Full REVIEW: 2018 Yamaha Kodiak 450

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Mark is back with the 2018 Yamaha Kodiak 450 for a hands-on impression on this returning and redesigned all-purpose ATV.
More information on the 2018 Yamaha Kodiak 450 can be viewed here:
www.yamahamoto...
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[@robertsimon5447]

I just bought one 6 months ago and absolutely love it.Power steering and that awesome nimble handling and ride is the icing on the cake.Power to spare and a smooth quit no vibration sold me on this one after I checked out many others.Overall I think Yamaha nailed it.I recommend this quad for sure you wont be sorry.

[@hamrmark]

Going to buy my '19 tomorrow

[@gordlockwood1213]

Yamaha has put a nice package together with the 2021 Kodiak 450 EPS SE. Power steering, aluminum wheels, Warn winch, and dif lock.

[@threefortyduster]

Glad I watched this before I recommended a new Kodiak 450 to a friend. No diff lock is insane considering my Grizzly 450 from 2008 has it.

[@greg2090]

I believe they only did this to keep the price lower

[@0102alexander]

@@greg2090 they have actualy told this in an interview.

[@cotton8192]

Just got a 21 kodiak 450 and it has it

[@threefortyduster]

@@cotton8192 EPS or EPS SE? The base Kodiak continues to not have differential lock according to Yamaha's website.

[@cotton8192]

@@threefortyduster oh I didn’t know. And eps

[@donniemalone8026]

I bought a 2005 Kodiak 450 new best Atv I ever had and I still Ride it when the trails get to tight for our Rzr's. the original​ battery lasted 12 years. like I said best Atv Ever

[@donniemalone8026]

seriously no. Diff Lock on the new 450. that was the selling point of why I bought mine back in 2005.

[@mikeross6043]

Donnie Malone can't beat a Yamaha , have 3 of them myself . My 2006 grizzly has over 14,000 miles and runs great! Try that with a Polaris .

[@ve3xtr]

Yep! That's why you pay a higher price...quality always cost more. My Honda Rancher is 9 years old, NEVER broke down BUT just replaced the battery as well.

[@devonlongstreet1591]

Same bike and we beat the piss out of it she still runs strong

[@crazysteve2112]

i have a 2007 Grizz 450 - I bought it new because I wanted the small size of the Kodiak 450 and the DIFF LOCK! Tsk Tsk Yamaha..

[@bigty4725]

It's nice I like Yamaha it was my first 4 wheeler. Moto 4 350 I think it's a 88 or 89. I still have it but it don't run and needs tires and other things. Id like to get its back it shape

[@Omega-uj6qz]

I had a 80 grizzly quad and now I have a outlander 450 can am

[@jameshogg601]

Omega good look with those rear drive shafts

[@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63]

Need to compare this bike to the Polaris Sportsman 450 HO. Same price & 400 class entry level bikes. Do it Fellas!!

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Im glad to see this 18 Yamaha Kodiak 450 has no positive camber. My 03 Kodiak 400 4x4 does. Was it like that from the factory

[@TXSuburbanHomestead]

Never gets old hearing "a-cooter-ments".

[@M.Huling]

I like this guy, he seems to know what he’s talking about and seems to be well versed. I’ve been reading other reviews and some people are upset about the front differential lock. Me personally, this four wheeler is super nice and I can’t understand why you would need that option honestly. If you really need diff/lock on your ATV then in my opinion you are exceeding the capability of a machine like this. If you want that then buck up and spend another 2 or 3 thousand dollars and buy the bigger model. I don’t need an ATV to climb up the side of Mount Everest. I only wanna have a little fun riding and to use it for hunting. Fuck all that other shit. If you can afford to destroy your four wheeler and tear the living hell out of it, then go right ahead. That’s your personal business. Not me, I take care of my stuff and I don’t abuse it. 🦊

[@outlaw9np]

You don't need to abuse your machine to appreciate a front diff lock. Having one sure helps in the snow or on loose rock

[@brokejokeratv5851]

Love when he say it keeps both front tire on the ground as it lifts the left tire lol

[@Mixwell1983]

Didnt grow up on wheelers but did ride some in the 90s that were all footshifts. Soo far i want a footshift rancher or kingquad.. i have heard both good and bad of a cvt belt drive etc but i am hesitant as i just dont know

[@markwerner7297]

I got a 2003 kodiak 400 for 1500... it’s awesome

[@_WebersWorld]

Just got a 2022 kodiak eps se , has the diff lock!

[@andrewc9234]

i like to see the new 450 difflock in a shootout with the honda rubicon

[@qapsukalek]

When will u guys make a shoot out for kodiak 450, can am 450, polio.450 and honda rancher 420 now that be bad azz

[@Gottaloveguitars427]

Because it’s not even close, the can-am is in a different world

[@thumperbangin2000]

im coming from a raptor 700. i do tight technical steep mountain rocky riding. im 6' 190 lbs. very experienced. trying to decide between the kodiak 450 or 700. i will never need to go 65mph.. what should i get ?

