I am thinking about buying a new Kodiak Ultramatic. However, during my "test drive" at the local dealer, I have noticed a strong vibration during acceleration. I must say that the test bike was new. I was unable to assess the vibration at high speed due to limited driving space. I could not go faster than 20 MPH.

I read on some posts that the Kodiak vibrates a lot and on some others that there was no vibration although they did not indicate which model and year they were talking about. I also read that comment in an ATV magazine.

I would like to know how serious is the vibration? Has anyone identified the source of the vibration? and has any solutions been found?

During the test, I really enjoyed the ride. the bike has lots of power, it handles well and I was mostly impressed by it small turning radius. It was the perfect machine except for the vibration....

A concerned potential buyer

Mine did that to when it was new. It also does it a little if I havn't rode it in a while or if it is cold. I think it is from the belt sitting and forming an elipitcal shape. My snowmobile does it to. It goes away after riding a few minutes at the most.

I have also heard of this vibration but never noticed it on my Y2Kodiak. At All. The engine has a counterbalancer.
You will love the machine.

I would like to add that maybe you should test ride another unit. Don't get that one.

Hey Rock.. Those hella 550's rule :) I put a pair of 550's on my pathfinder with 100watt H3's and there super bright. I'm getting another pair for my kodiak when I come up with the quid.

www.geocities.com/y2kerplunk

No noticeable out of the ordinary vibration on mine.

It does appear that in the cold once in a while the starter seems to stay engaged for a split second or so and makes a funny noise. Does'nt sound like a grinding noise though?

I will say that I am extremely impressed with the handling of this machine. Although I don't have any other 4 wheeler ownership experience to compare it to, I do have a Polaris snowmobile which has a much lower center of gravity and this thing handles corners and bumps like its on rails. Have'nt done anything to the suspension or air pressure since I picked it up a month ago.

I never imagined that it would be so much fun to ride in the trails.

I have noticed no vibration on mine. I had a honda recon before wich vibrates pretty bad to the point of making bolts loosen.