I am undecided on which atv is the best. Both bikes have the qualities I want. I really like the Polaris, but I don't know much about it. Somebody out there---talk me into a Polaris.

 

Well for what it's worth the KOD won the 4WHEELATV ACTION shoot out, mainly because the sp400 doesn't have EBS. the kodiak is faster, quicker, and more responsive, but the IRS is a very nice feature on the sportsman's!

 

Kodiak is a nice machine, the only drawback is they are narrow and a bit tippy. The 400 (425cc) Sportsman is the bottom of the Sportsman line up and lacks Engine Braking, and is a bit heavy for the power it produces. The Polaris handles better, and has better suspension. Polaris are a delight to ride, they are set up better, tires, shocks etc. than any other quads. They have the best auto clutch, and can be easily modified, springs, weights, for a little more oomph. The Kodiak is lighter, smaller, and more nimble. Other quads in this bracket worth considering are the Suzuki Vinson and Eiger, and the Bombardier Outlander. Try to get a ride on all of them before you buy. They are all good machines.

 

i know all to well about how tippy the kodiak is.

(polaris)
i disagree with that, the kodiak has constant belt tension, and it engages very quickly. The bottom line is the 400 is a little down on power considering the weight it has to push around, but the ride is top notch!

 

Everbody has brought up good points. Rincon, you really seem to know what you are talking about. If you where looking to buy these two brands-which one. Or should I look at the sp 500--I need to see if it is in my price range though..thanks

 

Look at the SP 500. No comparison to a SP 400. The 500 has loads more power and EBS. The independant rear suspension rides very smooth and is a huge advantage in the mud because of the additional ground clearance over a solid axel.

 

I was not impressed with the Kodiak auto. The quad was small and fun to ride, but the clutching never opens up and lets the motor wind down. On a Polaris when you take off the motor winds up, then when the clutches catch up to the speed, the motor is allowed to wind down and run as if it were in a tall gear. Nice and smooth, easy on the motor.
On the Kodiak the motor is always wound up and reving high, no mater where the throttle is in relation to the speed and load. That would drive me nuts. Its unnecessarily hard on the enging and doesn't help the gas milage either. The Kodiak has stiff, narrow, and tippy handling when compared to a Sportsman.
On the plusses the Kodiak is light and easy to maneuver. Also has way easier stearing then the Sportsman.

 

wouldn't that be a good thing, that means the power is always there when you need it, no lag time! oh and it doesn't drive me nuts

Take the $500 extra bucks and get the sp500, it is better than my Kodiak, but if you're looking only at the sp400 I would get the Kodiak (i did) the ride on the sp400 is great, but i felt it didn't make up for the other areas it was lacking. (power to weight ratio, no EBS, slower)

 

I guess it might be because I have more time on bikes and quads with manual clutches, but it feels like the Kodiak is always in too low of a gear and the engine is revving out, just begging to be shifted. It drove me nuts.
But I am a mechanical person by nature and trade, and what bothers me probably dosn't bother the next guy. (thats what my wife keeps telling me)
The Polaris Auto is a lot easier on my nerves because it acts like a manual tranny properly shifted.
But to each his own.
The kodiak does have a smoother initial engagement, easier steering, (probable) reliability advantage and less weight to fight in the technical spots.
The Polaris has a much smoother ride, true 4X4, more ground clearance and a lot more power (500).
The 400 Sportsman is kind of a dog, im sure the Kodiak would be a lot faster.
The 500 is the much better value, and most dealers sell enough of them that they can cut you a really good deal.

 

If you want a polaris 400 try finding an 02' Xplorer if thier are any left. You wont have the IRS, but them things are quick and powerful.