[@thumperbangin2000]

MrDavidwilson86 i have already picked up a 18 kodiak 700.

[@josephharview2438]

Definitely the 450

[@thumperbangin2000]

Kirito Elucidator i bought the 700

[@thumperbangin2000]

*THE GIBBONS* dont make a difference to me i bought the kodiak 700 and already have it all done up

[@jamesjannell8706]

Should I buy this Yamaha 450 or the can am 450 with eps. I’m familiar with Yamaha’s quality and reliability but have no experience with can am which is my big concern. Any feedback would be much appreciated. James

[@maverick1airsoft988]

James Jannell Can Am is way better

[@CodyJohnstonbaugh]

James Jannell Depends.....Can-Am has a front differential locker so it more than likely will take you more places than the Kodiak will. It also has a good bit more horse power than the Kodiak. But the Yamaha is a very reliable ATV and is very simple and easy to maintain and work on. The Can-Am will be a little harder to work on and will need a little more love when it comes time to service time.

[@leroysmith8226]

Can am is truly junk. The wiring will fail in a year or two. Yamaha will run forever. Trust me.

[@JacobOverman]

test this against the polaris 450

[@JBIRD270]

Just bought this

[@kyjelly5524]

Do quads have lsd? I’ve never ridden one but I’m in the market. Idk what to get lol. System overload

[@jamesjannell8706]

Well to late for any feedback from other owners. Just pulled trigger on one with eps.

[@susdad]

We both wish we had the 700

[@jamesjannell8706]

@@susdad I get it. For what I do with my 450 she has treated very good. I really like the size for blasting through the right trails we have here in New England.

[@susdad]

@@jamesjannell8706 I like the size as well through trail vs 700. Also mid range is awesome on 450 so it’s great in trails here in Michigan with a 50” trail width. Narrower the better. Just wish I could put the 700 engine in it 😀

[@jamesjannell8706]

@@susdad haha well said. I like your thinking.

[@kevinthomas8467]

How does this machine handle a snow plow in the snow.

[@meikasroom851]

I use to watch Dirttrax on the outdoor channel 😂

[@cdcruizer05]

And ATV connection

[@jdquadrider]

No factory A-arm guards?

[@Driftuner]

"a readable digital display" (4:57) well thank god huh?!! LOL that was funny guys

[@markalan4026]

Lol

[@khempleman]

The 2020 model will have diff lock on the eps se

[@NZsarge1]

Nice and very worthwhile upgrades but not before time, still it's done now and it's back up to scratch by the sounds of it.

[@qapsukalek]

Should compare it with griz 450 on every thing to gas

[@eclipser2004]

I have a 2005 Kodiak 450. Small. Tippy. Leans a lot in corners. Soft tires. Lots of vibration. But it has diff lock. A must for launching the seadoo and in snow. No difflock is a deal breaker for me.

[@JohnSmith-dj5gf]

Doesn’t bother me that there’s no diff lock. Just get a winch.

[@jakegunter5892]

My first 4 wheeler is a 1999 Suzuki Quadrunner 250

[@mylostwife5230]

Jake the Machine Freak that's what I have and love It

[@genius-no5sl]

Looks awesome

[@kerimbecirbasic1333]

How many kilometers can you drive with full tank?

[@kimberleydick4207]

About 100km a tank

[@chrisbeard6897]

Yamaha absolutely missed the mark by NOT including a Diff Lock on this model. They've lost my business by this oversight.

[@eternalpl4yz718]

Just send it😁

[@markalan4026]

I'm sure the new generation Kodiak is great, however if I were in the market for a new 450, the fact that there's no differential lock would just turn me away from making the purchase.

[@jessepoorman2621]

Why you use diff lock that often when you ride?

[@markalan4026]

@@jessepoorman2621 Differential lock is not meant to be used full time; technically you could, but it limits your steering abilities, so it wouldn't be practical in many instances. And no, many people will not see it as a necessity, and thats fine.. However some people do find it to be very convenient in various situations. Not only for when getting stuck, or to help prevent you from getting stuck. It comes in handy when plowing snow, when diving in slippery terrain, especially up a grade. Having the ability the send power to both front wheels can be a huge advantage.

[@jessepoorman2621]

All these people crying about no diff lock? What the hell are you doing climbing Mount Everest with a little 450?? I’ve never had to even use diff lock on any of my atv’s.

[@nighthawkj30A4]

Not enough storage space engine not much difference the old 400cc. But thats good though the 450 not a bad engine.

[@andrewt9204]

How slow does this ATV go, as in, I want to use it to pull a tow-behind mower. My grizzly 708 is way too fast, even in low gear it's jerky as I have to go on and off the throttle to maintain 1-2 mph. The old sportsman 330 was perfect because it was easy to maintain 1 MPH from its extra low gearing, but the engine blew after it ran without oil... oops.

[@eternalpl4yz718]

Lol u blew the engine

[@andrewt9204]

@@eternalpl4yz718 well, to be fair, it was a slow leak that only happened while running, and parked in a barn with a black dirt floor, so there was no easily visible sign.

