Is a Used Yamaha Kodiak Better Than a New One? 2021 Yamaha Kodiak 700 Takes On a 2016 Model

[@ChiefRickyRC]

If yamaha made trucks we would all be happier

[@Davido50]

They kinda do its called Ford trucks. High tech, very durable, reliable etc. #Yamaha #Fordtrucks

[@ChiefRickyRC]

@@Davido50 yamaha works with Ford? Or a metaphor? Ford has been kicking ass in the truck game tho fact!

[@ChiefRickyRC]

Like back when the SHO was a yamaha?

[@brianfaught5141]

@@ChiefRickyRC yes

[@mapleridgefarm1026]

Not sure about that just bought a 2017 grizz 700 and have to bring it into yamaha as its smoking, got milky oil and burning oil as well. 708 motors are junk!

[@barrypittman2199]

Still rockin' an '88 Yamaha Terra Pro. It just won't die, and takes me everywhere I need to get to.

[@POHLHAMMER]

Do you have any implements?

[@barrypittman2199]

@@POHLHAMMER just the finish mower! I wish I had the rough cut mower.

[@tylerm7403]

My father still has his and uses it daily in the summer.

[@xGR1MxREAPERx]

The 686 motor is bulletproof and amazing. Soo glad they went back to it in 2019… 708 motor was a bad design and the reason they got rid of it 3 years later. Plus the 686 got some stronger internals in 2019

[@j.s.2623]

I love my 16 Kodiak 700 SE I use it for property management, hunting, plowing snow and trail riding. What I love more than the Kodiak itself is Yamaha my wheeler was well out of warranty (about 3 years) it start to use oil Yamaha re built the top end at no cost to me the also replaced the 4wheel drive switch (which was working fine) with updated version. My neighbor has a Polaris that had some issues under warranty and he had to fight with them to get it fixed.

[@27Zangle]

That is Polaris for you. I really love the 570 Trail and would love to have one. I have known a few people who had the 570 engine in an ATV or the smaller SXS with great success over the years. I have also heard some horror stories concerning Polaris. I do know they have horrible bearings and bushings and probably it is best to replace all of them after the first season with aftermarket parts. This just adds another expense that shouldn't be needed for years. I will likely go with a new Kodiak 700 or King Quad 750 in the coming year.

[@Show-me-how-now]

Totally agree. I’ve owned one Yamaha, two Hondas and one Kawasaki. However, I just wish that Yamaha and Honda would step up in the engine department.

[@markflaugh2293]

I’m along for the ride so trucks or Atv’s and Utv’s or water craft or snowmobiles whatever you can test is fine with me! Keep up the great work guys!

[@dustinmittel348]

On then 4x4 contacts I just took opened it up and cleaned the contacts and put some dielectric grease on them

[@ray9880]

As a proud owner of a 2019 kodiak 450eps. I'm very happy with my quad/atv. Also bought used not new with 145km on it. The pervious Yamaha kodiak 450eps had 18000km since 2012. Used it to haul wood and rocks. All I done was regular maintenance once a year. Should do more atv reviews.

[@outpowspo]

The 708 is a great engine. The newer ones have a very reliable but old school engine.

[@jluepke0240]

my 2016 Kodiak eps model, just hit 7,000 miles yesterday and still going strong. I have the manual 4x4 lever and have had zero issues with this machine. (I bought it out of the crate)

[@deadlyfraser]

How do the wheel bearings hold up? I do a lot of trail riding the bike I have now the bearings are already shot at 3900km, I think im going to trade it in for a kodiak soon.

[@jluepke0240]

@@deadlyfraserI'm at 8,800 miles now, it needs a cv shaft now, I replaced the belt around 7,500 and the wheel bearings around 6,800 miles. motor still runs perfect

[@danielc5205]

If you don't care about 700cc power, you can down grade to a 450 for almost half the price of the 700. They both have the same tow rating.

[@DontThinkOfTheGame]

You want to talk Yamaha reliability my dad bought a Yamaha big bear 350 in 1993 and it still goes today. I'm 32 yr old and have been driving it my entire life. Sure it's not a speed demon but we mostly use it on the northern Ontario terrain shown in this video so you don't get chances to open it wide open often. Will it win on the drag strip. No. Sure our newer atv are "easier" to drive but if the whole family is going riding I'll take the old girl still for fun (yes we have newer ATVs too). Broken drive shalt and only front wheel power only (after 25 years of use): still makes it back to the truck. Intake manifold completely cracked (after 30 years of use) and hit water holes and stalls, just pull it out and wait a few minutes and she fires back up like new. If the same thing can be said about the 2021 after that amount of years than Yamaha is doing something right.

