[Albert Mank]

There are many things about my 2016 Kodiak 700 which I don't like. Some things include the fact it doesn't have a fuel gage, doesn't have a speedometer, and it doesn't have the same trailer hitch as the EPS and the SE, but from my understanding the SE and the EPS has all these things, if I found these parts online or off from these other Kodiak models of the same year would I be able to fit them onto my base model?

 

[cjg]

I'm sure the hitch would. The electrical stuff could be quite a pain, the electronic gauge does more than fuel and speed so you'd have more sensors to deal with, if you don't know what you're doing and would probably cost more in the long run than it would have to buy it with what you want initially.

 

[Rollin]

There are many things about my 2016 Kodiak 700 which I don't like. Some things include the fact it doesn't have a fuel gage, doesn't have a speedometer, and it doesn't have the same trailer hitch as the EPS and the SE, but from my understanding the SE and the EPS has all these things, if I found these parts online or off from these other Kodiak models of the same year would I be able to fit them onto my base model?

As cjg said, fitting an OEM dashboard from an EPS model will be way too much money and trouble, if that is even doable.
But most of your desired options are available and there are posts on this forum about them. The trailer hitch is probably going to fit if you buy the parts, or can install a $10 ball on your existing bracket.
The speedometer - you can get an aftermarket gauge to install -look up Trail Tech or other brands- members here did it with good results, including myself.
The fuel gauge is more trouble than it's worth IMO and if you're getting to know your machine it's going to be easy to know when to refuel. Or get a fuel can strapped to the racks if you like reassurance you'll not run out of gas in the middle nowhere.

 

[JimP]

I'm new here also and just purchased a used Kodiak yesterday and it is the base model with no hitch or speedometer.

The hitch problem is quickly solved. I found a parts supplier in Oregon that had the recevior hitch for $61.00 and ordered it. It should be a direct bolt on accessory.

On the speedometer, I can't believe that Yamaha is still building these machines without one. My previous ATV was a 2000 Kodiak that also came without a speedometer but in 2001 or 2002 Yamaha started offering a conversion kit that you could purchase and install, which I did. I am hoping that with enough pressure or people wanting one on these base model machines that they would come out with a retrofit for us.

On the fuel gauge, I agree that it might be more problems that it is worth. However after looking at parts diagrams and comparing the SE with the base model it looks like it could be a plug and play type of thing. Mind you I said that it could be. I'm not sure on the speedometer. On my old machine all I had to do was to run a cable and install a gear on the transmission and it only took around 2 hours to do it all.

 

[Rollin]

What Yamaha did with the 2016 year models is, they put the 708 cc motor in the majority of their ATVs and SXS and go from there with different models and trims. The Kodiak Base model is at the very bottom of that list and the price really reflects that. I was also surprised on how basic it is but I also enjoyed the selling price . At the same price point I could've find only a 400-500 cc machine from the competition. Or a 3-4 years used quad.
I preferred to get the bigger engine with the IRS, great long lasting CVT transmission with great ground clearance in a compact footprint and all the other good stuff like FI and water cooled from Yamaha in exchange for the gadgets in the dash board.

One thing it would have worth the extra money is the PS , but hey, i'll get it in my next quad. :wink2:

 

[plumber]

I'm new here also and just purchased a used Kodiak yesterday and it is the base model with no hitch or speedometer.

The hitch problem is quickly solved. I found a parts supplier in Oregon that had the recevior hitch for $61.00 and ordered it. It should be a direct bolt on accessory.

On the speedometer, I can't believe that Yamaha is still building these machines without one. My previous ATV was a 2000 Kodiak that also came without a speedometer but in 2001 or 2002 Yamaha started offering a conversion kit that you could purchase and install, which I did. I am hoping that with enough pressure or people wanting one on these base model machines that they would come out with a retrofit for us.

On the fuel gauge, I agree that it might be more problems that it is worth. However after looking at parts diagrams and comparing the SE with the base model it looks like it could be a plug and play type of thing. Mind you I said that it could be. I'm not sure on the speedometer. On my old machine all I had to do was to run a cable and install a gear on the transmission and it only took around 2 hours to do it all.

it is unfortunate that the base model lacks these, but that is why the price is low. trade it in and get an SE well worth the extra money.

 

[JimP]

it is unfortunate that the base model lacks these, but that is why the price is low. trade it in and get an SE well worth the extra money.

For some reason I hate the look of the Cyclops headlight on any ATV and for some reason it always seams to end up broken and jumping all over the place. That along with what I paid for my base model Kodiak I can put what I want onto it and still come in way under the price of a SE.

 

[Packmaster]

It is very unfortunate the base model lacks all of the SE's perks. I would of bought a grizz just for the diff lock and headlight but low and behold Yamaha was one step ahead with the SE. Thanks Yamaha!

 

[markobaldo]

Fuel gauge/odometer work-around

I recently purchased a base model. I'll admit I like a fuel gauge and a an odometer for maintenance. My work-around was to install this hour meter that has three(3) timers built in. I use the resettable Timer 1 as my fuel gauge, resettable Timer 2 for maintenance and the non-resettable Timer #3 for total hours run. The connections were easy; there's an electrical deadhead right below where the instrument panel would be. I assume it went to power the fancy gauges on the upper-end models. That wire is energized when you turn the key. The other lead goes to battery negative. Easy-peasy.
The forum won't allow me to post a URL but I purchased my hour-meter from Amazon:
Searon Digital Inductive Engine Hour Meter
Manufacturer part# WZXHM-HM038S

 

[plumber]

the lights suck anyway, I put a Yamaha box on the front, and disconnected the light. And added a 20" light bar. Used the wire for the center light, and BAM ! now I have real light, have to have for Hatfield and Mccoy trails at nite.

 

[plumber]

should have got the SE , it really is worth the extra money. The push button diff lock and the gauges, I know money is harder to make than spend. And change the tires, every manufacturer puts trah tires on these atv and for the money they should put a good tire on them. Maxxiss is a really durable tire, it can hold up to hatfields trails and huge sharp rocks, really great tire.6 ply is essential!

 

[JimP]

The only thing that I regret not getting on my base model was the power steering.

I got into a few places this last week on a deer hunt in Utah that it would of been real nice, instead my left arm got a work out. But other than than my Striker gauge pod works great. It has all you need, the speedometer, trip meter, hour meter, volt gauge, water temperature, and a odometer. My 501 front locking diff kit works fantastic.

 

[Jssrvlz]

Ive gotten so used to not having any of the extra features. I have never had power steering, so I don't know what Im missing lol. once the gas gauge comes on you have over an hour of riding left for sure

 

[Kokopelli]

I like all the "percs", but I miss a tachometer.

 

[MarshMaster]

JUST MY OPINION:
Ive owned atv's since 1983 my first was a honda 200s.The S meant front shock, that was state of the art.The only real problem I had with any of them was electrical especially when they get a little age to them. When I started reading about the Kodiak base modei I thought finally a company gets it.Speedometer dont need it.Power steering is a joke.Push button 4 wheel drive and diff lock,I come from Honda so never had diff lock and I can HONESTLY say I never needed it.Third headlight,I dont drive my atv in the dark,and if I did I'll where a headlight.The fuel gauge now thats a different story.I REALLY WISH IT HAD A FUEL GAUGE. The A arm guards,the hitch they should be included with a "work"machine. What Im getting to is all that stuff the speedometer,headlight,push button 4 wheel drive,diff lock,fuel gauge,power steering. All those electrical connections, all that power its just stuff that WILL fail.Its just a matter of time..