Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Power Equipment & RV => Topic started by: Angry Perch on December 06, 2024, 11:36:13 AM

Title: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Angry Perch on December 06, 2024, 11:36:13 AM: Considering an ATV just for working around the property. Looking at a Honda Rancher 420 and Yamaha Kodiak 450. Would just be used for pulling a small trailer, seed spreader, etc. and routine "farm" chores. Any thoughts/ experience?
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: TeacherMan on December 06, 2024, 12:34:17 PM: great little rigs, pretty bullet proof. WIth that said my dad had a CF Moto in the 600 and he paid about half of what a new Honda or Polaris would've cost at the time. He never had a single issue with it and lived on it.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: jrebel on December 06, 2024, 01:40:12 PM: Both those rigs will be amazing, you really can't go wrong with either. I've owned both Honda and yamaha and they would be my top two brands if I had to buy one today.

I currently own a honda and it is bullet proof.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Sakko300wsm on December 06, 2024, 03:51:46 PM: The Hondas are pretty amazing 4x4 quads - just sold my 06 Rubicon when I bought my 24 Ranger. Never ever had one single problem with it! Did everything I ever needed it to
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: MADMAX on December 06, 2024, 04:25:46 PM: Got a grizzly
Pretty much my all purpose property rig
Front basket
Winch
Does everything I need to do on acreage except dig holes and lift rocks
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: 2MANY on December 06, 2024, 08:08:55 PM: Go Kodiak.
I love ours.
Yamaha has passed Honda.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Angry Perch on December 07, 2024, 07:32:22 AM: Quote from: 2MANY on December 06, 2024, 08:08:55 PM
Go Kodiak.
I love ours.
Yamaha has passed Honda.

Is there a frame size difference between the Kodiak 700 and the 450? They only had a 700 at the local place.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: 2MANY on December 07, 2024, 08:01:41 AM: My family has a Honda 450, Kodiak 450, and a Grizzly 700.
All a couple years old.
The Grizz is a beast in a good way.
The Kodiak is just an awesome sized machine for my 5'-7" 185 lb frame.
The Honda just isn't as good as either.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Angry Perch on December 07, 2024, 08:05:34 AM: An important point is that it be as easy and comfortable for my wife to ride as possible. Because, you know, it's for her! ;) ;) :chuckle:
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Buckmark on December 07, 2024, 08:21:52 AM: Quote from: Angry Perch on December 07, 2024, 08:05:34 AM
An important point is that it be as easy and comfortable for my wife to ride as possible. Because, you know, it's for her! ;) ;) :chuckle:
Have you looked at a UTV? Far more versatile in my opinion for property/farm chores and this is from someone who has 3 ATV,s 1 even has a dump bed but the UTV especially if the wife is gonna use it would be much better :twocents:
You can pickup one from right around the ATV price (depending on how fancy the ATV, grizzly with EPS is around 8k)
You can get a kawasaki Mule sx for 8299
My wife had been bucking me getting a UTV until she used one at my uncles place and that changed her mind real quick, easy in and out, easy operate, dump bed, easier on her arms (my wife only 5ft so that plays into it as even a 450 atv is big to her)
Depending on what manufacture and how much you want to spend you can get into cab models pretty reasonable so when it is raining your comfy.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: jrebel on December 07, 2024, 08:30:51 AM: Quote from: Buckmark on December 07, 2024, 08:21:52 AM
Quote from: Angry Perch on December 07, 2024, 08:05:34 AM
An important point is that it be as easy and comfortable for my wife to ride as possible. Because, you know, it's for her! ;) ;) :chuckle:
Have you looked at a UTV? Far more versatile in my opinion for property/farm chores and this is from someone who has 3 ATV,s 1 even has a dump bed but the UTV especially if the wife is gonna use it would be much better :twocents:
You can pickup one from right around the ATV price (depending on how fancy the ATV, grizzly with EPS is around 8k)
You can get a kawasaki Mule sx for 8299
My wife had been bucking me getting a UTV until she used one at my uncles place and that changed her mind real quick, easy in and out, easy operate, dump bed, easier on her arms (my wife only 5ft so that plays into it as even a 450 atv is big to her)
Depending on what manufacture and how much you want to spend you can get into cab models pretty reasonable so when it is raining your comfy.

