I'm sorry but that's pretty dumb for your dad's friend to say that. You said earlier you've driven your dad's BF 650 a lot so I don't why that would make a difference. These ute's DO NOT take much experience to get used to...between the Vinson 500 and 450 I'd say Vinson 500 but if you can talk your dad into the BF 650 than do it b/c a month down the road you'll be wanting that V-twin power of the BF 650 it's just in another league. Just tell your dad you'll be careful and take it easy when you first get the BF 650 b/c IMO 500cc ute's are kind of boring when your just riding around in the summertime b/c they are kinda slow. Is the Vinson more than the BF 650 SRA???

 

$200 less MSRP for the Vinson.

 

Either the Kodiak or the Vinson would be a great machine to have. There are only 2 differences between the 2 other than the brand name.... The Vinson is more powerful and has a SRA as opposed to the Kodiak which has an independent rear. Feature for feature, it's pretty much a dead heat IMO. I'd go with the best deal.

 

Is it true that since the Grizzly 450 has IRS and a locker (and is smaller and more nimble), it can go some places that the Vinson can't?

 

Roody,

Possibly. I think the Kodiak, with IRS, has more ground clearance than the Vinson. Every article I've ever read on the Kodiak has been favorable - same with the Vinson. If you're thinking of putting larger meats (wheels) on your quad, the Vinson might handle it a little better than the Kodiak due to its superior power.

I really think you'll be happy with either one.

 

The only place a Vinson may not be able to go is deep rutted muddy trails b/c of the lack of ground clearance...but even then it'll make it thru most likely just not as easily. I still recommend the Vinson over the Grizzly 450 b/c it's really a 421cc motor and take my word for it 421 cc isn't enough power for a Ute, it makes it slow and can't turn big tires...I had a 425cc ATV and it just was slow and not as much fun as I'd like. As least go with the Vinson 500, but I garantee you'd be happier with the BF 650 which blows away both of these powerwise, I mean leaps and bounds more power.

 

Roody, what type of riding are you planning to do? Are you planning to just ride technical trails or drag race? Extra power will never hurt you in either case but at some point, you have to ask yourself what is adequate to get the job done. The Kodiak and the Vinson are as capable as any other ute on the trails. The only difference is that they may climb the hill a little slower. They WILL make it to the top of the hill, however. You don't NEED a BF 650. If power is your sole consideration, buy a sport atv. They're cheaper than a BF and faster.

 

I'll be riding: mud, rock pits, hillclimbs, stream beds, technical woods trails, and fire roads (not that fast). I will not be doing drag racing. I just need something that gets the job done and doesn't get stuck that often. One quick question...does Suzuki have a winch program? I know I can get a Warn winch for $70 if I get the Yamaha.

 

I'll probablly go with the Yamaha. IRS, a locker, and $70 for a winch kind of has me sold.

 

Yeah IRS and a front locker is very nice which the grizz 450 has over the Vinson, I've heard of Suzuki having a $69 winch deal but I don't know if it's still going on or not. Go with what you want man, the BF 650 is powerful but it's ride and tippyness is pretty bad so the Grizz 450 would probably be better with it's IRS.