Looking at a 450 to replace the old kq 300. It is a 2003 with 4700 km on it. Do these have any major issues?

 

I believe 03 was the first model year available with IRS.

 

Nope, it's SRA.

 

05 was the first year for irs on the 450...

 

Yamaha states "450" it is actually 421cc's. The belt system on these are great as for all Yamaha's, even with 4700km the belt should be fine unless ridden hard, I would have it cheked and re-grease the clutch weights. Check for brake pad wear, the bears like to eat pads especially in muddy conditions. Other than that just check it over well like I tell everyone, you can never tell the real condition unless you look it over.

 

Yeah I read about the brake pads wearing out fast but you can get aftermarket ones that last longer. I also read about the air intake for the cvt chamber coming loose, not a big deal just something to watch. Those two items were really the only issues I could find which is pretty good, I think 2003 was the first year for the 450 too. It's an older gentleman who is selling it so I wouldn't say it was beat very hard except for moose hunting probably. The only problem I can see is the stock tires are probably getting bauld, hopefully I can get the summer out of them, I have some pretty nasty terrain to travel to get to the trails and stock tires tend to suck when new.

 

Well it's in pretty decent shape, it needs front wheel bearings & seals, one a-arm protector and the rear driveshaft rubber boot and most likely brakes, they squeal like crazy. A new belt and valve adjustment wouldn't be a bad idea either, and the rear suspension seems a bit mushy, like the shock is gone. The guy said he's had it back to the shop once since he bought it. I have to say that the under body protection is not that great, the rear boot is totally exposed, no wonder it's ripped. The A-arm protectors don't even cover the bottom of the arms. I wish all the mfgers would build in good protection, I hate having to buy a machine and have to spent another 5 or 600 dollars getting under body protection and tires up to snuff.

 

Well I paid the guy a deposit, I pick up the Kodiak on Monday. Along with the other issues listed above the lower right a-arm is bent like it hit a rock, this is why the guard is missing. I priced all the parts and I can get them for about $140 shipped to my door from MRCycles. If I had to buy them locally it would cost me at least $300 plus tax. The mfgers certainly know how to screw Canadian customers and in turn their Canadian dealers.