I will be buying a new atv next month, I have narrowed the feild down to the '00 kodiak or 'oo rancher. I live in ALASKA and will be using mostly for hunting but some playing also. Any info is welcome on the above machines. The rancher is due here in February so haven't rode this machine yet. Thanks

 

looking at buying a new 4x4 and everything leans toward the kodiak over the honda>

 

I also live in Alaska. Go to anchorage yamaha and test ride the Kodiak. I was so impressed I bought three. Have fun

 

I was sold on the Rancher untill I rode a Kodiak and the Rancher at a Multi Mfg. Dealership. The Rancher is a Small Bore machine compared to the Kodiak. The Kodiak has been compared to the Forman 450ES and won out overall (Dirt Wheels Magazine December 1999). Disc brakes all around, in & out of 4X4, Automatic with outstanding Engine beaking.

therock

 

therock is absolutly right. The Dec. issue of Dirt Wheels is a must read. Any machine that can kick the 450ES ,s butt that bad deserves a hard look. Also Alaska ind. hardware just had a sale on the A2500 winch kit for $349.00. I think they wiil have the same sale in the spring.

 

They are both a really good machine, I would buy either myself. I would right both of them down on a sheet of paper, and go "eeny meeny miny moe" and see what comes up. Or, write both of them down and put them in a container, and draw. Actually, I would let your budget decide on what you want, since the Rancher is cheaper, but the Kodiak has more power and liquid cooling, disc brakes, and is just bigger. Either one you decide is a good choice, and you can't lose.

 

I think it would be better comparing the rancher to the big bear since both are manual transmission and full time 4WD. Did anyone ride both ?

 

I had a 99 Big Bear. I put about twenty hours on it before I sold it. It was such a drag being stuck in 4 wheel drive all the time. You really couldn't play on the bike. It would be a great farm quad. Anyway, I sold it right away and got the 2000 Kodiak. This thing is awesome, it's incredible on the trails, power is great, slides and does doughnuts with the best of them in 2 WD. Has all the goodies, such as polycarbonite floorboards, water cooled, 12v powerplug, auto, and 2-4 WD. This damn thing even has park !!!!