I was thinking of buying a new Kodiak. I wanted check with those of you that already own one to see what your opinion of this machine is. Are they reliable? I don't want to buy something that breaks down all the time, i.e. Polaris. What about long term durability? Most things run great strait of the showroom floor, but what about 3-4 yrs. down the road? I want to run 27" Blackwater XT's. Does this machine have the power to turn these with authority? Also, does running larger, heavier tires promote pre-mature belt wear? Any help on the above would be greatly appreciated!!!!

 

I used to own a 99 Kodiak. Its not the same as the 2000/2001 model. But if the quality of construction is the same, its a brick! I abused my Kodiak, severely at times. No matter what, that bike always ran flawlessly. I never once had it in the shop for repairs. My Grizzly is proving to be just as well made!

Rick

 

I own a 01 kodiak and it is great. Nothing has gone wrong with it since I bought it.not to many people now how the durubility is on a newer atv because it has't been out for 3-4 years so I recomend the kodiak.
tuba luba

 

I have several family members that own '00 & '01 Kodiaks and they love them. My aunt and uncle have ran all the different manufacturers on their ranch and they have traded off to having them(Kodiaks) exclusively.

 

Being the owner of a 00 Kodiak for 15 months, there are some points worth mentioning. The seat structure is not comfortable for me on long trips because it keeps shifting me forward. I'm a bit on the tall side (6'4"), and maybe this won't be a problem for shorter riders. Reverse is to high geared, stuck situations often tax the motor, and make it difficult to back out. In addition, reverse doesn't lend itself to safe backing down hills, if you spin out. I would really be cautious about big meats, the motor just ain't that strong. Check that out carefully. Unless you plan on leaving it in the shed alot, have the heavy duty brake pads installed before you even leave the dealership. I guess the 01's have a speedo, a nice touch for $200 more. Get use to paying $12-$20 dollars for a cotten-picken oil filter, and go ahead and get the filter wrench. The machine is very agile, some say too squirley, if that is a problem, just leave it in 4-wheel drive most of the time. This one gets lots of use, in mud, muck and mire, snow etc. runs in altitude from 2600 to 8500ft. It is used to pull wagons, and just regular grunt work, the belt has been fine, just as well because the manual is worthless about the belt and maintaince to it. It handles deep water fine, if you start getting water in the belt drive, check the inlet hose on the front of the motor, it may have loosened up and can admit lots of water. Trust me! Would I buy another? as of now sure would.

Go forth and ride

 

I've had mine for a year - I can spin all four 27" XT easy - that's with my 165 lbs on board - great machine - better than anything else I've ever had

 

I have had one now for three months (Kodiak 4X4). It has proven to be rock solid. No belt slippage even when crossing the deepest water. I have had water up to the seat and never had any problems. I have had many 4X4's and the Kodiak is the best 4X4 I have ever ridden. It may not have the most horsepower or be the fastest but on the trail nothing else can handle like it does. Don't get me wrong it is no slouch, my buddy has a Polaris Magnum 500 and my Kodiak can easily outrun it in a drag race. The park gear is a nice touch also, you never have to adjust the park brake again and as anyone who has had a quad with disc brake knows you have to keep it adjusted at least once a week. I would definitely but another one !!!!

 

Well, ive had my Kodiak 4x4 for about 7-8 months now. BAD POINTS: Belt slipped cause i backed off into a 5 1/2 deep pond..lol, collant leaked but i tightened the screw and fixed it, umm brakes!!!! i go muddin on average every 2 weekends and my brakes are shot..all i hear is all the sand in them, I tryed to clean them but didn't do anything. NOW THE GOOD POINTS: fast, easy into out of 4x4, great shocks, reliable, fast for a 4x4, i cant say enuff about this machine except i love it!!!. Either way you can loose.

 

From the sounds of it I think that I have the oldest Kodiac on the net. hehe. There is nothing I would change about my bike. There's about 7600 kms on it and still starts on the first try in all weather. It a 93, the fenders are scratched up but thats far from her heart. Its got over sized tires and still has no problems to carry its own wait. I weigh 215 and still can spin the wheels of the line. It still has the original front shafts. I just changed the original bearings recently. So far I only spent about 200.00 (Canadian in repairs)

 

How fast is the kodiak and if you got bigger tires would this machine need a lift kit?