I'm trying to decide between a 2002 kodiak and a 2001 sportsman HO RSE. I'm not into mudding or mountain climbing, just basically hunting and such activities. I've read alot about both, just looking for additional input.

 

Either one should be a good machine, with the main difference being more power and better suspension on the sp500. If you ride with buddies, both you and they will be more impressed with the capability of the sp500. The sp500 also comes with better stock tires. I would say more people have had problems with sp500's than Kodiaks, but I've read that the Kodiak has had it's share of problems as well. Most problem areas for either bike I believe have been addressed with the latest year models. Past problems with the 500s have been: water pump seal, steering post bushing, premature brake wear, and tie rod ends. Past kodiak problems have also been water pump seal, as well as rear brake wear, and clutch housing vents coming loose. Like I said, I believe most of the problems have been addressed by the manufacturers. People who tend to keep their machines out of the mud, regardless of brand, seem to have much fewer problems than us that search out mud holes. Good luck on your purchase. Let us know what you decide.

Waylan

 

Thanks for the input. It's been tough trying to decide. I'll let you know which I choose.

 

My hunting buddy has a Kodiak and I own a SP500. We've hit the same muddy spots, hunted together, and raced each other. All personal bias aside, the SP500 is faster and edges the Kodiak slightly in the mud, probably due to the fact that SP500 is "true all-wheel drive" and the Kodiak is a limited-slip design 4-wheeler. The front and rear independent suspension on the SP500 seems to ride a little smoother. And the SP500 sits higher off the ground with more differential ground clearance and has a wider track than the Kodiak. All of the moving parts on the drivetrain of the Yamaha are sealed. There are no zerk fittings to grease. Less maintenance but probably more expensive to repair.

One thing in favor of the Kodiak - it steers much easier than the Polaris. Ride'em both and you will see what I mean.

Yamaha makes great bikes. I also have a 250 Timberwolf and have never had a problem with it.

Polaris - Made in North America
Yamaha - Made in Japan.

My two cents worth. Hope it helps.

 

Thanks for the input SurferSam, this has been a tough decision. I'm more concerned by reliability right now. Both are nice in there own areas with pros and cons, but I'm thinking about the maintenance of the machines. Still not decided, yet.

 

I would buy the Kodiak....

 

I would buy the Sportsman HO

 

My vote is for the SP 500 also....

 

i would buy the kodiak.....my buddy has a new 500...100 miles on it...belt and clutch gone....no hard usage.

 

It depends on the kind of riding that you do mostly. There are areas where the Sportsman will excel, and areas where the Kodiak will excel. If sportier riding is your thing, then the Kodiak would probably be better. If serious mudding, and off camber stuff is your thing, then the Sportsman would be better. The Kodiak is narrower and much lighter. So there are many situation where the added traction and suspension of the Sportsman are not really an advantage! Being heavy and wide has its draw backs. If flat out "haul ***" is what you want then get the sportsman. Although its been my experience having ridden with both, that the Kodiak will get there quicker, it just runs out before the Sportsman. The Sportsman is WAY higher maintenence, and doesn't seem to have a very good repair record.

Rick