I was looking at a kodiak to buy the other day and I was concerned that the belt whould be a problem with slippping and breaking, has any one had problems with this. Also send pros and cons of this quad.

 

I have a kodiak and ride it hard, I go through mud, hills, rough terrain, and so far no problems at all. The engine braking is great and it helps tremedously in conserving the brakes. As far as belt slipping, I havent had any yet. The air intake is fairly high and unless you speed right into a handlebar deep creek I dont see it being a problem. I love everything about this quad, its "on the fly" switching to 4x4 and back is great although its recommended you come to a complete stop before switching, its also got great pull in low. This bike accelerates very fast too , and although it doesnt have a speedo I know ive gone at least 45-50 mph. I cant really think of any cons since this bike fits me perfectly. The only con I can think of is for someone who wants to use it as a boat and go riding in canals then you will probably get belt slip but is any quad gets that deep into water without some snorkle device then you pretty much stuck any way you cut it. In the end, I recommend this quad to anyone not looking to worry about shifting and wanting alot of power and speed.

 

Had mine 8 months now and no problems so far. I wasn't sure about the auto tran. with the belt also, but now I like it better than shifting models.

 

Do a Kodiak Search here.

 

you won't have any troubles with the belt drive auto. They are quite reliable. I personally have not witnessed nor heard of anyone having any trouble, with the exception of the occasional slippage which I have never have had happened to me. Once you own an auto you wont want to drive anything else. I was a die hard shifting man , but I hate to drive shifting quads now.

 

In case you did not do a search. Listen up. I agree with the former post. I was a critic of auto atv's. Now it is a hassle to use a shifter.
None are perfect. The Kodiak is close. Faults?
These are some common complaints.

* Rear brake pads are being reported as going away fast. Mine are wearing normaly with 100+ hours and they have more than 75% remaining. I have 3 buddies with Kodiaks with normal wear also.
* Earlier production units had leaking water pump seals. All that I have heard of leaked early durring the warrenty period and were covered without the leak returning. None of my friends nor I have had leaks.
* A few have reported water and mud getting into the clutch (AKA Belt) housing in shallow water. 2 I have known of were because the air intake or exhaust ducts for the belt cooling were loose at the junction (HOSE)clamps. I always practice my " Check EVERYTHING TO SEE IF IT IS TIGHT" method when getting a new bike. I checked mine when I got it and they were somewhat loose, as were a few other fasteners. I checked my buddies and his were tight. I have been in some very deep holes for more than a few seconds with no belt wetting.
To me these are minor and not wide spread problems especially for a first year new design model.

The Kodiak is a great machine and will do 50mph+ with firm psi tires. Some say slower, some say faster but it is an elevation and condition thing.
You will love it.

 

I pretty much agree with all that has been said.
I have not had one problem with the belt, and
I have taken it through some pretty deep water
and mud.
The only complaint i have is that it does not
have a speedo!
Other than that, it is a great quad!!

 

I have to disagree. Although I love my Kodiak, I have experienced a few problems.

1) My Kodiak goes through rear pads like grass through a goose.

2) My buddies wife took the thing through a mudhole that was about eight inches over the floorboards. The bike would then wind out like there's no tomorrow, but only going about three MPH. After a tow home. I removed the clutch cover. What I found was approximately five pounds of mud all through my clutching system. After about six hours of work, and four cans of brake-parts cleaner, I had it wooped.

3) I am currently on bumper number three. These bumpers bend if you run them through high grass. I realize that they are designed to give so you don't bend the frame, but this is ridiculous. I am waiting for Brute to come out with an aftermarket front bumper before I give Yamaha another $190 of my money.

4) I got the Beige colored Kodiak. It seems to be getting white fatigue spots on it. I have heard of this happening on some of the older Warriors.

5) I think they are a tad bit down on power.

6) I have experienced minor belt slippage twice since the mud fiasco. And just from going through small mudholes.

 

I did find the air boot going to the rear of the clutch area can be taken off and siliconed and if a person wants...use a regular hose clamp.Stock ones are so so. I have over 150 miles on mine and not one problem. Mine also runs better in high gear going up hills than did the 425 Magnum I had.

 

Quadfather, I agree with you on your first statement. I have had my bike for just a little over 2 months, and have had to put rear brake pads on allready. But my dealer did it under warrenty So I'm not complaining all that much. As for the rest of your coments, I have had no problems going into water to the bottom of the tank with no slippage. As for being under powered, I ride with a 99 Sportsman 500 and he won't even attempt to keep up with me. The front bumper on the Kodiac I have found to be very strong, I have my Winch attached to the front bumper even with the lights, and have used it often, Mostly to winch out the Polaris mentioned earlier.