As you may know the new 2003 400 Kodiak ultramatic has no low range, if you want low range a guy needs to buy the new Kodiak 450. Well if I had the extra bucks I'd get the 450. My question is, could you do with out the low range on your Kodiak? If not then I may get a Big Bear.
Thanks for your response.
Wheatman. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

I have an 02 Kodiak and used low range only once. And the time that I did use it was to see the difference between the 2 ranges when hauling my trailer full of fire wood. It without a doubt was stronger. However, I do all my mud running, trailriding and plowing in High range. So what it comes down to is "What do you plan to use the Kodiak for?" If you want the atv for work either go with the new 450 or find an 02 Kodiak. If it just for recreation then the new 400 will probably do everything you need it to.

Good Luck
Marc

 

Marc, thanks for he reply. Plowing will be the majority of the utility, but the Colorado mountains have steep and rocky terrain. I will be doing some of the the steep stuff, mostly trails. Do you think that it can handle some steep rocky stuff now and then?
Greg.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I'm sure that your terrain is by far steeper. I've spent some time in the rock and sand pit around my place. I climb the hills with no problems. I have stock tires and do all my climbing in 2wd. A few of the sand hills are close to a 45 degree angle and soft because there sand. When I climb the hill my Kodiak has more than enough power.
I think the atv will do just find. The quick responce of the atv is really handy when in tricky situations.

 

Marc, thanks again for the info. I'll post what I get, but right now I'm leaning toward the Kodiak.
Greg.

 

One thing I don't see mentioned is down hills. Low range is a safety factor for going down super steep down hills. Just put it in low 4x4 and let the engine brake, (in the front wheels), do the work, also a brake saver. In Colorado, like WV, I'd think it's a must. I did not know the 03's didn't have low...

 

All the 03's with ultramatic trans. have engine breaking.
I have a call into Yamaha about the high range gearing to see if it's the same as the 02 high range.

 

Most of my riding is in the mountains of Utah where I couldn't make it without low range. My 2000 Kodiak bogs down in high range up steep stuff and the brakes get to much of a work out going down steep stuff.

I really looked at the new Honda Rincon but when I found out it has no low range, forget it! I cant understand why the Kodiak would drop that feature.

 

Money, it all comes down to the all mighty dollar. Kodiak was out of my price range for 2002, but now that they have done away with the low range and lowered the price, well get a Kodiak or get a Big Bear? Kodiak of course, if it can do what I want with out the low range? What will I get, hell I don't know! Any how thanks for the input cabnfeverkodiak. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]