[robval1987]

I decided I would put on a winch as sometimes I like to just go out riding, but worry if I get stuck and have no one to help get me out. So with that I ordered a Winch Plate/Mount (fits both the 2016 Kodiak and Grizzly 700's) through KFI (part #101275) just as good as Yamaha if not better at half the cost at $47 with free shipping. The Winch I ordered through E Bay (3000 pound Extreme Bad A$$), this winch comes with alot of accessories. It came stock with the winch, steel cable, roller fairlead, hook, handlebar controls, all power cables, and solenoid. It also comes with 3/16 synthetic winch rope (rated at 7000 pounds), aluminum hawse fairlead, and rubber winch line guard. The one thing I really liked about the winch mount was that it has a spot to mount the winch solenoid directly to it. I did opt for the Synthetic Rope, Hawse Fairlead rather that steel cable and rollers (save on weight). I did cut and fit all winch power cables (as I do not like a bunch of excess wire hanging around) and I installed heavier connectors along with heat shrink for that clean custom look. Also with the handlebar controller I found out it looked clean mounted right to the upper brake handle bolt (rather then using all the mounting hardware that came with, my preference only). Also while I did the winch install I went one step further and removed my front rack (my front rack has my Raider Storage Box attached to it, along with my 12 inch Auxbeam Led Light Bar attached to the front of my box, and my Snorkels are also mounted off the rear of the box. So I installed a quick release connector on the wire to the Light Bar. (Now I can loosen up the 3 hose clamps to the Snorkels, unplug the Light Bar, remove the 6 bolts that hold on the front rack and lift everything off as 1 complete unit) giving me easy access to the electroics and battery compartment under the rack. Here are a few pics of my install.
:nerd:

 

[Den]

Your story of mounting your winch is almost exactly like mine! I called KFI, the maker of the winch I bought, and asked about mounting the solenoid to the winch mount after hearing/reading on-line about the problems with doing this and they said it wouldn't hurt the solenoid as long as I didn't hit it with a pressure washer. My winch is KFI 2500# with synthetic cable.

 

[robval1987]

I figured I would mount the solenoid to the mount as instructed by the winch instructions. I figured worse case scenario was that it did get water damaged, but with a 1 year warranty on electric parts I figured what the heck. **** my winch spends a good bit of time underwater as is (hence the Snorkels). I've had water up to my handlebars and figured at that point there really isn't a dry spot left on the quad.
https://youtu.be/0AsBBFshMv8

:nerd:

 

[Bobbed06]

Would you be so kind as to post a link to buy this exact winch? I cant find it on Ebay.

 

[robval1987]

Avoid this winch at all costs! CHEAP PIECE OF CRAP, MADE IN CHINA, HOUSING MADE OF PLASTIC, POT METAL GEARS, NOT WATERPROOF, BROKE BY THE 3RD USE, NO CUSTOMER SERVICE, WOULD NOT RESPOND TO CALL OR EMAILS, HAD TO GET PAYPAL INVOLVED TO GET MY MONEY BACK. DIDN'T EVEN LAST 1 WEEKEND.

:nerd:

 

[robval1987]

Same setup as before, but I went with a BadLands 3500 pound from Harbor Freight. So far I'm really impressed with this winch, I've been using the **** out of it and it hasn't let me down yet. I did swap out the cable for a synthetic winch line and aluminum hawse fairlead. I even bought a two no question ask replacement plan. Paid a little more, but we'll worth the money.

:nerd:

 

[Androbjj]

Hello robval 1987 which wichplate did you use I am looking at using the harbor freight winch as well

Thanks Rick