I am ready to buy one of these quads, but I have a concern about the KQ. I have been hearing alot about the KQ's drive belt getting wet. I have a few questions about this. First, do most quads, except for the Honda, have the same type of belt? Second, if the belt will slip when it is wet, will it also slip under a heavy load or when the belt is worn out? Third, if the belt does slip when it is wet, is it easy enough to fix the problem by putting a snorkel on the box? I do not plan on using this thing in extreme water situations, but a flaw is a flaw and I don't want to be left high and dry (reverse pun) if I do get into some water. I did drive a Kodiak 450 this weekend and it seemed like a great quad. I don't really care about the extra power of the KQ. My decision will be based on these few things. The KQ is better because of the power and the EFI. The Kodiak would be better only because of the KQ's belt slippage. I am a very experienced motorcycle rider but I was not aware the belt slippage issue for quads.

 

My uncle got water in his carb while going in floor board deep water (it obviously splashed in the opening) on his 450 Kodiak. He brought the quad to me to fix and I pulled alot of mud out of the carb bowl. I have head of others having this problem as well--search the Yamaha forum. I have not heard anything about the KQ getting a belt wet more than I do any other quad.

 

Have you ever thought about a GRIZZLY, you should be able to get one at a good price .

 

This is just my opinion of course, but I honestly can't understand why anyone would get a Grizzly when they can get the KingQuad, which is basically a Grizzly that has been improved upon in about every aspect and with EFI to boot.

 

My brother has a grizz and I do have to say the motor has a lot of vibration And my best buddy has a King and it is as smooth as silk I happen to realy like the power of the King because I ride the rocks with it and its a beast

 

I have ridden my King through water over the top or the tires several times with not even a drop getting into the belt housing.
I think the guys getting water in there are pretty much sinking them to the back rack and water is coming in through the belt exhaust behind the taillight.

 

I do not know if this matters but I have a Yamaha Bruin 350, and it has the same ultramatic transmision in it as the Kodiak. I have had water up to the top of the fenders, and the belt has not slipped once. I am very pleased with my Yamaha.

 

I have logged many miles on Kodiaks and Grizzs.There is no question the KQ has more power than the 450 but if what you said about not needing all that power is ok then I would get the Kodiak.We have several Kodiaks in our gang and they are rock solid.The IRS model is nice and handles good compared to a Grizz.This is mainly because of it's lower CG.I have been wanting an IRS and was thinking about about a KQ myself but I am glad I waited.I have actually thought about another Kodiak but after having a Prairie I am not sure I could live with the less power after being spoiled.
All belt drive quads have their limits on how deep you can go.I would suggest going with snorkels no matter which one you get.IMO Yamaha has the best belt drive hands down.I put 3k on my 2000 and NEVER touched the belt.I have read posts on here that the KQ needs one around 1200 miles.I am not sure thats completely true or not.
My advice is go with the Kodiak if you settle for less power and spend the savings over the KQ and get some nice tires and wheels.
02 650 camo

 

I´ve both. I`ve the King and my wife the Kodiak 450. Both with round about 4000 miles in every Terrain!!!
Both are realy good ATV`s, but the Power of the King is much higher than the Kodiak.The Top Speed also.
The King is my Favorite ATV
Greetings from Germany
Herby9010

 

I have a KQ and my wife has the 450 IRS kodiak. Both bikes are awesome. The 450 will and has done everything the KQ will do. But the KQ is much smoother and more powerful. On the filp side we have had the KQ up to the fenders in water and I have replaced the belt twice with only 325 miles on it. Suzuki will not back up the belt under warranty. But like I said the kodiak has been fine and its cheaper!