Hi Folks,

I have a Y2Kodiak 4X4 Auto. I love it. My Riding partner has a 1999 Explorer. He loves it. These machines are Very different in comparison. Power? We have done the Drag Race thing and he does not walk all over me. He is faster though. I found the jetting on mine to be very lean and went up 2 sizes. BIG help. I have not felt the need for more power except when my buddy is pulling away on top end in a race. I don't care to race very often.
He likes my Auto tranny better but will not trade for one. He has been told that if he is going to be running around 7-MPH allot that it is best to stay in low range. If he don't the belt will suffer some (minor)wear. In high range it will lurch a little but not too bad. He's had it inspected and all was well, and this is when he was told about the 7 MPH thing.
I like the smaller size of mine. The turning radius is too close to measure on both. We did comparisons in both 2 & 4 wheel drive on medium soil and were both surprised that Yamaha doesn't brag more on it's radius.
I am 6'2" @ 240 pounds. I exercise and eat smart so I am not a real round guy. The Polaris is roomier but I don't feel confined.
The things I wish the Kodiak had is a Reverse limiter over-ride, a handlebar head light and Speed-o. I have since installed a Cateye Enduro2 mountain bike Speed-o. And a Hella 550 55-Watt driving light on the bars.
My partner's complaints are the need for low range when put-putting and his speed-o flex wire keeps breaking.

Both are good machines. The Y2Kodiak has yet to proove it's reliability over a 2 year period. So far So good.

therock

 

Woops. I see my address is NH. Typo...I actually live in NE, not far from Greeley CO. I Elk hunt in Colorado and Wyoming.

The part about log hopping is quite true. On most full time 4wd machines with 25"+ tires, you can idle up to a log, can the throttle when the front tires hit and land your skid plate on the log. With a little practice, you can jump a log as high as the front rack. It can be done with the polaris machines as well if the 4wd is engaged prior to hitting the log. I should have been more clear about this, but it is a pain sometimes to get it to engage shortly before hitting the log if you are in dry ground conditions. BTW, I'm NOT talking about a log as high as a Polaris rack! This is really nitpicking unless you do quite a bit of backwoods mountain riding.

As far as the height goes, I was referring to the stability on a side slope. If all you do is ride prepared trails, this will never be an issue.

If you are ever riding with both feet on the uphill peg, squatting down far enough your butt is dragging in the brush and hoping like hell your machine still doesn't tip over, you will know full well what I mean by "too tall". If you haven't been in that situation, you shouldn't comment.

Like I said, everyone seems to think the riding they do is the toughest. I don't. I do not ride in deep mud. I do not go 50 MPH down wooded trails. Therefore, I don't think the Polaris 400 would be my perfect machine and the Kodiak 400 would easily be my first choice.

I own a Sportman 500 and I think it's great, I had an Xplorer 400 briefly and liked it, but if I had to just keep one machine for what I use it for, it would be my Big Bear.

 

I would go w/the kodiak. As far as power, it goes as fast as I want to go on an atv. The shaft drive is one less thing to worry about; chain lube, cogs/chains and the chain popping off on a hill. I also feel that I sit too high on a Polaris which is unnerving in WV mountains. My dealer, who sells both brands, says Yamaha has the best reliability. Also, the y2k kodiac is a whole different animal than previous models. It is extremely fast and powers up hills in 2wd or true 4x4. It will out run a Honda 450es per the recent Dirt Wheels Dec. 99 issue and won in every category. The engine braking feature on the kodiac is unsurpassed by any other auto atv and is a must for anyone who rides in mountainous terrain.