I have narrowed my choices to these two 2005 models any pros cons for either thanks for your help

 

It's funny, whenever people narrow down their choices it's always the 450 kodiak vs.????. Man, I don't know much about the Honda but I can telll you the kodiak is one awesome machine. I've had mine in a situation 2 times now where I got stuck in 4x4 then I engage the diff lock and it climbs out. I just got mine in december so I haven't had a chance to take it in any mud or fast trail riding. I would say the fit and finish of the Kodiak is more appealing to me, and the price wasn't to bad either.

 

In my opinion, the Rubicon has a better transmission, but the Kodiak wins on suspension, ride, handling, etc.. But I have never ridden either. I hope to buy a Kodiak soon - I have compared it with everything else in the 400cc class.

 

in my opinion the kodiak 450 is just as good or even better than the grizzly and it looks alot better than the rubincon so i pick the kodiak

 

Comparing the two:

The Kodiak has IRS the Rubicon doesn't

You can switch between 2WD and 4WD on the Kodiak, the Rubicon is full time 4WD

The Kodiak has a front locker, the Rubicon doesn't

The Kodiak has a better, smoother ride




Get the Kodiak. There's nothing wrong with the Rubicon, its a great quad, but when comparing it to the Kodiak, the Kodiak is the way to go.

 

The new 2005 rubicon does have 2x4 or 4x4 capability. That being said I was set on a Rubicon then after comparing and riding them both I bought a Kodiak. The Rubicon just seemed more like a work unit. I wanted a ATV for hunting and trail riding. It has been all that I can ask for. Goes a lot more places than I would expect. And I really like the IRS and diff loc. Neither of these did I think was that big of a deal. Now that I have one with these options I would not buy one without.

 

Sorry about the misinformation. I wasn't aware that Honda put they selective 2WD-4WD on the Rubicon. ( Its about time, Honda! )

Glad to hear you got the Kodiak, Tracker. You made the right choice. You won't use the Locker all the time, but its nice to have when you need it.

 

 

If i were you i would get an eiger

 

I have to give a little input from a Honda guy. I've ridden the '05 rubicon (bought a foreman though). Many people would be amazed at how different a machine the '05 is compared to the old rubicons. The new ones are much more fun to ride (softer riding, better handling, and feel more sporty). I'll admit, the old Honda's (pre 05) had a dated look but the new ones look much better. I'm extremely happy with my 500 foreman, but a friend of mine has a 450 Kodiak and he would say the same thing. I'd say it's up to personal preference.

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2005 Honda 500 Foreman 4x4
1994 Honda 300 Fourtrax 4x4