hello all, im in the market for a new atv. right now in the garage i have 5, 330 polaris trail boss, and one banshee. i have owned sportsmans and no problems with those, but recently sold it to get one with power steering. i am not the least bit concerned about power, as the 330 has plenty of power. im looking for comfort. i have some health issues, but still like to go riding with the family. i have looked at the new 2021 sportsman 450, but it feels so big. i like the size of the kodiak 450, but i dont know much about the yamaha. maybe even an ace? i am a low speed trail rider. i am not into mud or snow. let me know your thoughts. thank you for your time.

 

As you already know, comfort is very subjective so what feels good to me may not feel good to you. You should continue doing what you've already been doing and try to at least go sit on all of them with a preference to getting a chance to ride them around. Just that dealer stock being reported low is not in your favor for dealers to even have one to sit on. Then will they let you ride it? You might consider holding off on a purchase until next year where hopefully manufacturers can get back to a more normal stock level so you can do your own comparison.

As for Yamaha, they do make very high quality ATVs that are extremely reliable and usually have less maintenance items to deal with as the miles stack up. Their CVT is also considered one of the best, if not the best in the business, where you may never have to change the belt because the design doesn't slip, thus heat is not being generated.

 

Welcome to the forums.

You can always take the seat to an upholstery shop and get it custom fitted with gel or more foam for not too much money.

As mentioned, getting out and just sitting on them is the best way to get an idea of what fits your needs.

 

Polaris Sportsman is the most comfortable ride in my opinion.

If I remember the Kodiak is solid rear axle which usually means not as comfortable a ride.

Not sure if the ACE is the same chassis as the Sportsman or if it is based on the RZR. Was behind an ACE 330 on some rough trails in Northern NH. Seemed to soak up the bumps very well.

 

I believe they have been IRS since at least 2018 when the Kodiak 450 was brought back. First Ride - Yamaha Kodiak 450

And of course the Grizzly/Kodiak 700s have always been IRS.

 

what i have found and liking is the reliability of the kodiak and the nice ride of the sportsman. im not sure yet on the new sportsmans (2021) i dont like that they took away the rear storage. i think id be fine with a 2020 carry over. i am a little ocd on maintenance with yearly oil changes, front and rear diffs every year.