I was pretty much convinced on getting a Big Bear but then I started doing more research and I found that the Kodiak was a really good ATV. My question is which is better a Kodiak or a Big Bear? I like rideing through mud,and trail rideing. I some times use my current ATV to get wood, But i pretty much just trail ride and go through mud. I was wondering if you guys could help me decide on which one to get. Thanks.

 

I had a brand new 99 Big Bear. I kept it for two months, and sold it to get the 2000 Kodiak. I hated the full time 4 wheel drive, and the autoclutch is miserable for trail riding. I have been extremely happy with the Kodiak. I like being able to switch in and out of 4X4, and the auto tranny is great.

 

Which Kodiak 400 are you looking at? The dual range 383cc air cooled with full time 4wd or the automatic 401cc liguid cooled with switchable 2/4wd?

 

Hey Hey thats 386cc not 383

 

They are both great!the kd is a little faster, the bb is a lot less tippy,i bought the big bear because it has a semi automatic that wont slip with the heavy load of plowing,but the kd will handle it.the kd is a lot more fun to ride with its two wheel drive and handles bumps a bit better.The bb on the other hand doesn't bottom out as easy on jumps.As far as power there about the same when i race a kd on hard surface we are neck and neck until about 25 mph then that auto tranny really pulls away and also has more top end.I feel that the bb is faster in tight turning trails with its lower gearing and is less tippy.The kd is better on more open trails will pull away and give a little more comfortable ride.The atv's are the same as far as any type of off roading abilities. I hope this helps, you will be happy with either one i think.

 

if you have 4 WHEEL ATV ACTION..dig up the old issues...they have a shootout between..the big bear..and the kodiak...big bear is a good performer..from what i heard..and the kodiak is more better...if you don't want to spend that extra $600..then go with the big bear...but if u got it..go with the kodiak..you'll never regret it...besides..the kodiak is about 40pounds lighter than the bigbear...i own a kodiak and..it's way more versitile then my grizzly..you'll never regret the kodiak...

2000 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 4X4
2000 YAMAHA KODIAK 4X4
....cuz out here the BEARS rule!

 

Mega is on the right track both are good . I personally owned a 92 big bear for 8 years and sold it just this year and I could name on one hand what I had to fix. I currently own a 2001 big bear and basically I like to shift when I want to and I don't have to worry about a belt drive which I don't think is a problem, but for me I just like a manual trans and the lower price. The new big bear so far is really nice, very sporty on the trails, and pulls hard in the rough hills around home. I suggest you test ride both machines ( I did ) before you buy one and weigh the plus and minus for both machines for what you think is best for you. Good luck !

 

Based on the type of riding you are wanting to do, go with the Kodiak. You will be happier.

 

We have both. A BigBear SE and a Kodiak Ultramatic 4X4 and there is NO comparison. The Kodiaks tranny blows away the BB, and so does the handling and ergonomics. It's just plane fun to drive. Not that the BB isn't, I like a manual(or semi) just as much as anyone could, I've had them all my life. But the auto just works soo good, for example plowing, the auto works much better because you have constant power. I don't care how good or fast anyone says they can shift, you lose momentum, and that's just amplified when you have 200 lbs of slushy snow in front of you. Or climbing hills, there's no worries about gears jamming on the way up if you have to shift under power. I think the kodiak is better on gas also, at least in deep snow, we went for a ride last week when the snow was about a foot deep and I was even breaking the trail. I came home with at least a quarter tank more fuel.

BTW, Both machines have the same size 26" Bear claw tires.

 

"KODIAK" It is awsome!!!!!