I am going to buy a utility atv in the next few months for deer/duck hunting. I will be duck hunting in rice fields (lots of small steep levees) and will have to cross muck to get to my deer spots. Any opinions on the Honda Foreman ES vs the Yamaha Kodiak 450?

 

If you want to be stable, add aftermarket wheels to the kodiak and gain 4" width. Both are good for you.

 

Thanks for the reply.

The thing I keep coming back to with the yamaha is belt slippage. A lot of my time will be spent driving through 1-2 ft of water in the rice fields and I don't want to get stuck in the middle of one with a slipping belt.

The thing about the Honda that I keep coming back to is the nonindependent rear suspension. The four wheel drive on the Honda is also a concern.

 

1-2 ft of water shouldnt be a problem for either machine, both are great quads but for your concerns it sounds like the kodiak would be a beter choice because of the ind susp and diff lock

 

I don't think you can go wrong with either quad. I have owned a Kodiak since 2000 and absoultley love it. I have done alot of hunting in many types of terrain, never had any problems. They ride very smooth, nice suspension and plenty of power. I have friends that have Hondas and they love them just as much. It's a no loose situation for you. Good luck and enjoy.