:yeah:

This is spot on!! I have a honda pioneer and two quads (Can Am 1000 and Honda 500). They all have their purpose, but the UTV / Pioneer is the one that gets used the most. I would highly recommend the Honda pioneer 520 if you want to stay in the that 500cc class. It is a great machine, reasonably priced and is right at the 50" mark....meaning you can take it to Idaho for the trails. It is not a dunes, high speed, romping machine.....but it is a workhorse and would be great around the property and in the hills for cruising. :tup: Obviously the larger machines have more power, more room and more capabilities......but they are also more expensive and well over the 50" mark if you ever plan on Idaho trails.

My next machine will be a Pioneer 520 without a doubt.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Buckmark on December 07, 2024, 08:50:56 AM: I will add that we are not getting any younger so looking ahead at using whatever i would take into consideration, my 84 yr old father can get into the UTV and drive to me, not a chance on an ATV.
I know your not 84 but something to think about. Another thing and it may not pertain to you but my wife has rheumatoid arthritis so gripping the handle bars and working the thumb throttle just gets to her pretty quickly compared to driving something using your feet and hands like a vehicle instead of riding something that takes arm, hand control.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Angry Perch on December 07, 2024, 08:52:51 AM: UTV's are great, but we have plenty of things to "drive" and nothing to "ride" if that makes sense.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: 2MANY on December 07, 2024, 09:31:14 AM: Our quads sit in the garage the vast majority of the time.
The sxs never does.
If you don't have a sxs I would listen to what these guys are saying.
I understand the ride part but wheeling sxs's is every bit as fun and FAR more comfortable.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: jrebel on December 07, 2024, 09:35:05 AM: I also think that if you want to "RIDE".....implying recreation, the Yamaha gets the nod. The rancher is built to work and will have a stiffer ride / firmer suspension. I believe they still have the solid rear axle which is not near as much "FUN" to "RIDE". I love my honda 500 rubicon (2006) and would pick it over the 1000 can am.....unless I want to ride hard and fast, then the can am's independent front and reas suspension makes it way more comfortable and fun.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Twispriver on December 07, 2024, 10:03:31 AM: I have a Honda and my son has the Yamaha and I would be happy with either. I use my sxs way more around the farm because it's just easier to throw buckets, boxes or tools in the back than it is to hook up the trailer. (And my little dog loves riding in the seat next to me.)
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: BLDtraLR on December 07, 2024, 11:49:30 AM: Yamaha Kodiak 450 enough said :dunno: :chuckle: 11 years 2nd owner. Oil change and new winch cable is all i've had to do still runs like brand new. Thing is a beast in 4 low with the lockers in it will climb a tree. :tup: :tup: Than you can put YAMAHAHAULER sticker on your truck :hello: :chuckle:
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Angry Perch on December 07, 2024, 11:57:55 AM: Quote from: BLDtraLR on December 07, 2024, 11:49:30 AM
Yamaha Kodiak 450 enough said :dunno: :chuckle: 11 years 2nd owner. Oil change and new winch cable is all i've had to do still runs like brand new. Thing is a beast in 4 low with the lockers in it will climb a tree. :tup: :tup: Than you can put YAMAHAHAULER sticker on your truck :hello: :chuckle:

I'm leaning this way due to the towing capacity. I just wish they still made Yamahas yellow, as God intended them to be!
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: BLDtraLR on December 07, 2024, 12:09:58 PM: copy that but camo is waaaay cooler. This thing will tow a ford pick-up around never a GMC but ya :yike: :chuckle: :chuckle:. Incredible towing capacity.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Angry Perch on December 07, 2024, 12:12:40 PM: Quote from: BLDtraLR on December 07, 2024, 12:09:58 PM
copy that but camo is waaaay cooler. This thing will tow a ford pick-up around never a GMC but ya :yike: :chuckle: :chuckle:. Incredible towing capacity.

