I purchased a Kodiak 400 2wd in Jan. '03 for my wife and I to trail ride. The wife wanted her own quad so 2 mos. latter I purchased a Kodiak 450 4x4. For just plain trail riding and light utility work I prefer the 400 2x4. This quad will also get you through some slick stuff quite well also. If you want a few more tranny options and 4x4, the 450 is the way to go. We do alot of mud'in now and she has surprised many 4x4er's out in the river bottoms. I had to put super swampers on the back, but this quad has definitly turned a few heads in the serious mud trail riding community. I have not noticed any real difference in the rear brakes between the two. As far as handleing , the Diff-Lock on the 4x4 makes turning difficult, but you only need to use it in extremely bad mud. I recommend going for the Kodiak 450 4x4 though. You never know when you might get that urge to have some Real Fun!!!! If you would like to see a few Pics of both in Mud'in action , e-mail me at csparks@txucom.net and I will be happy to send you some pics


03' Kodiak 450 4x4
27" Mud Machine Tri-claws on Rear
27" Bi-claws on front
High-Lifter Lift Kit
Ramsey 2500lb Remote winch ( Never had to use it yet)

03' Kodiak 400 2x4
25' super swampers on rear
Front rack
Rear Bumper (So I can push a little in Extreme circumstances)

 

Thanks for the replies. The prices I am going by are at www.lakehillmotors.com. That is the CASH out the door price and the lowest I have found. I really want a 4x4 but I don't plan on really mudding anything serious. Just the occasional trail mud.

Thanks

 

By the way, Lake Hill Motors is located in Northern Mississippi. The price does not include tax, but if you buy from out of state, they don't charge tax. They let you asset it in your state and pay tax. Also no hidden fees. I called them and they were very friendly. My local dealer would not even come close to their price on the 450. They also have great deals on trailors.

Magellenite

 

The perks you get for a 1000 plus more $'s is not worth it , if money is an issue- which it was in my case as well. In comparing the 2 I went with the '03 400. Doesn't have low get but I don't know when I'd have to use a bike with a gear lower than the 400. The 450 only has 21 cc more- not enough to justify the price. The digitial display is only a gadget. Although I do 'wish' that the 400 did have the locker. That's a cool system that could actually help some day. With engine braking you don't need a rear brake most of the time so whether it is disk or drum it makes no difference to me.
Save the extra cash a buy some accessories. In cAnda I got the 400 for 6999 not incl tax and the dealing included a Kimplex box/seat, Warn 2500 pound winch and 300 yamabucks to do with what I please. The 450 was 8200.00

Have fun with the new 400 Kodiak.