I'm getting ready to purchase a new ATV for hunting and recreation. I've ridden a Kodiak, but the Big Bear seems more in my price range. Has anyone been displeased with their Big Bear. Or should I consider something else, altogether? Give me the scoop, please. Thanks in advance.

 

What's the price difference? When you consider full disk brakes, engine braking, push button 4WD, liquid cooling and how well the Kodiaks belt works i think it's deffinatly worth the extra $$. I have a 2000 ultramatic and my dad has a 350 Big Bear SE and there is NO comparison. Totally different machines. His will go through the same deep mud(we both have 26" Bear claws) but we both agree mine is much nicer to drive.

 

I have to agree with kerplunk, the Kodiak is the bomb!!!!!

 

I had a brand new 99 Big Bear, and a new 2000 Kodiak. The bear had to go. I know they are 50 ccs bigger now. But the Kodiak is great. The autoclutch was a drag the day I got it. The ultramatic is the way to go.

 

Thanks for the input. I guess I should have been more specific. I have a $5000.00 limit to work with. I don't think I can get a Kodiak for under that. From what I've seen, the Big Bear seems the next best thing. I wondered if there were any significant drawbacks to the Bear. Anyone? P.S. If anyone knows where I can find a 2000 Kodiak for under five grand, let me know.

 

You can get a 2x4 Kodiak for under or around 5000 but if you want a 4x4 then you are looking at over 5000 for sure. I got my 4x4 Kodiak for 5400, why not try to save up a little more and get a better machine ? The Big Bear is a great either way, I havent heard any negative things about it and all that have it seem to love it, either way you cant go wrong.

 

I know my friends that have BB's like em because its full time 4x4 and they don't have to worry about whether it's in or not. The steering is a little stiff, but the new ones are extremely better than the old 350's. If you would like to do some 2x4ing then you need a Kodiak or Griz. For the features the extra $$ is no biggie, just wait a bit and save some more bucks.

You'll be happy with either one.

Later
Joe

 

I agree with KingKodiak4x4 save up a little more money and get the kodiak. I have a 2000 kodiak and love it. My friend bought the bigbear to save money, now he wishes he would have got the kodiak.

 

Airpig, if you have a budget you gotta work with it. My suggestion would be to hold out until your budget is a little larger so you can get the Kodiak. But if you can't wait that long for whatever reason, to answer your question....the Big Bear is also a fine machine. One of the main differences is going to be auto vs. semi auto.

 

I have a 1999 Kodiak . I also was on a bugget and had to chose between the 99 Big Bear and the Kodiak. But, I held out and went for the Kodiak, even in 99 the Kodiak was the hands down winner. For me it was the extra cc's, speedo, extra large oil cooler with fan, dashmounted choke, tackometer, fuel guage, and so on. You get the idea. Kokiak, Kodiak, Kodiak.
Ride Hard Tread Lightly
99Kokiak 400 4x4