I have a buddy looking at his first ATV. He has asked me what to look for as far as problems or trouble with buying a used quad. The problem is I dont have alot of knowledge about the Kodiak (2000). Are there any re-occuring problems with this machine he should be looking for ? Thanks for the help.

 

Make sure it isn't leakig anti-freeze at the water pump. This is not a big deal and no reason not to purchase it but take a few dollars off the asking price to have it fixed.

Check the brakes closely to see if they are worn to the metal or into the rotors. If so, deduct some $$. EBC rotors are well worth the money anyhow versus the softer stock rotors.

Check the big black air hose on the front of the transmission area. These often come loose and allow water into the belt. This isn't a problem if it happened once or twice. If it is loose then definitely do the next test.

Strap the rear of the quad to a large tree. Put it in four wheel drive and spin the tires in both low and high range. If it has any trouble spinning the tires, you need to disassemble to look at the belt drive. If you can't do this then deduct major dollars or run away.

Look closely underneath for damage. Check the frame welds as best as possible to make sure no paint in missing (sure sign of a bent frame). If it was rolled it could be bent).

If possible, run it at top speed just to make sure it runs well. You should be able to hit at least 45 mph.

I am always shocked with how many people will sit on a used quad and buy it. I've had people buy quads from me without moving it 20 feet. Dirt bikes too.

Good luck!

 

I have a 2000 Kodiac and have not had but one problem.The front air tube did come off of mine once but since I have re tightened it it has stayed so far.There are some posts in here where some people have made changes to this to stop it that I have considered and may do if it happens again.
I know 4 other people that have these and have not had any problems.As far as the water pump leak that is a new one on me but I will keep an eye on it.I have to admit I was leary buying a first year model but so far so good.I bought a big bear in 1988 (it's second year) and that quad was bulletproof and that was followed by a 95 wolverine which was reliable also.

 

There is a flaw in the initial water pump design that Yamaha fixed. If you have a problem with the current one and order and new one, you will get the new one.

You should be able to do a search on this forum to see all the problems people have reported with this. In fact, the only two problems I have ever really seen posted are the front air tube and the water pump. I still have one Kodiak and had another and both were rock solid except that the both of them started leaking antifreeze from the water pump.

Road the Kodiak today instead of the Raptor and had a blast. Forgot what it was like to search for the deepest holes to go through.

 

Thanks for the info. This will give my friend something to go on.