Well, I have one of each so maybe we'll find out!
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: BLDtraLR on December 07, 2024, 12:18:01 PM: :tup: :tup: Good luck you won't be dissapointed
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: 2MANY on December 07, 2024, 12:33:15 PM: Kodiak are my favorite.
The newer ones ride like a magic carpet.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Happy Gilmore on December 07, 2024, 04:14:23 PM: Saw one of each on phoenix Craigslist with under 1,000 miles for 3k each the other day
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Ridgeratt on December 07, 2024, 04:22:01 PM: This on craigslist Spokane.

https://spokane.craigslist.org/snw/d/post-falls-2022-honda-pioneer-520/7806487572.html
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: 300rum on December 08, 2024, 08:16:46 AM: I have a Honda Rancher, a 2016. I use it multiple times a day to Ranch off of. Feeding Hay twice a day, irrigation, moving cows, constant. I couldn't get half of what I get done without it. It is one of the most important items on the ranch.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Machias on December 09, 2024, 02:46:31 PM: I have a 2020 Yamaha Kodiak 700, man I love this thing!!!!!
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: C-Money on December 13, 2024, 06:15:33 AM: Truly can not go wrong! I like to ride. I have rode ATVs ever since I was a little fellow in the 1980s. My family had land, and my dad let me ride his ATV. In 2005, I got what I could afford, with my baby girl on her way, which was a Honda Recon 250. I wanted to ride and not need to borrow a machine from friends/family. It was a great ATV, took me all over the place. Still have it, and my wife enjoys riding it. In 2007, I bought the Honda Rancher 420 4x4. It has been absolutely amazing. Its best feature is that 420 fuel injected engine. Honda really hit a home run with the 420cc. I do have one complaint with the 07 Rancher...after 20 or 30 miles, my butt begins to feel the not so forgiving seat cushion. The seat might be better in the newer models, but check that out if long trail rides are something you enjoy doing. You can go all day on a tank of gas, and the overall ride is very nice. My good buddy and person that I ride with frequently has a 2001, 450 Kodiak. Its been bullet proof, and equally amazing. The Kodiak seat is way more comfortable. I bought Honda due to shaft drive. The Kodiak has belt drive. Neither has even thought about failing. This has become a non issue in my head comparing the two. Biggest thing that stands out to me between the two is that smooth running Honda 420cc engine. That said, the Kodiak engine has never let us down and has abundant power. We have pushed cows, rode green dots, hauled deer, etc...Good machines to have around. Good luck making your selection, It will just come down to which one pulls on your heart harder!
Forgot to say, the Rancher is a foot shift, which is what I wanted, and of course the Kodiak is a automatic.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Angry Perch on December 13, 2024, 11:41:59 AM: Pulled the trigger on a 2025 Yamaha Kodiak 450 EPS SE, sight unseen. :)
I'll pick it up in Port Angeles when it works into my schedule. Merry Christmas Sweetheart! :chuckle:
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Katmai Guy on December 13, 2024, 12:45:53 PM: You won't be sorry!
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: 2MANY on December 13, 2024, 12:55:10 PM: Nope.
A great choice.
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: C-Money on December 16, 2024, 07:35:37 AM: Thats awesome, Perch! You'll love it!!
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Angry Perch on December 17, 2024, 01:58:02 PM: Quote from: C-Money on December 16, 2024, 07:35:37 AM
Thats awesome, Perch! You'll love it!!

You mean my wife will love it! ;) :chuckle:
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: C-Money on December 18, 2024, 07:44:18 AM: Quote from: Angry Perch on December 17, 2024, 01:58:02 PM
Quote from: C-Money on December 16, 2024, 07:35:37 AM
Thats awesome, Perch! You'll love it!!

You mean my wife will love it! ;) :chuckle:
She will indeed!! Heck, I love it! New quads are special!
Title: Re: Kodiak vs Rancher
Post by: Romulus1297 on December 21, 2024, 10:00:08 PM: This followed us home today