I've been doing alot of research in these forums on various utility quads. I'm leaning towards the new Kodiak 450 for it's size and numerous options. I've also looked at the Vinson and new Foreman 500ES. I've had Honda's in the past and know they are quite reliable. Never rode a Vinson, but hear pretty good things about them. The Kodiak just appeals to me because it's not so large and has the IRS for a smooth ride. I was wondering however, what is the reliability of an IRS machine? There is obviously alot more moving parts back there and I was wondering how they hold up over time. One of my friends uses a Sportsman 500 at his farm and it seems like every year they have to go through it and fix things. I know the Kodiak 450 just came out with IRS but I was just wondering if anyone had an opinion on longevity. This is one of the main criteria I will be using to purchase my next ATV because I want something to use at the farm that will last for years. Appreciate any advice.

 

The Kodiaks' big Grizzly has an extra four cv joints with boots to accommodate the IRS. This means that there are twice the boots that will need to be serviced over time. I believe replacement boots cost about $30 each, which can add up over time. There are not any other extra maintenance items I can think of due to an IRS suspension.

 

Also, I have abused the heck out of the Grizz and have never been let down.

 

How easy is it to tear a CV boot? I run through alot of rough patures and fields. Are the boots really the only thing that ever need to be taken care of or are there other things?

 

Hey neighbor (Doodle)! I had a AC with IRS and only needed to put better brush guards on it front to protect from stalks, etc. However, my Yamaha 450 seems to have better protection for the front boots and I doubt I put any after market protection on it. As for the IRS boots, you will not have to worry about them unless you plan on going backwards alot in brush or stalks. Long story short, get the 450 IRS!

 

I NO A GUY WHOS FREINDS WITH MY DAD AND HE GOES THROUGHT THE BOOTS LIKE CRZY.... I JUST AND AFTER THE 3RD OR 4TH ONE HE FINALLY DECIDED TO GET THE GUARDS FOR IT

 

A stock Grizz has the cheapest cv boot guards known to mankind. I purchased boot guards and belly armor for roughly $350.00 for piece of mind. Yamaha cv boots are made of thick quality material and, unless they are punctured, they should give at least four to five years of service life. Keep them maintained and purchase guards and you should have no problems.

 

I would definitely suggest buying the front and rear aluminum or steel A-arm guards as the stock plastic ones are really inadequate. I went for the full anodized aluminum skid package from Yamaha and couldn't be happier. It already paid for itself by avoiding the damage I would have incurred without the skid plates.