Here's something to consider:

Rancher: Front and Rear DRUM Brakes
400 Kodiak: Front and Rear DISC Brakes

 

A big plus of the Kodiak is the tranny has a low range selection.Ask anyone with any type of bike with a low range option how much low range comes it handy.The other day I seen a guy pull a 14' boat and trailer up a boulder infested hill trail with a older Kawaski Bayou 4x4 which would of been impossibale to do if he was in high range.

 

if you need to be lower than first gear on the rancher you don't need to be doing what your trying to do with a quad......

 

I have a Kodiak and would recommend one. I was also worried about the Belt slippage, but have had no probs and have had it to the headlights in water. As far as reliability compared to Honda being far greater.. I don’t see it. My friend is taking his 2000 Forman back today (will see the long term). The ES is screwed up, and wont go into gear. Thus far with 200 miles on each machine mine is still running good. Either way Both machines are great. But you will get a lot more with the Kodiak. Esp if they are around the same price.

 

your prices are outrages i paid (my dad) 4,200 for our rancher ES 4x2 recently bought a superwinch 1500 mounting hardware and a cover for 250. Shop around.

 

They are both fine bikes but the kodiak is a lot more bike. I've owned both Yamaha and Honda atv's and can tell you both have good reliability. I've had no problems with the kodiac at about 200 hard miles. I've noticed several problems about the rancher posted lately though.

 

Rancher 300+ miles no problems.

Check the yamaha forum for problems with the tranny belt slipping & rear brakes going bad.

The Rancher has the better 4wd system.

 

were are these problems posted????? i've never heard/read them

 

See the rancher ticking and odd sounds post. I've talked to two es owners and they said it can hesitate on a hill if you change gears and sometimes gets mud in the buttons. I've had no belt slippage or brake problems on mine. There are many testimonials on the board about no belt slippage, etc. Someone could be riding the brakes or bury any 4 wheeler in water. Like I said, the rancher I'm sure is a nice machine. The Kodiak already beat the 450es in every category on the shootouts. Which bike is better?? It's all subjective. Every bike has it's pros and cons.

 

How can full time 4x4 be a better 4 wheel drive system than 4x4 on command? I personally don't want the extra wear and tear of full time 4x4. Plus 2wd is a blast on the trails. Full time 4x4 is very stable and predictable though.