Hello; I am thinking about buying a new Kodiak Automatic 4X4 on command. Anyone out there have one? I would appreciate the lowdown on them. Email me at hankark@swbell.net Thanks Gary

 

I have a 2001 with almost 300 miles on it. I have been taking it kind of easy during the break-in, but from what I have seen so far, it is a wonderful machine. Getting the first service next week, so after that I can really get into it.

 

Don't get me wrong, the kodiak is a great ATV but I think it is the most over rated ATV out there, especially when you consider it's price. In it's price range you could get a Honda 450 S or ES or a 500 Arctic Cat. I have a 450S and I ride with 2 2001 Big bears and 2 Kodiaks, 2000& 2001 and the Big bears keep up in every way with the kodiaks and do better in snow and mud. I think the Big bear might be the most under rated ATV. Both are tippier than my 450, neither has the power although they can keep up at top speed. I'd look hard at a AC 500 as they have good deals going and a front differential,disc brakes, speedo, and a much better ride.

 

Dont know anybody with a kodiak, though I do have a friend with an AC454 (basically same thing as the 500) Great machine, hasnt had any problems with it yet (think its a 98?), some how or another he always ends up being the one towing the other machines home.. I think if I were to buy a big 4x4 quad I'd buy one of those big AC's or the Honda 450ES, I just like the looks of it. but thats just me..

 

I purchase a 2000 Kodiak last year about this time and I love it. No problems in deep mud and water so far. (had water just under front rack for short time, no slippage.) Stock rear brakes will need replaced after about 7 or 800 miles. Got it stuck in a couple of holes along with a 2 Polaris sportsmans and an Arctic cat. Had lots of fun.

 

I have ridden with both the AC500 and the 2000 Kodiak. They are both great machines. The AC has the best front end set up. It has a limited slip that actually works, and works very well! The limited slip set up on the Kodiak is essentially useless, much the same as the front end on my Grizzly was. However, on the tight techenical trails that we have in my neck of the woods, the Kodiak is far more manuverable, and narrower then the AC500 or my Grizzly. On the trails I think the Kodiak is probably the better machine. The one nice thing about both machines is that they have selectable 2WD/4WD, a very handy option.

Rick

 

I bought a 2001 Kodiak 2 weeks ago. I have already put 120 miles on it. I love it. You can
put it i 2wd and powerslide. I had a push off
against a honda 350 rancher. He was in 4wd and
i pushed him around in 2wd.

 

Big Bears aren't near as fast as Kodiaks and their not supposed to be. They're work horses/utility bikes. The 450 es/s are more tippy front to back and have seen their front ends pop up, some causing wrecks, numerous times but nice bikes though. People will pay a premium not to have to ride in full time 4x4, i.e. Kodiak or similar. I do like the 450s as opposed to the es though. My Kodiaks have been great bikes and love abuse. Only thing on the new one is I put rear brake pad at 700 miles.

2000 Kodiak 4x4 on command
2000 warn winch
Escavators x4
alum rear skid
Koplins w/ metal mount for both.

1995 Kodiak 4x4 (old school)
2000 warn winch
double a-arm guards
Yamaha reliability and performance /standard

 

Well, I had a 00 Kodiak for a year. At first it was a nice all around bike, but I got tired of the poor ride, handling, and lack of power. I put it up for sale or trade in and found out the book value was only $3200. Ouch, anyway, finally sold it for what I owed on it and bought a Sportsman H.O. I will never own another non IRS machine again! Just my opinion.

 

Must have been trashed or a 2x2 bike. It will out run a sp 500 non ho so I wouldn't classify it as slow. I wouldn't have a bike w/ no engine brake in the front wheels for the mountainous area I live in. I get tired of people whining about smooth ride, it's not a car.