i want some input on which of these atvs or some in the same categories are the best in mud and water most powerful etc. yamaha kodiak 400, honda foreman 450, yamaha big bear 400, etc. and how well do the fully auto belt drive atvs fare

 

450 foreman. I have not seen the other two in action but I have a rubicon and ride with friends who have 450 foremans and there outstanding. No belts to get wet or start slipping. Myself and a riding partner who has a 450 have had water up to the top of the seat many times and never have had a single problem, just keep your thumb on the throttle. I'm a honda fan just because they have proven themselves to me. If the kodiak is anything like the grizz it will do great in mud as well.

 

thanks, anyone else have any input? or experience on these atvs?

 

??

 

Have you looked at the Kodiak 450. I recently let a few guys who run a trail guide service ride my Kodiak. These are big Honda guys. They loved it. The guy who was riding a Foreman 450, asked if he had to give it back. It's one awesome ride. Never had a problem with the belt slipping.

 

only problems that I have heard people having other than the wet belt thing is that Kodiak likes to overheat as well as all thr other belt drives. The new ones don't have low range anymore eitheir which sucks but the diff lock sure is nice. Put a detroit gearless in the Foreman with a good set of oversized mud tires and not much out there will be able to touch you. Don't know anything about the Big Bear.

 

Well, when youre talkin about 400s youre in Outlander territory.. Now dont get me wrong, the other quads are great. But when you talk about 400s the Outlander takes the cake..

just my .02

 

I'd agree with Powerstroke01 -- Outlander!

 

dont forget about the suzuki eiger 400. A buddy of mine just bought a 5 speed about a mounth ago and it will keep up with my father's outlander pretty well. It also handles amazingly well on a trail. The only thing it wont keep up with in our town is my vinson and another guys grizz.

 

I just got a 03 Kodiak 450 (blue) 2 months ago. This machine blows my mind. It is an amazing crawler. It will climb trees I am sure. It is fast and very comphy on real long rides. Even in rough terrain. The diff lock it very handy and easy to use. THe stock tires (Maxxis) will are pretty good in the muck for stocks. Next year getting 6 plys though. I like the ground clearance over and Formans and the very soft and lower seat is nice. The stock skid plate although is garbage. Replaced it with an Armadillo plate, which I am very happy with. It slides well over rocks and stumbs. I researched the hell out of this class of atv's. My final choice was either a Forman 450 ES or the 450 Kodiak. THe Kodiak seems to have a good record also. My decision was because of the diff lock and 2" higher clearance over the Forman. Also the easier steering and softer seat and ride. I am very happy with my dicision after riding a friends Forman for 2 hours.