I am looking for a very reliable quad to plow snow, hunt and trail ride with. I am 6"1" at 275#. Which of these bikes will give me the best performance for what I want it for and longest lasting.


Thanks

 

I'd say the AC, but then I'm probably biased since I own one.

 

I have a 04 450 Kodiak and a 650 V2 Cat. Can't tell you about the 500, but the 650 is a blast.


The Yamaha is dependable and a nice little workhorse. Not much ground clearance, so mud riders will be disappointed. Great in tight twisty woods riding. 52mph top speed. Great wheeler. It also has real 4wd. (There is a switch for 3wh, and for 4 wheel)

The cat, well thats an animal. The 650 has clutch issues, so I wouldn't want to plow with it in heavy stuff. Plenty of HP, but again, the clutch is the weak link. I believe the 500 has a different clutch, so it may be a moot point. The 650 has GOBS of clearance, and in stock trim, it goes places in 2wd, that other get stuck in 4wd. My choice for my type of riding.

 

Go with the Cat it has a Suzuki motor and tranny in it. My wifes quad is an 04 500 and I have an 04 650. We love both of them. Her sister has an 04 450 Kodiak she likes it but she likes my wifes quad better but to late now. If want the Kodiak buy the 05 with IRS looks like an awsome quad check out my pics off me my wife and her brother and nephew on there 660 Grizzly's.

 

I dont know about the cat, but I want a Kodiac for my girl. My buddy has a 03 Grizz with 589m/s tires and its a beast!! I'm very impressed with it. Its just too big to trail ride with. Another buddys wife has a Kodiac 400 w/o IRS and they love it.
.02

 

I don't know much about the Kodiak, but I use my 2004 400I for plowing, hunting, and trail riding and love it. I am not going to win any races, but it is still plenty fast for me and you can't beat it for plowing or hunting because of the great ground clearance and suspension travel. I packed out a moose almost two miles with mine a few months ago and needed every inch of ground clearance.

Be sure to ride them both and find a good dealer! Good luck

 

Well I bought the Kodiak 450. I rode the Arctic Cat and Kodiak and the Kodiak seemed a little smother and I loved the engine braking. Thank You for everyones input and have fun, no matter what you ride!