Looking into purchasing a new 2017 Kodiak. Have a couple questions for those who own a Yamaha. I currently own a 2008 Honda Foreman ES 4x4. When descending down steep terrain my Honda has great holdback. Does the Kodiak have holdback like the Honda? In my line of work, I do a lot of riding and checking property and inspecting logging operations. Do current Yamaha owners have any issues with durability or maneuverability in tight spots? I'm excited to finally being able to buy a new ATV and want to get the best bang for my buck!!!

 

You're talking of engine braking?

My 2016 kodiak has engine braking and it's great honestly, I rarely use the brakes unless it's a steep incline or I half to stop on a dime.

Mine is alright in tight spots I get by sometimes I need to reverse and re arrange it but that's what you can expect with a somewhat big bike.

Hope this helped

 

Most never cvt quads have pretty good engine braking. My 09 Brute does pretty good, even in high range going down fairly steep hills. In order to get full use of the engine braking, in most you need to be in 4wd. I believe Yamaha is the same. So in going down a steep hill when you want to go slow, being in 4wd helps.

 

My father has a 2004 Polaris Sportsman 4x4 and it has an engine brake. That thing is dangerous on steep inclines. There is hardly any hold back. The rear end will try to pass the front. That's why I am a little hesitant on purchasing any thing with a cvt. If the Kodiak holds back better than the Polaris I can live with that. I do a lot of property inspections in WV and the terrain is very steep on gas lines and coal mines. My Honda has been flawless but it's time for a new atv with IRS. Thanks for the responses.

 

I believe you can get a 500 Honda ES with IRS, never had one to service so I don't know if Honda's new IRS is any good. The 420 Auto IRS chassis didn't feel much different to the swinging arm one, but I didn't test it on rough terrain.

 

I know you can get the Rubicon with irs and foot shift. I know a guy who has one. It can also be had with traditional dct auto with es option. The Kodiak 700 costs less though and has more power.

 

The engine braking on the Grizzly/Kodiak is very good, so much so that many times there is no reason for the hand brakes. Then you also have the separated front brakes (right brake lever) and rear brakes (left brake lever and right foot). It does not need to be in 4x4 to have the engine braking.

If you find the engine braking is just not to your liking, doubtful though, you could always swap to a heavier spring on the secondary sheave, ~ $40 US and your time.

As far as maneuverability, I have no problems with being able to throw around my Grizzly, the Kodiak is basically a Grizzly, just very minorly different.

 

Well folks I did it. Today I brought home a new 2017 Kodiak EPS. Tons of power and rides like a dream.

 

Congrats on the new machine.

 

Yes, congrats on the new toy. Use it well!