Author Topic: Recommend: 300-400cc, 4x4 locking differential? (Read 1634 times)

JCM · « **on:** February 01, 2005, 06:04:44 AM »

Hey guys,

I'm just starting to look for a 4 wheeler. I've never owned one of my own, but have used many. I don't need a monster, nothing bigger than 400. I think 4x4 would be useful as many of the areas I hunt have steep uneven places that being able to crawl over would be very helpful. I don't need fast or speedy, just dependable. Price is a consideration. This will be used for hunting and farm work.

I'd like to have locking differential for the 4-wheel drive, but I'm unsure what atv's have this. Below are my initial considerations. Any recommendations, good/bad, are appreciated.

Yamaha   Bruin Auto   350
Polaris   Magnum   330
Kawosoki   Prairie   360
Suzuki   Eiger   400
Honda   Rancher   330

Thanks,
JCM

markc · « **Reply #1 on:** February 01, 2005, 08:09:32 AM »

reccomend the Yamaha Kodiak 4X4. It is a very nice ATV and from all I can tell is a hard one to beat. It is a 450cc, so it is a bit bigger motorwise than what you originally mentioned. I also would check out the venerable Yamaha Big Bear 400cc. I don't believe you will find a locking front diff on the Honda. Lemme' check.

Ramrod · « **Reply #2 on:** February 04, 2005, 12:15:52 PM »

My opionion>best value for the money is the Yamaha Bruin.

Graybeard · « **Reply #3 on:** February 04, 2005, 06:51:53 PM »

I went thru this not so long ago. I asked and listened here and I talked to all the dealers and looked over the spec sheets. I ruled out the Suzi as it was just too dang big physically to suit me. I ruled out the Honda Rancher and selected the Yamaha Bruin 350. It has way more towing capacity (important to me) and quite a bit more rack carrying capacity (also important to me).

Since I don't really ride in deep mud or on steep hills I finally decided to forego the 4x4 option and just get the $69 winch kit instead. I'm hoping when the weather warms I can twist one or both of the boy's arms into mounting it for me as they promised they would.

For me the Bruin is about ideal. It's my second bike with the Honda Recon 250 being my first and I bought it used. It was a tough bike and put up with a lot of abuse but the Bruin seemed best for my needs.

azshooter · « **Reply #4 on:** February 05, 2005, 04:51:46 AM »

I would second taking a lookat the Yamaha Kodiak - BTW they come in BOTH 400cc and 450cc models. I have a 2005 400cc 4x4 and am very pleased. I also own a Honda Recon 250 which is a fine machine. I am a big fan of Honda and this year was planning on buying a Rancher but found that Honda has been falling behind in technology. The Kodiak has been reviewed and listed as a "best value" for an ATV and I agree you get a lot for the money.

Also don't get taken on price - offer the dealer MSRP out the door. I have bought my XR400, Recon 250 and Kodiak 400 the same way. The dealers try to add delivery and setup and then tax and it can add up to an additional $1200 quick. I just looked at my invoice and the price thay had to back it down to was $1200 below MSRP.

Old Syko · « **Reply #5 on:** February 05, 2005, 09:39:46 AM »

Close friend has an 01 Kodiak that is quick, has plenty of power, towing, and hauling ability. When I consider where his has been and what it has done there is no way I can fault it. For a 400cc size bike in 4x4 the Kodiak is going to be hard to beat.

As far as price, you can do even better than than azshooter states at some dealers so shop around.

JCM · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2005, 02:56:10 AM »

Thanks for all the insight.

It looks like the Kodiak has all that I'm looking for, but is a little "more" than I'm looking for. I don't think the 400 model of the Kodiak has locking differential, but the 450 does.

The Bruin has all I want except locking differential and has the most attractive price.

The polaris doesn't have engine braking which I know will be very useful in some of the steep, uneven, rocky places.

