I'm looking to get my wife a 4x4, and I like the looks of the two Yamaha's. I can get a 02 BB for $4900 or a Kodiak for $5900. Is the Kodiak worth $1000 more then the BB. I know the Kodiak is auto and liquid cooled, but is it really worth that much?

 

U want a Class ride go with the kodiak u wnt power go with the big bear

 

There quite a few differences just in case you aren't aware of them. The Kodiak has an automatic transmission, the Big Bear has an automatic clutch with a manual shifter. The Kodiak has a low range, the Big Bear does not. Partly because of this, the Big Bear has a very low first gear, and all of the gearing is lower. This causes the Big Bear to have a MUCH lower top speed. The Kodiak is supposed to have sportier handling. The 2002 model Big Bear is supposed to have a 2wd-4wd switch, all earlier models were full time 4wd. The Kodiak has a 2wd-4wd switch. Even with all of the additional features of the Kodiak, I spent a few hours on a Big Bear last summer, and really liked everything about it except the low top speed (42 ?).

Good luck with whatever choice you make,
Lorrin

 

i own a kodiak. pound for pound and buck for buck the kodiak is the best quad out there. it is definatley worth the 1000 k.

 

What makes it better? The only difference I see between the two, is the Kodiak is auto and liquid cooled and a little faster on top end. Other then that there pretty equal. But are those extras worth $1000 more is my question?

 

I own a 2001 Yamaha Kodiak, and I have too say it's probably one of the sportiest 4x4 ride I have ever ridden, it also has a very light steering, and tight turning radius ,all though the engine could use a little more beans. If you can wait rumor has it that Yamaha will put a Locker on the Kodiak for 2003. As for the big bear i've ridden one and it's steering feels a little heavy. Just my .02

 

Don't forget the low range and the automatic on the Kodiak. I seem to remember that the Big Bear engine is not the same as the Kodiak. Obviously the water cooling means the Kodiak engine is different, but I think that the Big Bear engine is much "lower tech", and less powerful because it doesn't have 4 valves, and some other things. The engine for the Kodiak was upgraded quite a bit when the new model came out in 2000, and the Big Bear did not get the upgrade.

Good luck,
Lorrin

 

I just bought a Kodiak and I love it. It is aawwweeesssooommee!!

 

more than you think differences.... kodiak is 401cc bear is 386cc .kodiak has different front end and disc brakes vs. bears drum brakes. wider more comfortable seat on kodiak. some think bear has more power... think again.

 

i have an 01 kodiak and i wouldnt trade it for the world. the brakes are different though, the big bear have front drum brakes which in my opinion suck and the kodiak has front disc brakes which are way better. the kodiak is the ultimate sport/utility ATV.