I left my key on all night and ran my battery down due to my winch. It was the first time I tried to pull start and that quad has a lot of compression. The easiest way is to stand up on the floor board and pull rope till it stops and then yank. It started pretty easily once I stood on the floor board, other wise you'll pull your shoulder out.

2000 Kodiak 4x4
2000 Warn winch
Duro Escavators x4
alum rear skid

1995 Kodiak 4x4
2000 Warn Winch
double A-arm guards
Yamaha performance and reliability/ standard

 

Yup I know what you mean. Funny story-when I bought mine I asked the salesguy to pull start my new Kodiak. So he gave it a yank or two and said "oh yeah-you have to realease the compression valve!". After looking for it for 5 mins we figured out there was none! I pull start mine every once in awhile just for the heck of it.
Here's a stupid question: Will your headlights work with a dead battery when the Kodiak is running after being pull-started? Just was wondering if it has an alternator or generator or some way of generating electric from the motor even if the battery is dead?

 

Yea, I think it will run the lights, etc. Although, it seems my winch won't work for about a minute after it's started or after the keys on a minute.

One minor improvement they should make is put the storage box on the back/ below tail-light like most other Yamaha utilities. My 95 has a better storage than my 00. That storage under the seat on the 00 is weak and a pain to get to. It seems they could incorporate a storage compartment below the air exaust for the tranny in the traditional place. There is a lot of empty space there on the 00 and it would also look better. Just an idea, otherwise a fine bike.

How do you like the recon? I had a new 98 recon and it was a good bike. Only thing it was cold natured in cold weather.

2000 Kodiak 4x4

1995 Kodiak 4x4 (old school).

 

The Kodiak has an automatic decompression. When standing on the floorboard, pull it out slowly the first time, not even trying to start it. On the second go around, pull it out slowly part of the way and then pull harder as if to start it. By doing it this way, the quad is then recognizing that you are trying to pull start it and it will kick in the automatic decompression feature.

Yes, once started the quad has an altenator/generator that will run the head lights. But just like a dead battery on a vehicle, it's always best to just let the quad run for a few minutes so it can charge the battery back up.

 

I did'nt know that was auto decompression but I learned right off to pull it easy at first time or you can't pull it period! The Recon is a good atv. We got it for my wife and it's perfect size and weight for her. It steers so easy and is so much lighter than the Kodiak. I was surprised at how well it climbs hills-I was worried about getting a 2wd but so far it's done great. Think it may need adjusted because it won't idle worth a d*amn. Maybe I just need to turn up the idle speed but I thought I would let it break in with a few more tanks of gas before I fiddle with it. What do you guys think about that? Only used about 2 tanks of gas so far, but it runs great as long as you're moving!

 

FKNA, can you tell me where the alternator/generator is located at on the Kodiak? I was looking for it but I probably won't know it if I see it! Thanks.

 

HillHound....No, I don't know where it's located. I haven't had the need to try and find it. I just know that atv's do have them.

 

Thanks guys I didn't know about the decompression stroke-dealer didn't offer much info. About the headlights working when the battery is dead. The lights will work, there isn't a generator as most people know it, it has a stator. A magnet on the flywheel that passes in front of a coil to produce electricity. It doesn't offer high voltage but enough to run low watt bulbs.
If you discharged your battery completely, put a charger on it for a nice long slow charge. the wheeler won't fully recharge it.

The name says it all.( can't afford many accessories yet)