I have a 01 kodiak on command 4x4. Is it all right if I keep my wheeler in 4 wheel drive for short rides? Long rides?
and My friend says that you don't have to stop to put it in 4 wheel drive. do you have to stop???? anybody have any answers for me?

 

It will not hurt your Kodiak to run it in 4wd for either short term or long term. As for shifting in to 4wd while moving Yamaha recomends you don't. However I have found as long the rear wheels are spinning faster than the fronts when you engage 4wd it doesn't hurt any thing. Hope this helps. Good Luck and Happy Wheelin.

 

After 15 months owning a 00 Kodiak, guess some of the time the machine could be defined as being abused, but never any problem with the 4-wheel drive. If shifted out of 4wd while in a corner it has a tough time shifting out, and you can't kick the rear end around like you would expect, but plenty of warning from the machine. Not suggesting you abuse yours, just my experience.

 

Ozark wrote that it is OK to go to 4X4 as long as the rears are spinning faster than the fronts. I disagree. I believe he ment as long as all for wheels are spinning the SAME speed. CAREFULL!

 

The only reason they tell you not to shift into 4x4 while moving is because of the handling difference. Yamaha has to cover their ****, so they tell us this stuff. It is perfectly fine to change it in and out of 4x4 while moving.

 

Rock,
Good catch I forgot the n't after are. So as long as the rear tires AREN'T spinning faster than the fronts than you should be ok.

 

About the Bear Claws,
Mine are the OE size and they will get you home if flat. Mine had lost pressure because of low temeratures. I rode it around camp a bit before loading it in the truck un-aware untill I hit the 4X4 I have across the bed to keep it from running into my Roll Top bed cover box. I luckly just kissed the box like the 4X4 was not even there. I had to look. When I got it home I put a guage on them and all 4 showed no psi. Out of curiosity I had to ride it around the yard a bit. A guy can make it back to camp like that.

 

I always let off the throttle, and mash the button when the atv is not under a "load" while engaging. My dealer said that is how he operates his personal Grizzly and Kodiak.

 

Same here. I slow to a crawl before shifting in or out of 4x4. I've tried at higher speeds(20-30kph) and sometimes you hear an unhealthy clunking sound.


Blue 2000 Kodiak 4X4
Kimpex F&R bumpers
26" Bear Claws
2000lbs Warn winch w/ roller
55w Halogen third light
Diff boot skid plate
Homemade winch activated plow
and 55w halogen reverse lights soon