I'm looking at getting a second bike for the wife, but I need something with easy steering. The Cat I have now is ok, but with the tires I have on it, she finds it's a little too much beyond 40 miles. I'm considering a Kodiac as it's nice and small, has IRS, the Ultramatic, is physically smaller than my Cat. Problem is I've never ridden one. Are they relatively light steering. Tires would stay almost stock, maybe 26's at the most. Thanks in advance for all replies.

 

Whatever atv that you purchase, keep in mind that the more air pressure that you run in the tires (within reason), the easier the steering is.

 

I've never been on one. But, my brother just bought one about a month ago. I will be riding it here in about 2.50 weeks from now, when I head home to visit the family for the holidays. I have heard it mentioned several times in the past from other folks that the Kodiak 450 does indeed have light steering. I also know that as soon as my brother bought his, and he and his wife took it out for the first time, he hardly even got to ride it very much (wife loves it alot.......and she had never really been on an ATV before until that time). She had a lot of fun on it, while he got to stand by and watch, is what he told me. So, it must be a decent machine for an adult female as well.

 

yeah, the 450 has light steering, except when you ve got the diff locked! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Yes, they have reasonably light steering, even in 4 wheel but as 450kodman said, diffy lock makes them alot harder to steer. and also yes, keeping the tire pressure up a bit helps. My wife has no problem riding it.

 

I have an 04 kodiak 450, I have been out on 75 km runs with it and always found it comfortable and easy steering. It is very capable in 4x4, you only use diff lock on occasions and never ride any distance with it on so you don't have to worry about the steering while thats engaged. Very nimble great handling machine, and with the IRS now probably even more comfortable to ride. you wouldnt be disapointed.

 

Thanks for all the replies. Sounds like a good bike, although the price is a little hard to swallow. They want $8700+tax (CDN) for one. I love the Yamaha switchgear, best on the market IMO. Too bad they don't offer test rides, I'd like to see if it's the right bike before shelling out that kind of money. The Outlander was another consideration, but they're way overpriced. Thanks again.

 

Bluethumb,
I have recently bought two 06's for my wife and I.I would strongly recommend the Kodiak for your wife.It's a great machine!!!

The Outlanders are bigger in size and that's what swayed me to the Kodiaks mid-sized ride.

The ride on the Kodiak IRS is smooth!


goodluck,M/M.

 

Hey Blue thats $7,515.82 USD..... I thought I paid alot $5,999 +Tax USD (6,943.91 Canadian) . I was looking at the Canada Yamaha website and man they charge way more up there. Wonder why? Can't you just come to the states and buy them and take it back..Would save alot. Not sure if its possible.

The retail price according to the yamaha canada website is $9,199... Canadian I Assume which is $7948.92 USD So it looks like your saving about $400USD off retail which is better than I did down here but again our retail price is way lower for the same machine.

The Retail for the USA Yamaha website is $6299USD (7,288.21 Can)

 

Yeah they rip us off alot here in canada. We can't compare with the U.S. when it comes to vehicle pricing. If we could get your prices our standard of living would go up. ( more toys)