What's the right machine for me.?

5359 Views 44 Replies 14 Participants Last post by RED KED HUSKER, Jul 27, 2020

358wsm

Discussion Starter · Jul 8, 2020

I've been looking both the Grizzly and the Kodiak over on paper, video, and studying comments for a month now, but I havent ridden either.

I'll be doing most of my riding in the Adirondacks of Northern New York State. It's a terrain of mixed steep hills, mud, fallen logs, dense woods and brush, wet rocks often covered in moss but not always, streams, and snow.
I will be doing some towing, a boat, firewood, and Deer as well as some packing/carrying of gear, hunting, and woods tools such as chain saws, and building materials, and treestands.

Is the Kodiak the machine for me or should I be looking at the Grizzly.?

Thank You,
Scott

1 - 20 of 45 Posts

KodiakAfishyo

· #2 · Jul 8, 2020

Welcome to the forum. I’d say from your description you might be happier with the Kodiak. It is considered the utility quad. There isn’t a whole lot of difference between the two but it is a little smaller. It is also easy to make changes to the cvt to perform like a Grizzly if you so choose latter. But go to a dealer and sit on both and see which one fits you best. Test drive them both if you can and it will be come clearer.

Reactions: 1

TRW

· #3 · Jul 8, 2020

I have had two 700 Kodiak's, and I am very comfortable with them. Everything I have read leads me to suggest Kodiak is more for the money. I also think Yamaha is the way to go over the competition. Good luck!

JimP

· #4 · Jul 8, 2020

I drove two Yamaha's until I purchased new ones. One was a 89 Big Bear 350 that did everything that I asked of it. The next one was a 400 Kodiak that I ran 5 sets of tires off of and it was going good when I sold it.

But those were mechanical engines and not these fancy fuel injected computer controlled engines. Only time will tell on this new family of Kodiak's but I am expecting the best.

I was looking at the Grizzly's when I bought my Kodiak and may of gotten one except I got a screaming deal on my Kodiak from a person who was about to have it repossessed. I have added a few things since it was the base model that I personally believe that all of them should have but I am quite pleased with it. And I am a big guy 6'4" and 240 lbs.

358wsm

Discussion Starter · #5 · Jul 8, 2020

KodiakAfishyo said:
Welcome to the forum. I’d say from your description you might be happier with the Kodiak. It is considered the utility quad. There isn’t a whole lot of difference between the two but it is a little smaller. It is also easy to make changes to the cvt to perform like a Grizzly if you so choose latter. But go to a dealer and sit on both and see which one fits you best. Test drive them both if you can and it will be come clearer.

Thank you for the "welcome."
You guys are up late, Lol.!

Yes, I really do need to go throw a leg over both machines. Hopefully one of the dealerships has a pair of demos and a test track. I believe that will help me settle a few things.
I appreciate the comments, and i certainly welcome more.

JimP

· #6 · Jul 8, 2020

Just a couple of things that you might like to know.

The Grizzly handle bars sit up a little bit higher than the ones on the Kodiak do, but you can put a set of Grizzly bars onto the Kodiak which will raise them up about 1 1/2" I believe.

Also the Grizzly seat sits a little bit higher and may have more foam in it that the Kodiak's, but again you can swap the seats with zero problems.

Reactions: 1

TRW

· #7 · Jul 8, 2020

I said in my previous post that I am on my second Kodiak, my second one has the power steering, and I love it.

JimP

· #8 · Jul 8, 2020

TRW said:
I said in my previous post that I am on my second Kodiak, my second one has the power steering, and I love it.

I've got power steering on my base model also. It is a aftermarket setup manufactured by Armstrong.......😡

Reactions: 1

Rob-c

· #9 · Jul 8, 2020

358wsm said:
I've been looking both the Grizzly and the Kodiak over on paper, video, and studying comments for a month now, but I havent ridden either.

I'll be doing most of my riding in the Adirondacks of Northern New York State. It's a terrain of mixed steep hills, mud, fallen logs, dense woods and brush, wet rocks often covered in moss but not always, streams, and snow.
I will be doing some towing, a boat, firewood, and Deer as well as some packing/carrying of gear, hunting, and woods tools such as chain saws, and building materials, and treestands.

Is the Kodiak the machine for me or should I be looking at the Grizzly.?

