Couldn't tell where you live but if you have steep hills to go down, better go with the Kodiak. The Kodiak has engine braking in the front wheels that let you crawl down steep hills. Polaris does not have this feature on 99% of their quads and I've had friends trade their sp's for this reason alone due to the bad mountains here. They also weigh a couple hundred pounds more which I don't care for. Although if you mud, Polaris is the best mudder around and smooth ride.

 

I went into a dealer looking at the same two machines. Rode both and it was a tough decision so I bought a Rubicon instead.

 

Thanks Specta ! After reading your e-mail reply, I am just as confussed as I was two weeks ago. I think I will go and buy a dog instead !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Just my $0.02 .... The SP400 can be fitted with EBS for FREE ... I had two dealers in the area tell me that ... the hitch is is has to be done prior to pickup .... after that it'll cost ya a couple hundred bucks .... I choose NOT to go with it ... I didn't like the way the SP500's wheels locked/skidded (for a sec) going down hill ... I'm not familiar with the KODIAK ... I'm sure it's a fine machine. Just compare features ..... I liked the liquid cooling, steel braded brake lines, disk brakes all around, ground clearance (WOW!), towing capacity, looks, Goodyear Rawhides, TRUE four wheel drive, and rack capacity .... Now i will say, is a little heavy ... Ya can't have it all ...... I love my '03 SP400 ....

Chris

 

To add to jham's listing, a complete clutch kit will help alot through downhill action. And to ask a question, do you really need a 4x4? We live real close to the Ozark National Forrest, do a ton of riding there with the 2x4's, and I only got stuck once during the sprigtime and some 4x4's would have got stuck in that spot. A 2x4 will go in many places you wouldnt think they would. They are also lighter and easier to handle. Our riding style might be different and a 2x4 might not suit you. I just thought I would throw that out. Rincon, the mrs (Dana) said to tell you hi. Bubba

 

I had a Tecate 250 before this 4 wheeler - no comparison the Sportsman fits my riding style much, much better. I guess that is what it boils down to. I don't know much about the Kodiak but the Polaris is a very well built machine.

Also, the four wheel drive is nice, and if by chance you are stuck in mud up to the racks, by yourself ten miles from camp, wouldn't you want all four tires throwing the muck?

 

tell her i said hi back.

P.S. does she know i'm getting a Polaris in the summer?? likely won't believe me!! (after all we went through! haha)