Heh Drew hows it going ?? It's getting closer to going riding again. I would choose the 450 simply begause there is only about $3-400.00 difference between the 400 and 450. With the 450 you get the low gear, locking diff and digital speedo and to me it is worth it.

 

Can anyone that has ridden both comment on the difference in the ride between the older solid axle machines and the new IRS suspension. My wife is thinking of upgrading and was wondering if it is worth it for a better ride over rough trails.

 

the answer is yes and no,
I have both a solid axle 03 400 and a IRS 05 450.
each has its advantage,
the solid axle will be less trouble some in the long run, they are less likely to get damaged by a stick or a branch by poking a hole in the axle boots, CV axles will wear out. they will leak diff oil(mine already did, got fixed under warranty)
they corner better because there is no flex.
the 03 feels much lower to the ground and it feels smaller over all compare to the 450, not sure if the 05 400 would have the same feeling as far as being taller or not.
solid axle seem to have less rolling resistance.

the IRS is one smooth ride over rough rocky stuff,
it tends to tilt in the corners a bit more
steep off camber descent or uphill with the IRS is mch easier.
you have options to remove the stabilizer bar.... some may say are you crazy? it will have less stability in the corners.
true it will tilt even more when you go into the corner fast.
but I will take that extra tilting in corners compare to the advantage when it comes to rough rocky terrain.
with the stabilizer bar completelly removed you will have a true 4 whel independent susspension, it will give you an awsome stability on rough stuff, wash outs and on anything thats is not flat.
when it comes to fast corners I just use my body weight to counter balance the tilting factor.

there is the option to put that bar back if one does not like it.

so would I upgrade just for the IRS, yes I would !!! and I did that is how she ended up with my 03 400. ...
but my Wife does not value the IRS as much since she rides more cautiously, so her answer is NO.

 

hey banshee email me at reenoip69@aol.com i will give you the details on my kit

 

My '04 400 Kodiak has all the power I need. 6'2" 190. I go any and everywhere my brother's Kaw 650 Prairie goes until he gets crazy. His has scary power. I wouldn't have one. I feel safe and confident on mine. We've also decided IRS is not all that. The straight axle is better for the way we ride.

Evan in Indiana