Thank You,
Scott

Welcome from a fellow upstate NY’er, I’m in the southern tier. You already have gotten my comments on the kodiak over on the campfire

Rob-c

· #10 · Jul 8, 2020

And I am a big guy 6'4"
Funny you said that, I’m 6-3 and I prefer the lower seat height of the kodiak

Vincent

· #11 · Jul 8, 2020

I'm not a big fan of the Kodiak ergonomics. Just personal taste. Find the grizzly much more comfortable

RED KED HUSKER

· #12 · Jul 8, 2020

I'm confident that you will be thrilled with either. Motor and transmission are the same. Clutch weights are heavier on the Kodiac. I personally like the throttle response on the Kodiac and would not be motivated to switch to a Grizz weights. Seat height is approximately 2 inches lower. I am a bit short legged. 5-11. Easier to swing leg over. I am definitely in the minority as I like the standard steering feel and don't feel the need for PS . Would get it if riding on large rocky terrain. Engine deceleration is superb
I feel that the low maintenance sealed rear brakes are preferable as th rear discs require more upkeep. Discs are not necessary for my step descents as I rarely use them other than light assist. You simply can't go wrong with either. For me the Kodiac has all the goodness for 2K less

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358wsm

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jul 8, 2020

Rob-c said:
Welcome from a fellow upstate NY’er, I’m in the southern tier. You already have gotten my comments on the kodiak over on the campfire

Thank you Rob,

I have a couple questions.

One, what is your Handle on the 'fire. I'd ;ile to review your comments.

Two, are there trails here in New York open to running our machines.?
I do have property, I'm just wondering what other sights might be available to us.

Rob-c

· #14 · Jul 8, 2020 (Edited)

358wsm said:
Thank you Rob,

I have a couple questions.

One, what is your Handle on the 'fire. I'd ;ile to review your comments.

Two, are there trails here in New York open to running our machines.?
I do have property, I'm just wondering what other sights might be available to us.

I’m Colvin on the fire. The tug hill region has a ton of trails to ride, they have a run in early spring called snud run , Maximum power park is in Herkimer county they are a mud bog park . Down here by me we have Tall pines atv park in Andover. The 3 places are all on YouTube . I’ve never rode up in the adirondack’s but I do believe there are trail systems up there. Try this link below , I’ve used it to find trails out of state also .

www.riderplanet-usa.com

RiderPlanet USA - Find Trails & Tracks

Find Offroad Trails and Tracks in the United States

www.riderplanet-usa.com

www.riderplanet-usa.com

RED KED HUSKER

· #15 · Jul 8, 2020

Also remember that if you are riding in very tight woods on unpreped trails the Kodiac turning radius is 126 inches the Grizz is 146 inches. That sealed the deal for me.

Reactions: 3

358wsm

Discussion Starter · #16 · Jul 8, 2020

Rob-c said:
I’m Colvin on the fire. The tug hill region has a ton of trails to ride, they have a run in early spring called snud run , Maximum power park is in Herkimer county they are a mud bog park . Down here by me we have Tall pines atv park in Andover. The 3 places are all on YouTube . I’ve never rode up in the adirondack’s but I do believe there are trail systems up there. Try this link below , I’ve used it to find trails out of state also .

RiderPlanet USA - Find Trails & Tracks

Find Offroad Trails and Tracks in the United States

www.riderplanet-usa.com

Ah yes, Calvin.

Thank you, Sir.

Barnes Corners is another, great sledding in the winter.

Reactions: 1

358wsm

Discussion Starter · #17 · Jul 8, 2020

RED KED HUSKER said:
Also remember that if you are riding in very tight woods on unpreped trails the Kodiac turning radius is 126 inches the Grizz is 146 inches. That sealed the deal for me.

Red,

I've thought about that aspect, a LOT.

358wsm

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jul 8, 2020

358wsm said:
Ah yes, Calvin.

Thank you, Sir.

Barnes Corners is another, great sledding in the winter.

Colvin*

Reactions: 1

Rob-c

· #19 · Jul 8, 2020

358wsm said:
Ah yes, Calvin.

Thank you, Sir.

Barnes Corners is another, great sledding in the winter.

Yes , that’s on the snud run trail route.

RED KED HUSKER

· #20 · Jul 8, 2020

Colvin.. with a name like 'SNUD RUN' is gotta be a great place.

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