I've had a SP400 since October and it has done everything I've asked. Good power excellant ride easy to operate (important for the wife). Just had 15 inces of snow a few days ago and it went through everything easily. I have not gone into any deep mud yet but I expect it to perform well when I do. Only complaints I have is the location of the oil dipstick and antifreeze overflow. Don't really care what a magazine has to say outside of what the specs are. Everybody has their own preference and advertisers. I bought the SP400 mostly because of the reputation of the SP500.

 

If you don’t mind sacrificing some power, the SP 400 has to be a winner. All it does is combine the tried and true 425 motor with the most comfortable and capable suspension going. I don’t know anyone who buys a quad on the basis of fuel economy, but our HOs sure suck a lot more fuel that the stock 500 motors. I’d expect the 425 motor to be good on gas too.

 

I have been told they called it a 400 because of the 400 2 strokes reputation for power, and also so there would seem to be a bigger difference between it and the 500.
Seems like they were trying to play into the hands of uneducated buyers (of which there are plenty).

 

As mudking said, Dirt Wheels picked the Kodiak in almost every situation. The sportsman had a bigger engine (425 vs 401) but the Kodiak still won the shoot out. All that matters is if you like it or not.

 

Well no wonder the Kodiak won, it also won "ATV of the Year" in 1999 or 2000 I think.

 

I love the SP335 I have, my only complaint is power. I should have spent the extra $$$ and got the SP500. Now if money is a consideration maybe the SP400 is the way to go, but if it's within a 1000 bucks like someone in the post mentioned, I'd go ahead and get the SP500. Just my two cents worth.

 

I asked myself the same ? when I read the article.I guess because the kodiak is peppier & sportier because of the weight diff..The yamaha is very light .

 

just bought the sp400 one week ago. KILLLLER machine. been riding honda's forever they dont compare. this is one powerful monster

 

 

what is the story on high and low gear. everything i read says if you are going 7mph or slower use low. what do you think? i ride in alot of timber hills and valleys but dont seem to need low gear to make the climbs. Is the belt really an issue? what do you think?