It seems that Yamaha ATV's have a lower resale value than Honda or Polaris. I'm looking at the Grizzly and Kodiak. Why is this?

 

I have seen pretty much the opposite. I guess it really is dependant on the demand for a certain bike. I have seen 2000-01 400's going for less than 4000 and seen polaris's going for about half of what they were new and most the yamaha's around here are just slightly less than they were new. Any time you by a new bike, it will lose some value, regardless of make.

It comes down to demand for the product. If the demand is there it will keep more value. Such is the case with the old 250r's. I see them still going for above 4000. But I also see 300ex's for like 2800.

I don't know what it is like in pheonix, but up here it seems to be pretty good.

bat

 

I think it depends on the area you are in. From what I have noticed in New Hampshire you are right, Honda and Polaris are very strong here. So evaluate your area and you will find out which quads are stronger than others.

 

I don't know about Polaris, but I do know that Honda's are generally better designed and constructed than the Yamahas. If you have ever torn into both machines (I have) you will see a difference. Yamahas have more of a "home made" feel and Honda's seem a little more thought out. Examples are the Yamaha chain adjustment procedure, Banshee Air filter system, the bolts that hold the fenders on Yamahas seem "soft" and tend to want to strip out(I have never stripped a Honda fender bolt), the Blaster/Banshee A-arm bearing setup.
~~Yamahas do zerk everything, that is a huge plus.~~

I haven't really been dissatisfied with either, there are just nitpicky things. I have a Blaster that has been beat to death, and brought back. It still runs well.

As far as the price, I am sure it depends so much on your location, and the model of ATV you want. Sport models seem to be beat a lot worse than the ute's.

That is an interesting subject, I wish I had an answer for ya!