it is saposed to ride better then the 04 rubicon and it rides better then the rancher.
so the new one should be way better.

 

The '05 rubicon rides way better than the '04. I haven't a whole lot of riding on the 400 AT but I would say they are probably pretty close.

__________
'05 Foreman 500 4X4
Ramsey 2500 winch

'94 Fourtrax 300 4X4
25"Gators

 

Look....you post in the Honda forum you will get one sided opinions just like in the Yamaha forum.Yes the rubi is a great machine and will do what you want.The 05 is even better now that Honda in it's infinite wisdom decided to use disc brakes and part time 4x4.I believe they even changed the steering geometry and it has more of a sporty feel instead of a truck feel.The only one I have ridden was an 02.
As far as the belt being an issue on the Kodiak thats just not true.I too was "anti belt" but after having my 2000 Kodiak I was sold.Yamaha hands down has the best belt drive out there....the one way sprag clutch is real good.
I puy almost 3000 miles on mine and NEVER touched the belt.I wish I could say that about my Prairie.Yamaha belts always have tension on them and they have an internal clutch unlike Polaris and Kaw.
The Kodiak offers WAY more for 1000k less MSRP.You get a locker and IRS if thats what you want.The IRS is great riding and the Kodiak handles sooooo much better than it's brother Grizz..
As far as performance my 2000 Kodiak would barely.....mind you I said barely beat my buddies 02 rubi in a drag race on pavement.Not thats important but it gives you an idea where they stand power wise and of course the Kodiak is 21cc bigger not thats alot.
We have several Kodiaks in our group and they require no more trailside maintainence than our guys with the Hondas do and having said that BOTH hardly need any.One other neat little feature the Yamahas have is a park position.,....not a brake lock.This is nice when you need it.
Good luck.....both are good choices but for a grand less the Kodiak looks better.
02 650 Prairie Camo

 

I have been a true Honda guy since 1981, I have owned a ton of Hondas nothing else, they are great bikes. I too have a 400AT, this is my second Rancher. It works pretty well, I am 6'2 215 pounds. I was in the same position you are now until my neighbor bought a Grizzly 660, nice bike but too big. I like the mid-sized quads because I use them hard on tight and rough trails. I am not afraid to use my quads and they get used big time. I hunt and like to get away from all and do. After a few months my neighbors wife wanted a bike, so he bought the Kodiak 450. After riding with them a few times I had to try it. After a 25 mile ride on a fairly rough trail there was no question that this quad was the best thing that hit the planet. After being a Honda man forever I decided to purchase the 05 Kodiak and after 600 miles it was the best decision I ever made. It has tons of power, low and high range, locking diff, shift on the fly, and less money than a Honda. Take it from me, buy one and you won't look back. Anyone looking for a 04 400AT in AZ?