Anyone have a Vinson 500 that has experience with a Kodiak 450. I am trying to make a buying decision between these two and dont know which is the best way to go. This will be my first ATV. The Vinson seems pretty modern but I understand teh Kodiak to be extremely good also.

 

I have a Vinson, but haven't ridden a 450 Kodiak. I can tell you that the Vinson has been a great machine with no mechanical problems. It goes like mad on the low end up to 50 mph and then works it's way to 62 (speedo indicated). It did have a problem with the melting plastic, but that is brand new with no mileage on that and also has the heat reflective tape in place now. Unfortunately, I have had a turn of events that requires me to sell. I've been waiting for a guy to set up a time to pick it up, but I might have to look elsewhere for another buyer if I don't hear back. I'm an hour away from Champlin if your interested.

 

If you haven't done it yet, ride them both. I love both of my Vinsons, 950 and 750 mi. respectively. Mine didn't have the melting plastic, just the sticky shifter.

I've always felt the Vinson was the most bang for the buck, larger gas tank, adjustable shocks, very good suspension travel, and a very fast motor. My past Suzukis have been very reliable.

I'm not sure but I think Yamaha increased the 400 motor by only 20cc and is now calling it a 450? Is that right? Somebody correct me if I'm wrong.

Mark

 

according to the Yamaha web-site, the Kodiak has a 421 cc motor. I don't understand why manufactures do this. Build a machine that, at most, should be called a 425, they call it a 450. I'm waiting for a call back from the guy who's interested in my Vinson. If I don't get a definite answer, I may sell to the next buyer. Let me know if your interested. Lone_eagle7mm@hotmail.com

 

Don't forget, the new Kodiak 450 also has the selectable front locker from the Grizzly.

Good luck,
Lorrin

 

The kodiak 400 is actually a 401cc. the vinson is nice, but the kodiak is nicer! i don't know, just buy them both...........or i guess you could just try them both out first!

 

RINCON,

I believe the machines in question were the Vinson and the new Kodiak 450. OK, so the Kodiak can "one up" the Vinson in one thing, a locker front. Any other contest between the two machines, the Vinson wins, hands down. The Vinson is simply a superior machine. But we're also talking 2 totally different machines. If you want to compare a Kodiak 450 to any other machine, then let's see a comparison between the Kodiak and the Sportsman 400. The motors are almost identical (425 cc to 421 cc). They both have a great 4x4 system. But the IRS on the SP400 compared to the solid axle will sport totally different rides.

 

Lorrin,
Good point on the locker on the new 450. I had forgotten about that. So if you need to lock the front end for riding in the mud, rocks, etc. that's a consideration.

The Vinson doesn't have a locker, but I ride on rocks a lot and haven't had a problem getting stuck because of traction. My girlfriend did high-center hers on a rock though.

As I suggested before, ride them both. Both are good bikes. I looked at the 2002 Kodiak before I bought my first Vinson. I liked it. I compared it to an Eiger and the Eiger seemed to accelerate better IMHO. When I compared prices, and features, (on the 2002 model) I chose the Vinson.

I don't think either bike is a bad choice.

Mark