Was watching the youtube videos from Yamaha where they did comparison test against the Rancher. They refer to the Grizzly which used to be Kodiak as the new Kodiak for 2011. However when you go to Yamaha's website and look at the 11 or 12 year models they are all named grizzly. The one on youtube had a Kodiak badge on the tank.

I like the fact of the new wet brake they added. Thats definately a great improvement! The mud and water can really make your disc brakes wear out real fast. I also like the idea of the new engine braking feature, thats really cool!

 

The Kodiak name was dropped in 2007, except for power steering nothing seems to have changed according to this site except weight and price which Power steering sure increased. 2012 Yamaha Grizzly 450 Auto. 4x4 ATVs

Same goes with a 350 Bruin vs a 350 Grizzly. http://www.atvreviewnetwork.com/enth...e2=21738&go=Go

Suzuki also did it with a 400 Eiger and 400 King Quad. They did add efi and new Plastic.


http://www.atvreviewnetwork.com/enth...e2=21738&go=Go

 

Introducing the 2011 Yamaha Kodiak 450 ATV - YouTube

This was the video I came across on youtube. Perhaps they call the grizzly a kodiak in Canada? Who knows?

 

It is a little different in Canada, it could be we call them Kodiaks still, Canada also sold the Yamaha 350 Banshee and Yamaha 540 VK (snowmobile) years after they where discontinued in years States. Yamaha Canada and Yamaha USA do have differences for sure.

Also I remember the first Honda 350 Rancher and in Canada they never used the Rancher sticker name but where called only the TRX350 on the side.

 

Canada = Kodiak 450, US = Grizzly 450

I believe when they went to Power Steering they also went to a one-piece Frame / Chassis. The Rear part of the frame is no longer Bolted on.

I like the fact that I can unbolt the ENTIRE rear end by removing 4 bolts , well and other things.. brake lines, etc

 

Crazy thing how things change from a manufacture when they cross a border