[@eternalpl4yz718]

Dang i didnt think you would reply to a 2 year old comment

[@eternalpl4yz718]

@@andrewt9204 and that sucks about it breaking

[@andrewt9204]

@@eternalpl4yz718 I get notifications for youtube, haha. I can't believe it's been 2 years already. Wow.

[@alucardton1818]

Momentum beats dif lock - never had to use it in my SUV, Quad or Truck - its the rider, not the machine. This isnt a mud-bogger at this price or class. Do you see rad relocator, snorkel, lift and mud tires? Yamaha's low maintenance, high mileage and dependability trumps other brands. All brands have issues, but if you compare Value, utility and durability, Yamaha might even beats Honda. I had a 2012 Polaris - and 2014 Can Am, unreliable and head aches for repairs before 4,500Kms - had a few scares with them shutting off 50kms+ away from home... but them and you better bring survival gear. Is it about the money? 80% of the riding you do is probably trail anyways. So why pay any more for what you only will use? My friends who have all models of Yamaha ATV easily put 10k kms on them - little issues. Non-interference engine, dual cvt-ultramatic trans... you cant go wrong for a machine under 9,000 CAD.

[@adrianlecuyer]

My 99 big bear has 11k km and still runs great and no locker only tcd and i rarely get stuck only work i do is matinence but i think no diff lock is a missed step kinda like in 2000 when they switched to cvt and left out low range only H L R for a year then put it in

[@joecorrie1]

got this same machine with only 30 hrs on it turns over good but wont start, not a happy camper!

[@mr.redneck7495]

Compare it to the Polaris sportsman 450

[@Robert8455]

Pretty cool little machine but when you said no diff lock, ya lost me.

[@jarmstead4]

What's the top speed

[@northware1193]

amazing atv

[@bmbott123]

U buy a 450 for a smaller size .. why buy a 450 at a 700 size

[@lukeworrell8479]

I would assume it is because some people can’t handle the power or don’t want the power of the 700.

[@27Zangle]

Some people don't need all that power and just want a nice casual trail ride or farm machine. My Honda 300 did everything asked back in the day. Another good reason is fuel efficiency for long trail rides. A friends 400 does goes nearly another 30 or 40 miles a tank further (at minimum) than another friends 700 does.

[@adrianlecuyer]

More then two gens of kodiak tho

[@4wd35]

No diff lock, kills this model. Stupid decision Yamaha

[@Red.Hot.Chili.Beans63]

If you want the Diff's buy the Grizzly. Product differentiation.

[@ajanker1807]

Josh Sparkman if your in the US just get a grizz

[@eternalpl4yz718]

Ok go buy a machine that costs 1k+ more to get the diff lock

[@lukeworrell8479]

I almost with rather ride the 450 than 700.

[@crackerjack3359]

Don't see anything of interest here for farm utility work

[@SulCoCrazy]

No diff lock? No thanks.

[@lucasechenique39]

EFI and IRS? That doesn't seem too fun, reliable, or economical

[@ACH91332]

No fun or reliable? My girlfriends 450 has a ride as smooth as my Grizz with the IRS and EFI is awesome. No more carb adjustments for different temps or elevations. No waiting for it to warm up so it doesnt stall either. Way better on fuel too. Besides EFI is basically a requirement now to meet emissions. There’s a reason almost no one offers carbs except on youth models.

[@yamahakid8203]

Diff lock 🔒

[@gatorunleashed275]

Polaris continues to lead the competition.

[@ACH91332]

In warranty claims yes

[@millatym04]

@@ACH91332 lol facts

[@claudiocarbone2225]

Lead the unreliability competition🤣🤣🤣

[@Daniel-dp5gi]

Sheeeeiiiiiiitttttt

[@tomwilliams5408]

Polaris? No thanks

[@craigmoorer5927]

No diff lock? Forget it.....hello Arctic Cat

[@eternalpl4yz718]

Artic cat is cheapy and unreliable bro

[@zacharyjans9575]

I still like my 2018 can am 450 better

[@thedoggydevlawesomeness7915]

Buy a Honda don’t waste your money

[@jessepoorman2621]

New Hondas are junk!

[@brokejokeratv5851]

Yeah love that awesome electric shift lol and love having to do piston rings every 2 year haha they are great

[@majd83zoabe5]

😘😘😘😘😍

[@izom]

looks boring as ever....

[@jayminer9416]

"looks reliable as ever......" I fixed it for you. It's not meant to be a Scrambler/Renegade guy....It's a 421cc one lunger. It will find a home in peoples garages that have teenagers, Hunters that have no need for 80hp, farms/ranches, and women/smaller guys that dont have a death wish. Me? No....I wouldnt buy one for myself....my daughter, wife, or a spare hunting rig...absolutely.

[@arlenetorruella5316]

At least it more reliable than a fucking outlander or whatever you have

[@jarmstead4]

What's the top speed

[@ve3xtr]

My guess for this engine class would be 55mph or in km's, 90km.