Grizzly 700 VS Kodiak 450 | Picking the right Yamaha

[@mcscotty325]

The nice thing about the Kodiak is that it can squeeze through tighter trails and can fit in the back of a truck with the tail closed.

[@bryangrim6021]

Both ATVs are cool. Have a 2020 Grizzly but not a kodiak to compare. You won’t be disappointed. I can promise you that. Extremely capable machine. You’ll be very happy for years to come!

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I agree, these are both fantastic machines

[@gorillahd9247]

Excellent video with a solid review of strengths and weaknesses of both machines.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks man, I appreciate it.

[@thomasrice4078]

very good job, a lot of good advice for those of us looking to get into this sport.

[@marklivingston1479]

The Grizz is badass! I have a Kodiak 700 EPS & I love it! 2" wheel spacers and 26" tires

[@TheWhiteOakHomestead]

Great review, can’t wait to see them in action. Loving that Grizzzzzzzz though!

[@factionfx]

Congrats on your upgrade! I knew when I saw some of your other videos that you should be on a (full size) grizzly. for your height (handlebars), the locking diff, and of course the power. I just got a clean 2014 grizzly 700 EPS about 6 wks ago. Loving it!

[@andybassham2369]

Started watching this and then remembered hey, I watched that log pulling video like a year ago. That was around the time I sold a 2020 Kinq Quad 750 to buy a 2021 Grizzly (Yamaha's power steering is miles ahead of Suzuki), then after the fact kind of wished I just bought a 450 EPS. But, its just because I already had a 660 Grizzly, and we had bought a used Grizzly 350 IRS for the kids. Then found out that the little 350 while turtlishly slow was extremely stable with its smaller frame. It gets ridden more than anything else in the garage. After the fact for me, I may wish I would have just got the 450 Kodiak, but if I only had one bike, it would for sure be the 700 Grizzly. The color scheme I dont understand as well though. What happened to Yamaha Blue? I wasn't jazzed about the gray last year. Now it looks like someone spilled a bucket of yellow paint on a 2021 model.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Yeah this color scheme is raising a lot of eyebrows for 2022! I think it's interesting that your 350 gets ridden the most. There's definitely still a huge market for these mid-size ATVs since they are cheaper and still perform really well. Thanks for watching and I appreciate the comment! I can't wait to ride this thing

[@andybassham2369]

I think you'll be quite impressed with it. The bottom end has some pop. I don't ride fast as much as I did when I was younger, but we definitely did take it out to speed test it after the break in period and oil change. Mine topped out at just 61mph on pavement on its speedo. A little disappointing after reading higher numbers from years, though factory speedometers have been generous on most quads I've ridden. Maybe this one is more honest. I think the top out is lower on it than my 02 660 (the 750 Suzuki would kill both, that one had some massive mid-range). Out of the hole though, the 700 took off like a bat out of hell. Destroys the 660 off the line and also quicker out of the hole than the King Quad 750 (though I never owned both at the same time, that was just from memory). We only ran them about 4-5 runs ever, and now it has 26" HTR's so its pulling a bit more unsprung weight. We take them out and trail ride some, but they mostly get driven around the property (75 acres between me and my uncle who borders me). Not much fast riding, lots of wooded trails and hills, and either everyone likes the old 350 grizzly because its small, stable, and controllable or maybe just because its blue. Probably the latter.

[@chuckthompson998]

I love the color but would still be happier with the 450.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

You should buy one!

[@SuperDave-pe1zw]

450 is a slug, my wife traded her 2019 450 for a 2021 kodiak 700 and loves it. Her old 350. Grizzly had more pep than the 450. And for fun a Grizzly 700 is the way to go ! Blip the throttle and wheelie or just go ! Love my 2021 Grizzly!!

[@spyder000069]

Have both a rancher 420 and rubicon 520. I was a little disappointed in the 520 as the 420 is actually a tad faster on the high end. They are really close overall. I've been looking at the Grizzlys for a bigger bike but I am afraid if I pull the trigger yamaha will come out with an 850 version. They already burned me when I got the new wolverine x2 xtr and then they quickly released the Rmax. So I'm trying to hold off a little longer and see if anything new hits for 2023.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I hear you on that. Everybody's been waiting on Yamaha to make that 850 for a long time. I personally do not think they will do it anytime soon but then again they could surprise us next year with one. It really is a tough decision indeed.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

You won't see an 850 grizzly or Kodiak, it will require a full frame redesign or else a whole new 850 engine designed to fit current frame an 850 puts out too much power and starts breaking drivetrain parts on an ATV, just look at the axels and clutches on can-am and Polaris. Yamaha builds reliability, you can't get reliability and big power together in an ATV, you need the larger sxs drivetrain to handle the power.

