Thanks - I am looking at a second Kodiak for the wife and noticed this on it. I can see where there would be a little additional wear and in our case, it is not really needed. I figure if we get it I will pull it off and return it back to stock. The ATV only has 500 miles so I'm not too worried about the wear. I noticed the owner had a 2up box on the rear so I guess he was trying to make up some clearance that was lost with a 2nd person on board.
I was thinking it was a rear shock frame brace so thanks for the info.