Greetings all, this is my first post here.
I have been looking at the 04 Kodiak 450's and am pretty sure that is what I will go with. I would however like a little feedback on two things..
1. Does anyone who has this machine have any problems with the belt? How often does one go through them? How about water crossings, any problems there?
2. If I finance it (either through the dealer or my bank) am I required to get insurance?? If so, could I get a ballpark of what it costs to insure one of these? Thing is I had a DUI about 4.5 years ago, so I'm wondering what they would sock to me in insurance.
Everything that I have read sure makes the Kodiak seem like the perfect machine for me. Anyone have any complaints about them?

Thanks..

 

I have an 04' Kodiak 450 and have never had any problems with the belt as of yet. I ride it pretty hard and have rolled it a couple times and was able to walk away with just a few scratches in the plastic and that is all. Great machine I have taken it in water/mud up to the bottom of the seat and have have no problems. As for as the finance, I am not required to have insurance on it. I am currently financing and was able to do so without insurance.

I think you will enjoy the Kodiak 450 if you decide to go with it, I am having a great time with mine.

 

Thanks soxx. Do you have any complaints with the power this machine has? I had one person tell me his opinion was that it was a little underpowered. I'm trying to figure out if it is, or maybe he's comparing it to the grizz. What it boils down to is I want power to fight through a mud hole, and I also will be doing a little snowplowing. Is the Kodiak up for it? I will try to test drive one in a few days, but I would really like your opinions also.. Thanks

 

the 450 Kodiak has a low gearing selection for great crawling through snow/mud ect... it transforms the Kodiak into a completely different animal when running in the low range in comparison to high range. I did not find it underpowered at alll for slow mud/trail/rock/swamp riding..

however you may not have the top speed or upper mph performance of a Grizzly. I found the machine very agile for a 4x4 and easily negotiated challenging terrain.

 

Thanks for the replies. One more - Does anyone know if that servo problem has been resolved for '04?

 

I would have to agree with MNRAP the kodiak has great low range and I have taken it through some tuff mud puddles and have had no problems the kodiak has never let me down yet. Of course you don't have the top speed as say the grizz. but I sure did not buy it for top speed I bought it for trail riding and climbing and going through things, like snow and mud. As for the servo problem I have not heard of any problems with the 04 and I have no had any problems with it.

 

never knew there was a servo problem???? The 03 Kodiak that is in the family has performed flawless and
I must say it would make a fool out of my 450 YFZ in very rugged and technical terrain.

There is a problem with the 03 early production Kodiaks though,, that Yamaha will not admit to.. the jig for the frame
on early production 03 models was off and the frames are not true. You'll find that they lean on the right side both in front and back up to 1 1/2".

 

Thanks for all of the replies everyone. I went to the dealer to test drive one today. Well, they are doing the paperwork and I'm going to pick it up tomorrow morning. Can't wait to get it home and try it out some more.

 

make sure you take a look at the owners manual and I'd suggest at least following the 10 hours suggestions regarding break-in,,, especially during the first hour of operation,.. I'd heat cycle the engine a few times.. run it 15 minutes at very low rpm. let it completely cool.., run it again 15 minutes...let it completely cool..ect..