Im almost sold on the Rancher but having last minute thoughts on my very close #2, the kodiak. help me out with some good comparisons quick. I might be buying tommorow.

 

Well, the Kodiak has automatic transmission with high and low range, liquid cooling, about 75 more cc's, selectable 2 or 4WD, longer suspension travel, 5way adjustable shocks, and larger tires. It is in a different class than the Rancher really. Not saying the Rancher isn't good, but you can almost buy a Kodiak for what some people are paying for Ranchers. They aren't that good. If you do get a Rancher, make sure it has had all the recall work done. Hope this helps.
Kman

 

Thanks Kman. Bye the way what do you own

 

Hennyhog,
I ride a 2001 Big Bear 400 4x4 that I got last fall. I have friends that own Ranchers and some that own Big Bears. I rode both, and felt like the Big Bear gave me more for the money. Now, I didn't want the electric shift, (something else to give trouble) so I was comparing manual shift Rancher to the Big Bear. The Bear had a good bit more power, especially down at low RPM's. I thought about the Kodiak as well, but the Big Bear was a good bit cheaper and I just prefer the manual transmission. I paid $4600 for my bike which included an installed Warn A2000 winch, Ranchers were around $5000 - 5300 and Kodiaks were about $5500.
Good luck with your decision, and whatever you get you will enjoy.
Kman

 

I have a 4x2 Rancher ES and my dad has a 4x4 Kodiak. I prefer the Rancher to the Kodiak. When cruising along trail I can go to a higher gear and reduce RPM's and noise. I think that the Rancher is better balanced. I prefer to ride it up hills and on off cambers. There is a power difference but it is not as much as you would think - they both have similar top speeds. As far as the electric shift remember that the Kodiak depends on an electric shift to get the quad into 4wd.

The only quad that we have had any problems with so far are the Kodiak - they are minor, but not necessary problems. The gas gauge does not always work and the battery cable came loose while we were on a ride. This is not a big problem if you realize it, try the backup starter and you will see why it is a pain though. The backup starter might as well not be there. I have 3 uncles that also have Kodiaks and these were common problems. The Kodiaks also have had problems with the water pumps on the 2000 model, they corrected it on the 2001 model, but did not issue a recall. The Honda does have two recalls so far, but I have not heard of anyone having any problems. They are doing the recalls because they want to keep a good reputation.

I do not think that you can go wrong with either quad. They are both great machines. I bought the Honda because I did not want an automatic. Ride them both see which you like better and buy it.

 

Hi, this is my first reply in here. I really like my 2000 Kodiak. It has a few more features on it than does the Rancher. I like the disk brakes, 2wd selector button, along with the adjustable shocks. It has plenty of power to turn my 27" Mudbugs in the deep thick mud. If you ever wanted a locker you could get that too. I, for one, really like the belt drive transmission. You are always in the right "gear" so to say. The engine compression brakeing going down hills in low range with 4x4 selected is totally awesome. It will just barely crawl down a 35-45 degree hill. Some will say the belt will get wet and slip. Well I tell you what....they are definaly right LOL. If you go into water ABOVE the racks you will need to make a snorkel for the front and rear of the transmission. I got my belt wet several times before I made mine. The Rancher is a good ATV also and Im sure anyone having a Rancher will tell you its better than a Kodiak and Im fine with that. Both are good ATVs but I think the extra money spent on the Kodiak is well worth it for the features you get in return. I hope this signature works.

Later
Tim

 

Lets see if this signature url works.

 

If this url doesnt work I give up.

 

I dont see why we cant delete our own post? If we could I wouldnt have 3 unneccesary replies here.

 

You can edit your post, thats as good as deleting it. Your pic link is working as a cut an paste, but not as a clickable link.