Their were some great responses to an earlier post regarding the Suzuki 400 Eiger and the Kawa Kodiak 400, but what about one step up. With the new Suzuki 500 Vinson coming in at the same price as the Kodiak 450, how do these two stack up. This will be my first machine. I drove a number of machines just as test rides, and like these two the best. From this point on I have little experience.

 

Yamaha 450 has more features that most folks want.....locking front differential (important for mudding), Selectable 2 wheel drive / 4 wheel drive (increases the fun factor).

I would choose the Kodiak over the Suzuki.

 

vinson. never been on one, friend has. then he bought one. havent ridden it yet. he says that its like riding in a first gen chevy el camino or a ford ranchero. it has the power and speed, with lots of utility thrown in for good measure.

as for the kodiak, it is a good all around machine, but nothing exceptional. imo