[@bryanstaten5585]

The Rubicon would be an awesome quad if Honda would get with it on horsepower!

[@TVL2500ls]

Gutes Video..... Zwei Super Maschinen

[@Techprep23]

This is about the only review I've seen and yes I've watched many as I window Shop through the internet. The only video that mentions the tuning differences of the motors the Kodiak is tuned for low end torque and utility work the grizzly is tune for Mid and high range power for blasting through the trails. will the grizzly still tow and all of that yes but it's not the grizzly's main focus where it is for the Kodiak even in the Kodiak 700 it is still geared for more low end first second gear torque and power then it is in the high end.

[@connoratkinson6495]

2:11 I do agree it is hard but I’ve been more than able to on my 2018 kodiak 450

[@joeyholthusen6495]

Myself, never had issues with narrow machines. Grew up on atc 200X and using body English.... I ride a modded Yamaha raptor 770cc. Looking for a ride for my gorgeous Lebanese wife. 😉

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I hear you. I previously rode a Brute Force 300 which was 6inches narrower than the Grizzly - could still whip that thing around trails no problem. You just can't get the same suspension travel on those more narrow machines, so pros and cons for sure. Good luck with your search! Lots of great ATVs out there.

[@redzmvt]

With that color on the Grizzly,no one can say"I didn't see you".I had that same Kodiak and sold it in the hot market.Now I have that same Grizzly,use it for mainly ice fishing.Lack of storage and fuel fill location were things I didn't like about the Kodiak,but no issues in 2 years of use.At lower speeds,fuel usage is almost a wash between the two.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

The 450 kodiak most certainly will lift the wheels off you know what you are doing. It will also break in loose it you want it to. 700 kodiak is a better bargain, change the weights and you have a lighter weight bike with sage drivetrain, turns out to be faster.wet brake is better than rear disc in mud and water. But rear disc do stop better when they aren't wet or muddy.

[@ahsenkhan1646]

That grizzly is looking good!

[@Guovssohas]

How's the real world fuel mileage on the 450 compared to the bigger machine? No one seems to talk about this.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Tough to say the mikes per gallon for each, but you get about the same mikes out of a tank with each. Of course the grizzly has a larger tank. I think the grizzly might be able to go a bit farther our full tank though. I know it doesn't help much, but again I never figured out average MPG but that can vary wildly depending on how you're using it

[@Guovssohas]

Thanks. So you'd say the kodiak definitely uses less fuel than the grizzly? With normal driving.

[@ThomperBeThompin]

@@Guovssohas for sure. Smaller tank but more efficient.

[@Thee_Jadex]

Dont really see why they went with that brush guard on the griz, seems kinda useless when you gotta break most of the front plastic before you start protecting the whole front, kinda really pushes you to get that heavy duty one they sell or did you find the front end on the griz still capable to take down sticks and shrubs without breaking the body?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

the stock plastic brush guards handled small sapplings and other brush fine, but they obviously come up short for rocks, larger downed logs, and maybe frozen dirt (when riding in winter).

[@Thee_Jadex]

@@ThomperBeThompin Ah so kinda what i thought, id probably end up cracking it pretty quick lol

[@pmaint1]

Great video. Lots of info. Thanks

[@Tommo220]

Can wheeli no problem on my 450 what u on about

[@Mr.1-OAK]

👌👌👌

[@bama314]

Do you think the 450 is too small for riding 2 up with 2 adults?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

I've done it tons of times on the Kodiak 450. It's plenty comfortable and capable to tackle some trails like that.

[@bama314]

@@ThomperBeThompin thanks man!

[@exploringtheoutdoors9476]

Bruh 2 ply tires stock I still have the stock tires on my 2003 Honda rancher 350 and they are 6ply 😅

[@ThomperBeThompin]

That is so cool!

[@anwarcreckley1214]

Awesomeness!

[@kevinlambe8797]

i have a buddy that wheelies his 450 Kodiak like a beast you just gotta put her in 2 wheel drive give gas and pull hard

[@ThomperBeThompin]

It definitely can be done, especially at slow speeds. But what I mean particularly is the ability to loft the front end over drop offs and small ditches while at speed. Either that or I'm just not strong enough lol!

[@TheMrmax00000]

How it the ride quality comparison between the two?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

In my opinion, they both ride extremely well and are very comfortable trail machines. The difference is when you start to go faster over choppy terrain. The grizzly is definitely better over that kind of terrain because of the better suspension travel. Either one will be a really comfortable ride, though.

[@thomasj396]

do they run hot?

[@ThomperBeThompin]

The cooling system definitely does a great job of keeping temperatures in check. It routinely comes on at 206° f and brings it back down to 197. I will say that the grizzly seems to kick on the fan more often than the Kodiak did.

