[mikeymotorcycle]

I would like some opinions on these two quads. I am looking at them mainly for my wife with me a second. It will be use mostly for trail use and some work like plowing the driveway. All opinions welcome. Thanks in advance. Mike R.

 

[robg]

I'm not a huge Yamaha fan right now (even though I have a Grizzly and love it) because they don't stand behind their products once they have your money. That's the #1 reason I won't recommend the Kodiak.

The Sportsman has a reputation for solid dependability, and will definitely have a better ride since it's fully independent. And the "on demand" 4WD system means your wife doesn't have to learn when you use 4WD and when not to.. the machine will do it as needed.

The downside of the Sportsman is poor engine braking so she'll have to learn to use the (single-lever) brake going down steep hills.

Rob

 

[mikeymotorcycle]

Thanks for the reply Rob. I will take that into consideration. Not to mention that the dealer told me that if I buy the Sportsman and my 04 Pred at the same time he will cut me a sweet deal. Im really leaning towards the Sportsman any way. I will certainly keep it simply going for parts and such. Thanks and great forum. mike r

 

[robg]

The Sportsman is a heck of a good machine, at least as long as you get the 500 or better. The 500 seems to be the best of 'em... single cylinder so it gets good gas mileage, but also has plenty of power. I rode a friend's new '03 for about six miles early this year it was quite nice. Decent ride... about the same quality ride as my Rincon (though at the time I didn't have the Rincon). Good power too.

MY only personal complaint is that they no longer offer the Sportsman 500 in red, so it wouldn't match my other machines if I got one.

The thing about the Kodiak is that I heard the front differential servo motors were going bad fairly often, and Yamaha has publically stated that they are aware of the problem and have NO plans to correct it. They will, of course, be happy to continue replacing the motors as long as the machine is under warranty. How's them apples?

Rob

 

[electricstart]

Rob how do you like that Rincon.I had a foreman 450 and that was a heck of a machine.Thinking about another one,not sure about those auto'sfor the woods.I also do alittle plowing,the 450 worked great.I had the es model,I didnt like that to much.Never had any problems ,just could not get use to shifting that way.Dont get me wrong it did have some good points.I was going to get the S next time.

 

[robg]

I love my Rincon... it's a fantastic machine. The ride is really nice. While not as plush as my Grizzly, the overal handling makes up for it. I do tend to shift it more than letting it shift for me, and the only reason the handlebar shifting doesn't bother me is because the shifting is so smooth.

I agree about the Foreman (or even Rancher) ES... since they're just putting an electric actuator on the shifter, I'd rather have a real foot shifter in that situation. But on the Rincon, or the Rubicon, the handlebar one is nice.

If you want another Honda, especially for plowing, I think the Rubicon would be the way to go. More power and that slick hydromechanical tranny... the one that the Rincon SHOULD have gotten if you ask me. The 3sp auto w/torque converter works pretty well, but I think it would have been even better if they'd used the Rubi's transmission.

For purely technical stuff though, I still prefer my Grizzly. It's cushier, has more ground clearance, and the suspension articulates better. In fact, we're headed to The Rubicon Trail next weekend to finish it (we did the first half last November). Looking forward to it!!

Rob

 

[electricstart]

Rob ,I would go with the rubicon if you could take it out 4x4.I had that foreman and you could not and it was tough steering and lost alot of speed.I wonder if the 04s will be able to take out of 4 wheel ,like the foreman. Have you had any shifting problems in the cold weather?I was told you really had to let them warm up before they would shift properly.I guess it is that torqe convertor.I have rode them and they do shift like a car.I wonder why they switched to that 3 speed tranny on the Rincon.Weight maybe?cold weather?I also wish they would put a locking front diff. on them.Although never had any problems getting stuck.And beleive me I tried. Maybe one time in deep snow.It is that ground clearance thing. Thanks

 

[2004troylee]

they do make a red sportsman 500 for 04. its a red LE with chrome wheels. i have one!

 

[421pred]

ROWE 1, I HAVE AN 01 500HO FOR SALE IF YOU ARE INTERESTED OR HAVE ANY QUESTIONS.

 

[shaman]

This is bizarre. I come on here and realize that other people are doing exactly what I am doing... buying a Predator for themselves and a Sportsman for their wife.

 

[fastbreak]

hey if your buying a sportsman 500 and a pred at the same time? you know what the weird thing is that i'm buying a pred and my woman is buying a sportsman 500. isn't that strange a little bit. but i'm not getting my pred untill march 14th. i would go wit the sportsman.