A few of you might of read my post several weeks ago about my 00 Kodiak that had lost the plug where the speed-o drive goes in the 01s, which in turn let all the engine oil run out on the ground. I posted a warning about this, and here is a update. The Yamaha dealership fixed it, it took two weeks to get the replacement plug. I had them document the repair so if there is a engine problem later on, I at least will have a history on it. The plug was pressed in, and some sagebrush or a rock was enough to dislodge it, and it was just a stroke of luck and oil in the snow that alerted the operator to shut it down. The 01's have the speed-o drive inserted and shouldn't be a problem. It is still a good idea to keep an eye on the drive to make sure it don't come loose.

Go forth and ride

98 450-s
13700 mi
stock
Blackwaters

00 Kodiak
stock

 

Roar, I see that you have both a 450S and a Kodiak and was wondering how you feel they compare. Just curious.

 

Stormy:

The Honda is just as dependable as dirt, in my line of work I'm in the mountains alot, and it has NEVER let me down. In 13700 miles I have had three wheel brearings, a float needle valve, and the most serious was a rear end that had to be replaced. The extended warantee covered all but the needle valve. The 450-s is more comfortable for me on long trips, the Kodiak tends to scrunch me up a little I think shorter riders won't have this problem. I'm 6'4". The Kodiak is a lot more fun to ride, what with not having full time 4-wheel drive, and is a lot more agile. I always use it if I have pin up a cow. The Kodiak needs new tires, so that will tell you how much use it has had, very little pavement. The rear brakes that come on the machine are junk, won't last very long at all. You can get better brakes, I did but can't think of the brand right now. The tires are junk my opinion anyway, lots of flats for me, will probably replace with some Blackwaters. I put them on the 450-s every fall and have good luck. Other then this stuff and what was in my post, have had good experience with the Kodak, no frozen choke like some has experienced. The vent pipe for the clutch located in the front has come lose twice, will let lots of water in. Other then that the clutch has been water tight. I change the oil regularly every 100 hrs on the Honda. Just put a hour meter on the Kodiak, so will do that also. At $10 for a stupid oil filter. A bit much I think.

Good luck
Roar

Oh yeah, the Kodiak has a winch also, and it gets used.