[mickeywoods]

New to the forum and looking to buy either the 16" Sportsman 570 or the 16" Kodiak 700. Depending on what I read and who I talk to, the consensus seems split as to which bike I should buy and which is better.

Is the Polaris AWD TRULY more effective than the base Kodiak LSD 4X4?

Also, is the Kodiak frame large enough for a 6'4 235lb rider? (Asking because I'm deployed overseas, no dealerships here to walk in and sit on one lol)

I also was wondering if EPS is really necessary?

I own a Yamaha Stryker (Cruiser) and love the Yamaha quality but my Dad and several other guys in my Dept swear by Polaris and say get the Sportsman

Thanks for any input. Looking forward to hearing your responses!

 

[Link]

I owned a 2015 570 before I bought my 700. My 570 had gas boiling issues when the tank was under half full which resulted in the driver smelling gas until the tank was filled. Their stock spark plugs on the 570 are junk. I had a rear suspension squeak on my 570 that I only got rid of by antiseazing the bushings in the aarms. I did like their 4wd and that's the one thing I do miss. I'm not bashing 570s, just listing some things I encountered along the way. The wheelbearings went out on the 570 around 1200 miles which may be normal, it spent alot of time in water. The Yamaha dealer gave me more for my trade in so I went with the 700. I am very happy with my 700 so far but have only owned it for four months. No issues with it so far.

 

[Link]

Typo, my 570 was a 2014, eps is a luxury, not a necessity. Steering is very smooth and easy on the 700 without it.

 

[mickeywoods]

Thanks for the input!

 

[cjg]

I've always been a Polaris fan but after having a few Polaris ATVs, when I needed a new one I went with a 2017 Yamaha Kodiak EPS SE for the reliability.
It's pretty hard to beat Polaris 4wd without a diff locker.
I always thought power steering was for wimps, but to get the diff locker in the Kodiak I had to get EPS. It really is amazing how good this works, you really don't notice it until you ride without it after having it. I'd definitely recommend it.
Being a big guy you might want to look at the Grizzly, it comes with the diff locker in the base model and it's a bigger machine, taller bars, higher seat, etc.
I would never buy another Polaris ATV.

 

[mickeywoods]

I love hearing the input. I'd consider the base model Grizzly. It's a tough looking bike. Anyone do any powersliding on the Kodiak??? I was also told a Grizzly handlebar and clutch swap would put me in the Grizzly performance ballpark for less $. I'm pretty much settled on the Yamaha brand at this point in product research!

 

[Packmaster]

The Kodiak is about the size of the older grizzly's. It has a lower centre of gravity in a more nimble, compact package. The SE is a little mountain goat with the diff lock and heavier clutch weights. Swapping them for the grizzlys weights will increase the chuggin rpm but give you the grizzlys snap. With the 708 I feel she rips around just fine, especially after break in. Plus I can take off into the woods and maneuver around tight spots with ease compared to my buddies with grizzlies. Both have there niches but you can always mod the Kodiak to have the best of both worlds. Jmho

Oh and I forgot to mention that my previous bike was an older sportsman. Fine bikes the older sportsmans, little tanks, but I would stay away from the newer ones. I did allot of research and diggin to before I went Yamaha. Again jmho. Mercy Xmas!

 

[Jackfavor]

IMO Polaris's braking system, EPS and engine braking can not compare to the Kodiak

 

[Duck3540]

Depends on what your doing with it i have a 16 kodiak 700 and Ive put mine in just about everything imaginable it has 28in silverbacks on it a complete highlifter snorkel kit a hmf optimizer and full hmf performance exhaust and its unstoppable my buddy has a 15 sportsman 570 and its good for average riding but nothing serious only think i dont like about it is the battery being located down by the front diff. The kodiak has all its electronics mounted on the front up top under the front plastic works better for riding in mud or water.

 

[Duck3540]

The Kodiak is about the size of the older grizzly's. It has a lower centre of gravity in a more nimble, compact package. The SE is a little mountain goat with the diff lock and heavier clutch weights. Swapping them for the grizzlys weights will increase the chuggin rpm but give you the grizzlys snap. With the 708 I feel she rips around just fine, especially after break in. Plus I can take off into the woods and maneuver around tight spots with ease compared to my buddies with grizzlies. Both have there niches but you can always mod the Kodiak to have the best of both worlds. Jmho

Oh and I forgot to mention that my previous bike was an older sportsman. Fine bikes the older sportsmans, little tanks, but I would stay away from the newer ones. I did allot of research and diggin to before I went Yamaha. Again jmho. Mercy Xmas!

How do you like the clutch weights does it make a big difference in riding? I have 28in silverbacks on my kodiak 700 and want to be able to turn the tires better?

 

[Jaybird_88]

http://www.grizzlycentral.com/forum/showthread.php?t=66297

Had a tough time choosing as well, I went with Yamaha because after riding both I felt the Kodiak was a higher quality product.

 

[Just4Kixx]

I'm 6'3, 250 pounds, and I fit on my old Kodiak just fine.