Loooking at a 2004 350 bruin (600km) $5300 or a 2003 kodiak 400 for $5300 anyone had any trbls with either of these bikes.

 

get thee kodiak... i haven't had any problems with mine they have been around for a long time to so they worked out of the bugs

 

go with the kodiak . think about this :
Kodiak - liquid cooled bruin air cooled with oil cooler
same weight almost but 50 cc or more size difference . I have an 03 kodiak its been a good machine but I could not see going down in cc's and retaining the same weight and size plus loosing the liquid cooling . The price seems high on the 03 kodiak though . It should go around 3500-4500 if its used depending on whether its 4x4 or 4x2 . Good luck .

 

I got a bruin when they first came out and so far there was no bugs. As for the 50cc difference i found it really didnt matter much. i can stay up with the 450 kodiak, it just beats me at the end of a race.. As for mud they suprize most people. I got through mudholes that my friend goes through with his grizz. Great bike.

 

Hey Bruin , not trying to offend a guy that uses the name bruin . I used to ride 1990 Yamaha Moto 4 350 2wd . That was the toughest atv I ever saw . Had the high and low range . My brother has it now . the motor is basically the same 348 air/oil cooled 2 valve four stroke they are putting in the bruin today and the warrior / wolverine . Great motors in my opinion . I just like the liquid cooling because so far my Kodiak has not experienced the slight power fade upon getting hot as my Warrior has done a few times while idling in slow areas on group trail rides . On the other hand if extreme reliability is desired the air/oil cooled will not let you down due to a busted hose or water pump failure . Does the bruin have a speedometer on it , if so what will they run .
I have had my Kodiak near the 60 mph line a few times , my Wifes 01 big bear stops at around 52-53 and that wound out tight . i really like the ultramatic transmission better than any polaris/kawasaki type tranny . the yamaha in my opinion is the best built atv around and i have a lot of time on yamahas dating back to the tri-moto 175 two stroke auto clutch three wheelers to yz 80 and 125 and then a moto 4 350 , big bear 400 , warrior 350 , kodiak 400 , my freinds have several versions of big bears , kodiaks and other atvs and they hardly ever seem to have troubles with them . my polaris buddys are constantly going to the shop . hondas are tough to but i think you will like the disc brakes offered on the yamaha atvs . well got to go .

 

It has a speedo. When we had a 450 kodiak it would only do 52mph (stock). May of gotten 60 if lucky going down a major hill. I guess the bruin would do as fast as your big bear.

 

I said near 60 , more like 56-58ish . My brothers moto 4 also with speedo stays with it after they reach speed . but not taking off .