my father and i are looking for a 4x4 to get us across our land we just purchased. 100 acres of woods with trials creekes and all the works in it. we dont need anything too elaborate (like a 650-800). but in my short research i have narrowed is down to a yamaha kodiak 450, a suzuki vinson 500, and a fourtrax fourman 500. an exhaust, jet kit, filter, lift kit, and mudders will be added. i want the yamaha, but i wish the motor were bigger, the suzuki i wouldnt trust and the honda has no ground clearance. i like the ohc liquid cooled yamaha and suzuki, and dont like the ohv air-cooled honda. i just wish the kodiak was a 500, is there any place that sells a big bore kit?

 

or buy a Sportsman 500 H.O....has bigger engine than the yamaha 450...more clearance than honda...liquid cooled unlike the honda...its a proven machine unlike the suzuki...but if its not wat u want i understand...thought i would give u another option...

 

by now the vinson has been proven. i recommend the kodiak 450, theyre extremely agile and maneuverable for there size, and still have plenty of power. the sportsman may have a larger motor, but it weighs over 100lbs more than the kodiak.

 

yea get the 450 kodiak

 

If I was look at something around 500cc I would definatly look at the Sportsman 500HO they are a proven atv. I would test ride all the ones that you are interested in and pick the best one for you.

 

Read my reply to this thread http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/445969.cfm (4th one down) Arctic cats always get over looked and they are more capable than any other brand and just as reliable as any.

 

How about a Honda Rubicon - Honda Relaibility and Resale Value, liquid cooled 499cc engine, 10 inches of ground clearance, 4 wheel drive ('05 models come with Traxloc 2x4 to 4x4 selector switch, or Warn aftermarket can be installed for about $300), and best of all, the Hondamatic transmission which gives you the choice of Full Auto shift or electronic manual thumb shifting, High and Low Range, and arguably the best engine braking in the business! I use mine ('03 model) to launch and retrieve a 3500 pound 19 foot ski boat and pull it up and down a 15% grade hill on gravel (see my detailed review under "Towing 19 foot ski boat" or "Heaviest items towed by ATV").

 

jwaoroedd...well watever u pick make sure you test them all or you will never be sure you picked the right one...good luck...

 

My Kodiak has plenty of power for only being a 420CC. I can go upt o 51MPH if I want. Fly off the line. Love the Engine Braking. Climb hills that look impossible. Don't see a need for a bigger engine for having fun and trail riding. Oh it can also make it through some impossible looking Mud Holes.

 

Have you test drove any to see if you like them?