or a boat....lol

Your not looking at the Arctic Cat rack options with the right perspective - the Artic Cat MRP rack system is the best of the best for matching your needs to the right accessories. I switch attachments all the time to repurpose my ATV from trail/sport riding to utility tool hauler or ice fishing carry-all. And it takes only minutes. See my pics. I have 800+ miles on the one TRV and we ride that one here in the swamp lands of MN all summer long. I can't say I've seen any evidence of a manual transmission being any less problematic then the autos or vice-versa. There are a lot of vice grips where a shifter lever use to be....lol