This is just my opinion, but here it is:

The full time 4WD is miserable. Unless you are going to be doing farm work exclusively, it's worthless. There will be no whipping the back end around, or sliding, or the ever so popular doughnuts. The steering is stiff as well.

I personally hated the autoclutch. If you're trail riding with your buddies, and you go into a turn, when you downshift, the wheels lock up and skip into the turn.

I would save the extra dough and go for the Kodiak. Or, get a 2WD Kodiak. You wouldn't believe where a 2WD machine will take you. Or, look for a previously enjoyed unit. I have already seen 2000 Kodiaks in the local Cycle Trader.

 

Everyone seems to think that the Kodiak is the way to go. Allow me to play devils advocate here. The new Big Bear 400 is essentially the same as a 99 Kodiak was. The 2001 Kodiak has alot of bells and whistles compared to the Big Bear, but the Big Bear has a rock solid, simple, reliable design. The semi-auto is water tight, and will provide superior engine braking then the auto will. Personally, I like having the control of a manual shift. Don't get me wrong, I'm not in any way trying to say that the Kodiak ain't an awsome quad. I just think the Big Bear has some qualities that are as good or superior to the Kodiak. If price is an issue the Big Bear will provide you with lots of rock solid reliable fun for less money. Just my opinion.

Rick

 

I have had my 2000 Big Bear for about 6 months and I am very happy with it. We generally ride in creeks, mud and hilly trails. Mine is not a 4x4 but I've been amazed at where it will go. I only paid around $3800 for it new and I have had more fun than that in just 6 months. My Big Bear seems very low geared. On a good dirt road, it winds real high at those speeds but on the trails the torque is great. I'm sure the Kodiac is even better, but for what I'm doing, I'm having a great time.

Gary

 

I have a 2000 Kodiak 4wd and my father in law has a 2000 Big Bear 4wd. I think both quads are superb machines. In fast aggresive riding on tight trails though the Kodiak is clearly superior. The Kodiak handles better, is lighter,and can be put into 2wd. The Kodiak also has disc brakes on all corners. I think the Kodiak is slightly better ergonomically too (but maybe thats just me). I definitely like the location of the storage comparment better on the Kodiak.

The new Big Bear is a nice machine. It is vastly improved over the older Big Bears and Kodiaks. You said you wanted a quad for hunting and recreation, but wanted to keep the cost at or under $5k. If you want a belt trans and more "sporty" quad step up to the Kodiak, otherwise the Big Bear will serve you well.

 

I have to disagree with you when you say the Big Bear has superior engine braking compared to the 2000 Kodiak. I have rode many quads in my life and no other quad holds back on a hill better than the new automatick Kodiak. You can put it in low range and come down the steepest hill you would want to come down and you would never have to hit the brakes. For an extra $600 you get a lot more quad if you choose the Kodiak, if you remember the new Big Bear is basically a redesigned 99 model Kodiak, which isn't to impressive for a 400cc quad. Just my opinion!

 

You obviously haven't ridden a Big Bear down a steep hill in 1st gear. I have the Ultrmatic tranny on my Griz. While it is very tight going down steep hills. It ain't nothing like a manual shift for engine braking! Plus if you hit 2 feet of water a very high speed with the Kodiak or Grizzly, you stand a good chance of getting water in the tranny and slipping the belt. Not so with the Big Bear. You can do that all you want, and you will never get water in the tranny.

Rick

 

I've had my 00' Big Bear 4x4 for 13 months now and have put it through everything Florida terrain offers up to my adventures. The steering is a bit stiff but I'm used to it now and it doesn't bother me. I think this 4x4 might be better suited to a male rider over a female rider only because of the fatigue factor, but any experienced rider can handle this machine. It isn't a go fast, 4 wheel drift around the corner sport bike. It is a utility machine and does the job competently. I considered buying a Kodiak but opted for smaller size, manual shift & air cooled over the larger Kodiak automatic & liquid cooled because I think there will be less mechanical problems down the road. The Big Bear is very torquey in the slow trails, small and agile enough to get in and out of tight spots. Florida woods can be very tight with thick brush.

However, sometimes I wonder if I bought more machine than my needs required because my buddy has an older Bayou 220 2x4 and he has gone every place I can go with the exception of ground clearance, he will get hung up on logs and doesn't have the 4WD to pull from the front. For the money, I bet you would be pleased with a 01' 2x4 Big Bear. If I had the $$$, I'd buy one for the wife to get her more involved.

Either way, take your time making a decision. It matters only that you will soon have a 4-wheeler to ride, with much fun to look forward to.

 

The big bear isn't a bad choice its a good quad. A few months back the Kodiak beat the big bear in almost every category in a shoot out. However the Kodiak is a new model, when was the last time the big bear was updated?

 

The Big Bear was updated for 2000 just like the Kodiak was. The Big Bear was a 350 and was upgraded to a 400 along with other changes.

 

Kodiak Got ATV OF THE YEAR.. But it is your choice
"Only you can choose your desiny."