[@shirolee]

Hahaha, the color was definitely the elephant in the room. But I agree, you either love it or you hate it.

[@johnowen6507]

grizzlys are a blast to ride but burn as much gas as a half ton truck. both great riding atvs for sure.

[@SuperDave-pe1zw]

The Grizzly is the way to go for taller guys, besides that it's taller, taller seat and higher bars. Wider control arms, the clutching you mentioned plus the Grizzly has a 6% lower final drive so has even more throttle response! I owned a 2019 kodiak 700 EPS and now a 2021 Grizzly 700...there's no comparison ! The Grizzly is way more fun to drive! Good review 👍

[@reddawng43x91]

Your theory of clutching is opposite of what it is! Lighter weights engage faster at lower rpm giving you more torque for pulling logs and work , heavier weights take more rpm to engage giving u less rpm to keep them going once they are moving good hence top end ish

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Thanks! I got it mixed up

[@westernslopermax216]

Umm….. actually no! Heavier weights upshift at a lower rpm. It requires more RPMs for a lighter weight to move out and the sheave to begin to upshift. Lighter weights do work better for hill climbing, deep mud, sand…… because the higher RPMs put it in a better torque curve. Heavier weights are better for cruising, long term engine life, fuel mileage…..

[@juannegrin7106]

Nice,

[@roosteroriginal6458]

Same exact position - literally - bought a 2021 450 kodiak - installed bearclaw htrs now I wanna a grizzly 700 with bear claw htr tires :)

[@ThomperBeThompin]

No kidding. Do it, man! Hot used market right now.

[@shawncordeiroTerraceBC]

26 vs 50 hp

[@michaelhefford6420]

$100 and 30 mins work gives your Kodiak, Grizzly performance; no need to spend $3000. Unless a couple storage compartments, taller seat and bars is worth $3k to you...definitely not to me

[@ThomperBeThompin]

Close bud. $1200 difference (Kodiak 700 EPS vs Grizzly) Grizz gets: Taller tires, more ground clearance, wider A-arms, longer suspension travel, LED headlights, more aggressive clutching, more storage, etc. All that matters is that you feel good about your decision. Don't shit all over everyone else's. Cheers!

[@michaelhefford6420]

@ThomperBeThompin US might be $1200. Its $2500 or more here. There is a difference in them, as I already mentioned. Performance wise, it's weights, that's it. Are the other fearures worth $1200 even when the stock tires are garbage and will need to be replaced anyway? I just bought weights, 27" tires, shim, spring and 1" wheel spacers for under $1000 Can, that's like $700 US and my Kodiak will now outperfom a stock Grizzly...whichbi do also have, so yes i know the differences. Same ground clearance. Only difference is the little extra suspension travel. They are different bikes, 100% but if you're looking at strictly performance, you're better off with a Kodiak and change the weights. You're 80lbs lighter to start with, which is nothing to sneeze at.

[@roosteroriginal6458]

Now you need an Rmax2 1000 ;)

[@avalon1rae]

This is why our family only buys Can am

[@jessepoorman2621]

Junk compared to a Yamaha.

[@avalon1rae]

@@jessepoorman2621 My side-by-side from factory is one badass ride.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

Yeah and this is talking about reliable ATVs not SXS. Can-am lay down big power in the ATV, just like Polaris, but not near as reliable. Big power on smaller ATV parts is a recipe for breakdowns. And we see it every day with the big 850 & 1000 canams & Polaris. You need the bigger sxs drivetrain to handle that kind of power

[@reddawng43x91]

If all you buy is can am then your a noob! And like to fix shit that breaks! I’ve owned Suzuki Polaris Kawasaki Yamaha and Hondas , if you want longevity buy a Yamaha or a Honda! Period! Idgaf how much power a bike has ! Power breaks shit every other ride period!

[@pmaint1]

@avalon I feel sorry for your family

[@FullsendOffroad]

bad upgrade

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

Actually a pretty good upgrade. I personally would have went with a 700 kodiak SE or even the grizzly SE. Base model isn't worth buying

[@spyder000069]

@@jasonmorehouse3756 Why? The only difference between the Grizzly EPS SE and Grizzly EPS is the zilla mud tires, 14 inch rims, and painted body. I personally trail ride more than mud so I would switch the zillas out right away and the 12 inch rims should give more sidewall for a more comfortable ride. Plus the standard grizzly tire is a inch shorter so overall the bike should take off quicker. Plus its not a square tire setup so it should be faster overall because the tire weight should be less. What am I missing that makes the SE worth the price other than the bad color choice on the EPS? The way I see it if you are a mud rider the SE makes sense. For most other riders the base is the best value.