Ok i have been searching and trying to decide on what i want, but I have narrowed it down between a polaris sp 500 and the kodiak 450. I like the kodiak for its diff lock and cheaper price, but i really like the polaris for its independent rear suspension. I have read that the polaris is a true 4 wheel drive, by this are they saying all 4 wheels are pulling?hat is my understanding of a true 4wheel drive. Ok everyone i want your opinions on which one to go for and has the fewest mechanical probs. I am kinda leary of the belt driven autos, but every utility i like is automatic. So any advice on slippage of the two machines when in mud and creeks? I am not worried about top speed just a bad 4 wheel drive machine that wont get stuck and doesnt slip belts.

 

I want to add i will be using this machine for trail riding.

 

Ehhhh......... Im a little confused. You havent considered Honda Rancher or Bombardier Outlander? Polaris???? Just a friendly bit of advice. The only time to choose Polaris over Honda is if the Polaris is free and someone has a gun to your head. Now go back to your school district and demand a full refund for the education that they robbed you of.

 

I know nothing about the sportsman. ok, now that i have that clear the kodiak belt vent system is the best I know of. If you make sure your clamps are tight on the factory snorkles ( they get loose sometimes or if you buy a new one they might not be tight from the factory) you wont get the belt wet as long as water doesnt get up to the top of the fenders. If you ride deeper than that the kodiak is easily snorkled. I can say the Polaris scrambler is not as easily snorkled. On 4wheel drive, the kodiak 450 in the 04 model has a front differential lock so it should be a true 4x4. I would also say that the kodiak is almost bullet proof. Dont know enough to talk about the sportsman so ill just be quiet.

 

Polaris makes some really good machines...Our Magnum has had very little problems in the 3 years we have owned it. The belts slip very little if at all when we go mudding...and we go through ALOT of mud. it can also go out in the water probably 2 1/2 - 3 feet just fine. The IRS will give you greater ground clearnce and is then better for the mud. Many people hate polaris and thoes people probably have had one bad experince and were fed up with them...every ATV will have its faults from time to time.

 

I'm guessing the Kodiak would be more fun on the trails. Its lighter and smaller than the Polaris. On the other hand, the Polaris will ride better and almost sure to be better in the mud. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

They say the polaris is a true 4 wheel drive, do all four wheels actually pull?What really grabs my attention on the kodiak is the diff lock, this thing should be able to go anywhere just about. My main concern is of the two which has has the most belt slippage problems. The kodiak also seems small i am 6'4,210pds and i think it looks a little small for me.

 

The polaris will be a better mudder and will be more comfortable for a guy of your size. The independant rear suspension is a really nice feature which offers a great ride and alot more ground clearance. The Polaris also comes with great tires from the factory (Goodyear Rawhides) while the Yamaha stock tires are cheap Dunlops. I highly recomend the 500HO.

 

Well, Im 5' 10" and 165 pounds and the kodiak is fine for me. But doubling is an absolute pain because the seat is so short. I bought a 60 dollar pad for the rear rack it was so bad. Can someone tell me how a taller person would be uncomfortable on a quad this size if they are not doubling? Im just wondering what part of the body becomes uncomfortable, strained, whatever.

 

Yes the polaris pulls with all 4, they have a unique 4x4 system, if you have it in 2x4 it's locked in 2x, but if you put it into 4x4 it has roller clutches that engage if the input speed is faster than the tire peed, otherwise they disingage, makes for really easy steering and you don't have to worry about turning the difflock on when your in the middle of a sticky situation. The downfall is that during engine braking only the rear wheels are locked to the engine. I wouldn't worry about the belt slipping either.