I'm down to either the Sportsman 500 or the Kodiak. Any opinions? This is my first ATV, but I have ridden the Kodiak on several occasions and love it. But I like the power and IRS of the Polaris. Is this thing really 697lbs??? Also, been told their are more service problems with the Polaris? I know everyone has their own experiences, but is their a service problem trend with Polaris'.

Thanks for any info,

Brad

 

There is no comparison between a sp500 and a kodiak in my opinion, I use to have a kodiak and now have a sp500 ho. I cannot believe how much more I enjoy riding now. I am so happy I got the sp, as far as problems I had some on my new kodiak and I have to say that yamaha has the worst front diff, you are 3 wheel drive EVERY time, I got stuck alot and hit alot on the rough trails. The kodiak just wasn`t right for me but maybe fine for you and your riding, good luck[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

My buddy had a new sp 500 and hated it due to the overly large size and weight. My Kodiak also outran it. The sp is amazing in the mud and smooth ride though. He traded for a Big Bear just so he could have 4-wheel drive in the front wheels going down STEEP WV mountains. Polaris doesn't have that option. Reliablility has been great on the Kodiak.

 

Wow, I find that hard to believe my kodiak ultra couldn`t and also beat by a wolverine.As far as reliability the yamahas have their share of prob too.

 

Yea, he found it hard to believe also but we lived it. There is a lot of variance between Polaris performance in individual machines. You may also be talking about a HO which his wasn't.

 

With the HO machines, Polaris really seemed to fix their 'weak' areas. Better brakes, better steering components, along with a few other things.
However, it is STILL a Polaris, and will need frequent service in the form of regular greasings. As far as Yamaha goes, I think they use sealed components wherever they can. If greased properly, I don't think that a Polaris (the newer ones) are any worse than anyone else's, but you will have to grease them. If you let them run 'dry' they will wear out pretty quick compared to the others out there.
Yes, the Polaris is heavy, but I would like to add a little disclaimer to that. I have seen several machines run across a scale, and in EVERY case, the Japanese machines were actually heavier than their listed weight, in a ready-to ride configuration, wheras the Polaris machines were as often as not a pound or two lighter.
I THINK the weight listed for the Japanese machines might be an import weight, and they gain some by the time you fill everything with oil, gas it up, etc. The ones I have seen gained about an average of 10lb. for a 2wd and 15lb. or so for a 4-wd. I am by no means an expert, but I HAVE been there when they weighed 8 or 10 machines once.

 

The Polaris Sportsman 500 is an excellent machine you can even compare it with a kodiak, the sportsman have extreme power great ride.I have never ad a problem with my Polaris.Good Luck

 

so, does the Kodiak even have a brakelight yet? you'll find out the first time you stop quick and somebody piles into the back of you. The Grizzly 660 is about the most poorly waterproofed machine I have ever seen; I doubt the Kodiak is much different. Buy a 500 HO, or even a Sportsman 400. They are actually a 425 cc motor, and the ride outclasses the Yamaha.

 

Yeah dude i would go with the SP500 HO as well.....i think you would be very dissapointed in the Kodiak if you rode it.....the SP may be heavier...and will require more maintenance.....but i think you will enjoy the power and ride of the SP much much more!......Yes and also you have true 4 wheel drive with the SP that u don't have with the Kodiak![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Simonbls~

I think they are two very different machines. I do own an '02 Kod, and it's been excellent, but for my personal tastes....the SP500HO would be a much better machine. IRS, On demand (not command)true 4X4 and more power. One of the first mods for my Kod will be a front locker, because the 3 wheelin thing does happen.

Both are excellent, and will depend on the type of riding you do, but my nod would go to the SP500HO.

Farmer123~
I bought the '02 Kodiak from canada, and it came unassembled in the crate from Yamaha. It had all fluids except gas. Thought you may be interested...

Northstar~
Hmm...sense I've played in water & mud up to my headlights with my Grizz...I would have thought I should have noticed that water problem. My wife's also had her new Kod in the same conditions, and, as the Grizz, no water problems. Lastly, when you state the ride on the polaris outclasses yamaha, are you referring to brand specifics or the fact that IRS is better than swingarm such as that on the Kodiak, but not on the Grizz? Just curious. I've actually rode quite a few different quads, and can't think of one that gave me a poor ride. I do, personally, prefer IRS though.

SilverBear