Newbie has a question...
 

Hey all... I'm brand new and was hoping to turn to some of the more experienced to answer a few questions.

I'm looking at purchasing a 2003 Kodiak 400. It has a great price on it, but a few things don't add up. This is a picture of the odometer. Can this be correct? A 2003 with this few miles? Can you roll back miles or turn off the odometer?
Attachment 13577

I'm sure I will have a few more questions, but thanks so much in advance!

Mechanical speedos can be disconnected. The cables break, with owners leaving them broken for years. Also that odometer only goes up to 1,000 so it could have gone round several times. However some things point to fairly low mileage, shiny exhaust and rear axle, little or no rust on frame etc. If the engine sounds "right" and it drives well, this is more important on an 11 year old bike anyway. That monster tow bracket is a bit odd, and could point to heavy loads being towed.

Thanks Merryman. The people selling are the original owners and asking $2K. I'm thinking I could talk them down to $1500 or $1600. If the engine checks out, I think I might have found a good deal.

Is it 4x4? Some Kodiak 400's were 2wd. I assume since it doesn't say 4x4 on the plastic and doesn't have a 4x4 light on the dash, that it is a 2wd. Many old cars had the same kind of odometer that would "roll over" once it got to 100,000. It probably has 1240 miles but that is still very low mileage for one 12 years old. It looks to be in great shape. If it runs as well as it looks $1500 for a 2wd Kodiak 400 in great shape is still a good deal. For a 4x4 Kodiak in this condition its a great deal, they're worth several hundred dollars more.

Yes, it looks clean and if it sounds good, bearings and everything are tight that may be a good deal. I can see that being original mileage as well. Some buy them for hunt camp or whatever and they only really see use a few days a year. The speedo could easily have rolled over or been disconnected, but the condition in the pics leads me to believe it has been taken care of.

I know this is and old thread, but it's still relevant... The picture in the op isn't an odometer, it's a trip meter it just shows it's gone 240 miles since the last time it was reset (or 1240, or 2240, or, etc...). You can reset it to zero at any time by turning the knob to the left there.... It seems crazy, but there is no way to see actual milage on that year Kodiak....