[Wagmore]

Thanks for the add, I’m a newby to ATVs, and just put a deposit on a 2018 700 EPS armor grey leftover with plow today. Won’t be able to pick it up until next week, but looking for tips on anything to double check before I complete the purchase. Worked with a salesman over the phone and they just took the unit out of the crate and assembled today.

Very excited to have the ATV for utility purposes at our mountain property, and will also be a family light trail riding machine as well. We own three Adventure/dual sport bikes that will get more trail use than the Kodiak.

Thanks in advance for any advice!

 

[JimP]

Welcome to the site from another Coloradoan.

They should check everything for you if they just pulled it out of the crate.

Sadly most problems will creep up on you over time. Read the manual and break it in properly and as you are doing so check for leaks as you go. You might have to pull the skid plates to check everything but unless you also pick up a extended warranty the factory one is only good for 6 months.

What dealer did you pick it up from? One of the members here had all kinds of problems with one over in Denver. I'd have to do some looking to see just which dealer it was. I am sure that he will chime in here.

 

[Wagmore]

You might have to pull the skid plates to check everything but unless you also pick up a extended warranty the factory one is only good for 6 months.

What dealer did you pick it up from? One of the members here had all kinds of problems with one over in Denver. I'd have to do some looking to see just which dealer it was. I am sure that he will chime in here.

Thanks Jim,
I was able to find the last 2018 700 EPS (non SE) in the state at Apex in Co Springs. I don’t expect to take it to then for service unless something comes up within the first 6-12 months that may have to do with their part. I did purchase the additional 4 year Yamaha warranty so I can take it to any Yamaha dealer.

My first two choices for dealer service would be Grand Prix and Vickery, since GP is owned by an investment group that has several other well known dealers in the area that are ‘fair’ and service oriented. Also, Vickery seems to really know their stuff. G Force would probably be my third choice, but I would never waste my time talking to Coyote.

Apex seems very professional, and I wish they were closer to Denver, or Fraser where the ATV will stay most of the time.

Thanks for the welcome!

 

[Primethious]

Change the first oil soon including the diff oils.

I did mine before 100 miles.

The rear can be very nasty from the rear brake.
Get the air filter mod done asap.
Techspark makes a great digital service manual.

 

[JimP]

I'll second the Techspark manual if you are planning on working on your Kodiak yourself. I installed it on a laptop to use and I have used it quite a bit.

 

[maineboy]

what do you mean by the air filter mod??

 

[Wagmore]

what do you mean by the air filter mod??

There are concerns about dust getting by the stock air filter, so not exactly sure what the mod is, but one of those things that is common on stock intake for many Bike/ATV offroad models...
only thing is that with other machines I buy that have extended warrantys, the service department says that I need to keep it stock (even OEM filter) to keep warranty...

My machine will be used mainly for utility, and won’t see nearly as much Trail use, so won’t be in dusty environments much.

 

[Primethious]

It leaks dust around it.


Some of the guys on here have a thread on what to do if you want to go the inexpensive path.


The following methods costs more, but are dyno proven setups.
I went with the unifilter version as the K&N doesn't flip my trigger for dusty environments.

 

[Den]

I bought my 2016 Kodiak new from Vickery Motorsports and I wouldn't hesitate to take mine there for service if it needs professional work, which is anything I don't feel comfortable doing myself.

 

[CanadianKodiak700]

I'll second the Techspark manual if you are planning on working on your Kodiak yourself. I installed it on a laptop to use and I have used it quite a bit.

so the 700 Kodiak manual on there says only for 2016 & 17. but is should be fine for the 18 too right? I don't believe there were any changes until 2019

 

[JimP]

I don't think that there were any major changes and the repair guides should be the same.

I use mine for a lot of reference such as how things come apart and go back together or torque spec's.

 

[Wagmore]

I bought my 2016 Kodiak new from Vickery Motorsports and I wouldn't hesitate to take mine there for service if it needs professional work, which is anything I don't feel comfortable doing myself.

Yes, I worked with Brent at Vickery on comparing numbers on the 2018 I purchased. Ended up buying from Apex for around $800 less, but it was a non SE which helped the price be a little lower. They do seem very professional, and are on my list to consider for service/warranty work in the future.

Brent stated that they see way more polarises come in for repairs/warranty work than the Yamahas.

 

[CanadianKodiak700]

I don't think that there were any major changes and the repair guides should be the same.

I use mine for a lot of reference such as how things come apart and go back together or torque spec's.

thanks Jim, that is pretty much what I thought. i want it more as a reference too, sometimes things don't pop apart how one would think..... lol

 

[JimP]

Oh....they pop apart but it is the going back together with no extra parts that I like.

 

[Hercanstein]

Welcome from Oregon!

Best wishes with your new machine.

: )B