Another thought that hoepfully won't confuse you further: I'm happy with my Foreman, but it was my first ATV. Knowing what I know now and how much I like riding it I would have spent the extra 1000 or so to get the biggest baddest machine out there. For me probably the Vinson manual or the Grizzly.

 

The Forman is a good machine and its true it has a lower center of gravity, which to me is important because I climb alot of hills and take corners pretty quick. If the kodiak 450 was out when I bought mine in '98 I would of concidered it, but having ridden both, I am still happy with my decision. I like manuals too. If a locker is a really big issue, you can always get a detroit locker from HL when the limited slip wears out. This would probably be a better set up anyway, detroit has been building lockers longer that Yamaha has been building ATV's!!