I am currently looking to purchase an 4x4 atv. I have never owned one, but have owned 2 and 4 stroke dirtbikes and sleds. My girl owns a 2000 honda trx 400ex which we both enjoy riding, but I figure its time for me to buy a real atv. I have been inquiring on many atvs but there are 2 that caught my eye. A 2005 yamaha kodiak 450 with the new independant rear suspension, or the 2005 Polaris sportsman 500H.O. I get along very well with both dealers and they have been very good to me in the past. This atv will be utilized for a little bit of towing, off road trail riding, and plowing in the winter. there is about an $800 price jump to the 500 HO but I would be willing to pay it if need be. I would also consider other models? Thanks

 

The 400ex is not a real atv?

 

Take a look at a Yamaha Grizzly. It has all the features of the Kodiak but with a little more power. The Kodiak is a great quad, but if you were considering paying $800 more for the Polaris, I'd pay it for the Grizzly instead.

 

I think what he meant to say was a "utility" atv. No way he could think a 400ex isn't worthy.

 

The 400ex deffinatley deserves the name "Real ATV". I was implying that I need an atv with utility features that will work for me, such as plowing and towing. I am also concerned about longevity, somthing that will last me. I have owned both polaris and yamaha sleds (1997 vmax sx 700, 1995 Polaris XLT Special) and both have never let me down.

 

Sorry I missed Dr. Phil yesterday and it had me all extra sensative.





j/k! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] I's just messin with ya!

 

Goulaigan01,
Both bikes that you mentioned are good as any. The handling characteristics are diffrent. The kodiak is 125 lbs lighter, is shorter,narrower and lower. It is an awsome woods bike, goes anywhere and does anything. The polaris does better on more open trails, is faster, smoother and corners better at high speeds. The 500 ho is one of the best motors polaris has come out with. If you are able to afford the cost of a polaris, and like the ergonomics and appearence of the yamaha, you may also want to consider the grizzly. The length, width and height are similar to that of the sportsman, has more motor and is still 115 lbs lighter. In all cases you have a good bike. Depending on how you ride or what you do, Irs may not be for everyone. SRA does have some advantages, which also includes a lower cost.

 

Get the 450 kodiak of course, because I have one.

Just kidding, I had it narrowed down to the 500 HO and the 450 Kodiak. I picked the Kodiak because it was cheaper, it looks awesome and the dealer was more interested in selling me the quad than the Polaris one was.Either way you'll get a nice quad whichever you pick.