The local dealer is holding an 04 Vinson camo for me. I'm supposed to pick it up tomorrow. I've read every article I could find in my vast collection of past atv magazines, and it sounds like a great machine. I would like some real time opinions on it. What do you like? What do you dislike? How much did you pay for it?


All responses appreciated.

 

I have a good relationship with my local dealer. Can't make up my mind between the kodiak 450 or vinson. They say both are great. Kodi has locking diff but suzuki has better financing. Guess i will hold off untill I'm 100%.

 

Check Your PM's

 

The worst thing about the Vinson is the cost of factory replacement parts. A roll over can cost more than a $1000.00!! to repair it.

 

Hey Quadfather,
I have an 03' and I love it. It is the first quad I ever had. I like the styling of it and a fairly smooth ride. I do wish it had IRS instead of a swingarm. It has plenty of power, it will surprise you. The tires aren't too impressive, but what do you expect for factory. I gave $5700 and some change out the door for mine. Mine is also the five speed model, which is a little cheaper, but I'm use to shifting gears. If you get the Vinson, I would say you made the right choice.

Good luck...later,

 

ok, well i have a kodiak or had it is now my dad's but i have a vinson and it is better in every aera. forst off when riding on aeras where thatr are a lo of small (like 1-2 feet) the vinsons suspension will just soak ity up and the kodaic with almost tipp. and te vinson is alot better for longer rides and about the locking thing. if u get stuck just pump the front break it will do te same thing and a locking front diff. get the vinson u wont be disappointed.

 

I bought my 03 automatic vinson in november. ive ridden polaris 500's before, but other than that im a new rider. My friend bought a standard Arctic Cat 500 4x4 the same day i got mine. The AC in no way compares to the vinson. I get faster acceleration, higher top speeds, and its WAY more agile in tight trails. His has 2 inches more ground clearance and independant rear suspension, but in my oppinion, rear suspension makes for poor performance. hard to turn and an unsafe feel at higher speeds. You may get a smoother ride at low speeds, but the fun is gone- no sliding or wheelies. As far as the mud and snow, my vinson has left him stuck several times, he's winched out, i never have, The vinson really has a sporty feel for a 4x4 and the handling is great. As far as the tires, mine have worked fine in 2 feet of snow and over 2 feet of water and mud. my AC friend has been stuck between two trees due to wider rear tires. now that my break in is done ive been plowing snow- what an animal, 2 feet of wet snow and no problems moving it. always starts up first try. 200 miles in 30 hrs. GREAT machine

cost: i pain 6800$ otd with a 2500 warn winch and a 4 ft countyline work plow i think it was 5199 + 200 setup&delivery + 400 each for plow and winch + tax & reg

I love the looks, the third headlight is such a bonus, the xtra storage is great, u can access it while seated, and the digital display is easy to read and looks sharp

what do i dislike.....um......uh.... i absolutly love it so far

 

I PIAD 5450.00 OTD. I LOVE MINE. THE CHICKS DIG IT.

 

[quote]
Originally posted by: creaid
I have a good relationship with my local dealer. Can't make up my mind between the kodiak 450 or vinson. They say both are great. Kodi has locking diff but suzuki has better financing. Guess i will hold off untill I'm 100%.[/

Have you ridden the 450? I have and I was pretty disappointed actually. This is just my useless opinion of course, but I thought it was down on power. Yamahas seem to be a little noisier than most of the other Japanese quads, but maybe it's just me. So if you're a hunter, that wouldn't be too good unless you wanted to spend money on a stealth exhaust. I don't like the shift lever too much either, but that's not a major problem at all. I too have the chance to buy either one right now and I'm going to look at the Vinson tomorrow. Just my thoughts!