[Muddin]

Considering these two, the Yamaha Kodiak 700 and the Honda Rancher 420 are within approximately 50$ of each other ($8199 & $8250 respectively), I'm sure some people are wondering which to go for. Dirt Wheels Magazine posted a great comparison article and it's definitely worth the read. You can tell they really put them through some paces

This definitely isn't just a one-sided article and actually is pretty thorough in what they're looking at. Pretty much what all of us would be when going to buy one

The floorboards on the Kodiak offer great traction, preventing your feet from sliding around. The Rancher has a raised footpeg, giving the rider a more sporty feel.

Give it a read, I'm sure you'll enjoy it

What surprised you the most ?

 

[Jpdkodiak]

its really about what your looking for, ive owned both for me i absolutely would go for the kodiak, even if you want it just for work the cvt trans can be modified to your liking, even thought i did like the 5 speed that i had on he 420, feel free to ask me questions about them

 

[Den]

I sat on the Hondas and some Polaris machines and I bought the Kodiak because my old sore back was just more comfortable on the Kodiak, plus the Kodiak doesn't have a manual transmission. Everybody has their own needs and what feels comfortable with a taller guy like me might not on another person. Get what you like and enjoy it, cause it is all good.

 

[oleblue22]

I've had a few 420's and having this Kodiak now, I would want this over the 420 anyday. Thats a good read though.

 

[Magard]

I just bought a 2016 kodiak. I've put 60 miles on it today. Took off the sway bar, put a paper element air filter in. Roped 6 cows to doctor them for pneumonia, this thing is awesome. The only reason to by Honda is if your racist against Yamaha, Ha Ha. Yamaha is far and away the better machine. My brother in law runs Honda, had a lot of trouble with the last two, says he will never by another one.

We are large cattle rancher that just can't get our work done with horses. We will really test a machine. Yamaha is all I will buy. Every machine has issues but Yamaha's issues are pretty much solved with a real air filter.

 

[WillDrive]

I mainly tested Rancher 420 and Kodiak 700. No questions that Kodiak is more comfortable. I am only getting older, so it makes sense to get a EPS, even though I probably only ride it 2 to 3 weeks per year
(well I'll have to find more time to work on land then... I own forest land but haven't got around to do much on it... 2.5 hrs away and I have a full time job and two active boys to drive around for schools and other activities)

 

[mickeywoods]

height

I sat on the Hondas and some Polaris machines and I bought the Kodiak because my old sore back was just more comfortable on the Kodiak, plus the Kodiak doesn't have a manual transmission. Everybody has their own needs and what feels comfortable with a taller guy like me might not on another person. Get what you like and enjoy it, cause it is all good.

How tall are you? Just wondering because I'm a hair over 6'4 and haven't been able to sit in the Kodiak yet until I'm home form overseas. That's great to hear another tall riders input...

 

[Magard]

6' I think you could still fit the kodiak alright. I like to be alittle on the big side for my bike though.

 

[Nomad]

At 6'4" , you would probably prefer the Grizzly imo.

 

[JimP]

How tall are you? Just wondering because I'm a hair over 6'4 and haven't been able to sit in the Kodiak yet until I'm home form overseas. That's great to hear another tall riders input...

I''m 6'4 and 240lbs and just picked up a 2016 Kodiak and it feels just fine. The only thing that I would like would be for the handle bars to be about 2" higher so that when I am standing up I am not bent over any. I have a good long ride coming up here in February down in Arizona and I'll give it a real test on just how it feels both standing and sitting.

 

[Magard]

I've heard people putting grizzly handle bars on a kodiak. Seems like a lot of work though.

 

[Rollin]

I've heard people putting grizzly handle bars on a kodiak. Seems like a lot of work though.

I'm interested in this, what did you heard about it? And to be more specific we're talking about the 2016 + year Kodiak , not the older models right?

 

[Magard]

Yes 2016. Search this forum. I think I read it here.