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My uncle gave me a four-wheeler he said was a 2005 yamaha kodiak 400, however with a little research I noticed the vin number indicates a model year of 2008. I have attached the vin/serial number and a couple of reference pictures.
It has an analog speedometer so I'm leaning more towards a 2005 machine but it doesn't make sense to me.
Can someone help me out? I just need to know the specifics so I can order some parts.
I believe it is a 2008. Here is a quote from It Still Runs," Step 4Read the tenth digit. This digit represents the year that the ATV was made. For example, A=1980, B=1981, Y=2000, 1=2001, 9=2009 and A=2010. This letter or number can repeat (the "A," for example), but the codes of the other digits in the VIN allow you to know in which year the ATV was made. Furthermore, in the example of "A," the manufacturer may make the same body style or use the same engine for a few years, but if a particular ATV has a newer body style and engine, then the "A" in the VIN will represent 2010 and not 1980. Note that letters I, O, Q, U and Z are not used."
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VIN decoder says 2008 Yamaha YFM400FWAN 4WD Big Bear 400. Go to somewhere like partzilla and under Yamaha for year 2008, just choose one of the Big Bear 400 4wd models as they are almost always the same, just different colors across the models. The most important part of the model types is usually the YFM40 part of it unless you get to newer, higher end ATVs as those have different mechanical options like electronic power steering. Only other caveat would be that sometimes different US states have slight engine restrictions and that could be a difference in the model number. If all you need is something like suspension parts, those are probably the same across the entire model lineup.
Yes, looks like some joker has stuck Kodiak badges onto a 2008 Big Bear 400. At one time Kodiaks were the water cooled versions and Big Bears air cooled, but Yamaha have gone weird on model names, almost everything became a Grizzly about then. Owners are always vague about the year their machine was made, so never believe a previous owners claims about the age of a machine.
Just checked, and Yamaha were still using mechanical speedos in 08 on the Big Bear 400.
Yes, looks like some joker has stuck Kodiak badges onto a 2008 Big Bear 400. At one time Kodiaks were the water cooled versions and Big Bears air cooled, but Yamaha have gone weird on model names, almost everything became a Grizzly about then. Owners are always vague about the year their machine was made, so never believe a previous owners claims about the age of a machine.
Just checked, and Yamaha were still using mechanical speedos in 08 on the Big Bear 400.
I thought about throwing R1 decals on the wife's Timberwolf, just for laughs lol
Aug 6, 2020 | 08:01 AM
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