we are going to buy a new yamaha atv the kodiak or the big bear? will some one explain the differences from the two with drive, suspension,shifting and other things. It is going tobe used for a little playing but more work then any thing out on our ranch. There is a big price difference between the two. I think we would get the 400 with both of them. Thanks for the help SDF7

 

Hello. I will do my best to give you the break down. These are the major differences off the top of my head.

Kodiak
-401cc liquid cooled
-better seat.
-Auto trans. (depending on which you are getting 400 or 450 you may gain low range and diff lock)
-Single shock with 7.1inch travel.
-higher towing capacity 1102lbs

Big Bear
-386cc air cooled
-manual trans (5 speed)
-single shock with 5.9inch travel.
-very low first gear (great for work)
-towing capacity 904lbs


Both have 2-4 push button. The also have disc brakes up front and drum in the rear. Same size tires.

 

Well, if it was me i would get the big bear. The big bear is much more suited for working with its five gears and low first gear. The kodiak is good but the belt reliability with all the strain is not as good but still is mighty fine. The good thing about the bear is that it is just as good of a trail rider as is a worker, like i said, the bigbear is the way to go.My uncle has one on his farm and he says he loves it for work and the ride.

 

Any one else have an input. THANKS GUYS

 

i can vouch for the big bear the first gear can pull anything

 

If work is the #1 reason you're getting it and you dont mind shifting, go w/ the big bear. The auto on the kodiaks is nice, but those big bears are workhorses.

 

When it comes to a workhorse machine nothing will top the Big Bear. I have been thinking about trading for the Kodiak 450 but the only reason is I am starting to get more into mud, trail riding, etc. where the Kodiak might be better suited for me. I have owned my Bear for over a year and it has been an AWESOME machine. Nothing will stop this thing. I use my for work and play up at our cabin (80 acres) and it pulled stumps, logs, big rocks and everything else with ease when you started building. If I am you, I don't think you can top the Bear, as long as you don't mind shifting.

 

The big bear is the way to go for working//It tows like an ox (or should i say bear)

 

I have the Kodiak and the Automatic is really nice
and my friend (who uses his on his farm) has a Bear and says that he probably rather have the Kodiak since you do not have to shift.

 

Well guys we ordered the Kodiak 400 in green we will be doing some work with it but it is going to be for hunting more since we have the tractor and stuff for food plots. THANKS SDF7