Right now it looks like it's down to the Kodiak and the Bruin. I'm not in a big hurry so I'll think it over more and test drive a few. It may come down to cost, where the Bruin wins hands down.

Thanks again and feel free to pass on any more info.

JCM

264 WIN MAG · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2005, 05:24:29 PM »

I would stick to the Kodiak 450. The 450 has a locking diff. and low range. The 400 Kodiak and the 350 Bruin do not have low range or locking diff.

If you go with the Kodiak you also have IRS suspension now.

The bad thing about a CVT without low range is that at lower speeds running in high range or putting the motor in a bind in high range will cause excess strain and heat in the tranny. Will cause some parts to wear out faster although you shouldn't have a problem as long as you don't mud ride or pull stuff a lot.

Ramrod · « **Reply #8 on:** February 19, 2005, 04:02:55 PM »

My two boys and I took turns trying to kill ourselves on the ice and snow today with my Bruin, and all we suceeded in doing was to have a great time. This is with a 2x4, so I would not sweat no locking dif. on the 4x4. But then again, we don't mud it much here on my place. These Bruins are great machines for the money. For a work and play combination, I'm one happy camper.

kkeetr · « **Reply #9 on:** February 19, 2005, 04:19:47 PM »

I bought a 2005 Kodiak 450 4x4 w/winch in Sep. Since then I have done some pretty crazy things with it and it just keeps on ticking. Knowing what I know now and if I had it to do all over again, I would buy the same ATV without hesitation. Good luck!

JCM · « **Reply #10 on:** February 28, 2005, 07:42:32 AM »

Thanks for all the insight guys.

I took a friend's polaris 330 magnum for a spin this weekend and my fathers Honda Rancher. The polaris does have a lot more options than the Honda, but I came across something I hadn't considered before. I'll be storing this in a workshop that has an entry from my garage. The polaris was just barely to wide to fit through the door so that rules it out automatically. Looking at specs, it seems the Yamaha Bruin and Kodiak should fit as their width is about 3 inches less than the polaris. I haven't tried the Rancher yet, but from specs it is only 1" less than the polaris.

So many things to consider.......

JCM

redneckd1 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 09, 2005, 10:32:48 AM »

Don't know if you made your decision yet or not, but just in case you are interested. A Suzuki dealer here in Fort Walton Beach, Barricuda's Suzuki, had several King Quad 300s, he had them as a close out deal in 2002 (they are 2001 models) a friend bought one in 2002 and a year later I bought one. The guy had 9 left and may still have a few.
These were rated as great ATVs and have the diff locker you were looking for, they are also small to help get through tight spaces.
I know it would be a trip for you, but it might be worth it or maybe check with a local Suk dealer to see if has he got the same deal.
Just some FYI.
Cheers,
R

mrlizzzard · « **Reply #12 on:** March 09, 2005, 11:44:41 AM »

Any you listed would be fine w/locking diff.Your right in keeping it small and having a locker on it.
lizzzard

JCM · « **Reply #13 on:** April 12, 2005, 05:13:06 PM »

Well I did it this weekend......didn't end up with any of the original considerations. I bought an 04 Bombardier Outlander 400. If you're looking for an atv I highly recommend that you take a look at these. I'd pretty much overlooked them as I didn't know anyone who had one, but when I stopped by a dealer and took a test ride I was impressed. Then I started looking at the specs and was really impressed with the engineering and thought that was put into these atv's. Started reading reviews of them and was impressed. A promotion came out on them with big rebates on the 04's and a free 3 year warrenty. That was all it took....called around, got the best price, compared it to the lowest price I could find on a 450 Kodiak (which it beat by $500!), and picked it up.

I've only put a few hours on mine, but I'm very happy with it so far. I feel like it was a great deal when you look at all the options and the cost. Only time will tell if it will be as solid as I hope it is, but the 3 year warrenty makes me feel pretty good.

Thanks again for all the input and knowledge you guys have shared.

JCM