[@wildbill23c]

A friend of mine has a couple of Big Bear 350's, I believe they're both 1998 models, but yep they're both still going, the only somewhat negative side to them is they were in 4WD all the time, no 2WD mode. They run great, and plow snow really well as that's what they get used for most of the time now.

[@FlawleZ31]

My '98 Big Bear still chugging along nicely. Not a speed demon, but goes anywhere the newer quads go.

[@feldhdleh]

Well said! 1999 Big Bear SE (Canadian S-E) is the same - going strong and likely to last many more years.

[@northerntoyota7584]

The 686 is a Yamaha engine and superior in reliability. Which is why there is a recall for oil consumption on that 708. The wolverine single used the 708 as well.

[@JerryEgberink]

Nailed it! The 708 was known to consume oil. kubota used the same 708cc in their RTV-X850G side by side that also burned oil. The 708 originated from Subaru. They brought the 686 back because of proven reliability.

[@frydaddy1535]

Love this idea, old vs new of same models. I have a 2002 recon I’ve thought about trading for a new one, but never felt worth the $

[@trevorjack7430]

I have 2017 Kodiak 700 SE EPS I love it just shy of 8000km. Fun great machine super reliable would recommend a Yamaha to anyone looking for a great machine.

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Yes, the 686 is the mechanics choice between the two. I've got a couple of Brutes at home but at the shop I really enjoy the big motor Yamahas, good test guys and keep up the good work.

[@normdiehl497]

I Love my 2016 kodiak 700 eps purchased new does everything I challenge no problems.I finally replaced the battery 2/15/2023

[@sheepdawg6946]

I still love my 2005 Kodiak 450. Still super reliable and now I just gave it to my 13 year old son. It has been serviced by me since day one, been stored in the garage and only has 1500 miles on it. Never, I mean Never has it had any issues. Still runs great. I am now buying another Yamaha ATV. 2021 Kodiak 700 eps.

[@thumperbangin2000]

Dad is awesome, I always love his reviews.

[@Davido50]

Love my '21 Raptor 700R-SE. Uses the 686cc high compression motor not the new utility motor.

[@westernslopermax216]

The 708 was a Subaru engine, a well known oil burning, smoking, oil consuming POS. Most, especially the 16 model began consuming oil before 1000 miles. Ask me how I know. It’s documented across all 16-18 models models of Kodak, Grizzly and Wolverine SXS. It was a lemon of an engine that was a stain on Yamahas reputation and they abandoned it. It wasn’t as stated in the beginning of the vid. Nobody that knows that info wants a 16-18 model of anything Yamaha and In a search you can find many of them available because they can’t get rid of them. The 686 is proven to be the most reliable engine EVER. Good on Yamaha for going back to it. Yamaha did put out a TSB to fix my 708 engine and took care of my problem. I added oil to it starting at 800 miles till 5000 s when they fixed it. It served me well but I sold it at 7000 miles with no faith in it due to so many putting a rod through the block when the water pump nut would also historically on many many units would back off and either over heat or lose oil pressure because the oil pump drive gear was on the same shaft and the only thing that kept it turning was the tension of the nut. No key on the gear, no spline, Mothing!! They failed over and over. It’s the equivalent of plating Russian roulette every time you start the engine. No safety to shut the engine down, no oil pressure sensor or gauge. Just KABOOM! I wish anyone who owns one best of luck. Most people that lose the block these days can’t even find a replacement engine and Yamaha doesn’t even feel bad for them after getting their money!

[@FullsendOffroad]

My buddy has a 2021 Kodiak in that same color. ive driven it, and i gotta say it's just like my 17-year old KingQuad. and oh my god, when you tested this kodiak(2021) i thought i was riding it or you were riding my friend's because that sound... identical even on camera.

[@vincenzomarchiano1136]

Would like to see some reviews on the CFMOTO lineup.

[@cnaef19]

Loved the 708 engine in my '17 Grizzly. Not really loving my '21 or '22. Wish they'd go back or release something new and a little bigger.

[@darrellmcquay9808]

Yeah for sure I’ve had zero engine issues with my 16 grizzly 700

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

Not sure if you say this later in the video or not as I'm only two min in, but the 708cc was dropped as it's a Subaru engine that had significant oil burning/consumption issues and Yamaha are having to rebuild many of them. Speaking from first hand experience (3x friends with 708's with big regrets)... gone back to the bulletproof 686cc is a good thing. Have 1000's of kms on the 686 personally (Viking).

[@octavianparvu8304]

You are right...my 2017 with about 3000km went to the dealership 2 weeks ago for the oil burning issues at cold starts. Mine was outside warranty but Yamaha fixed free at no cost to me. They told me that the issues come from bad coatings on the internal of the engine...piston...rings...etc. So they installed a new stuff inside the engine. Will see in time.

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

From all accounts I have heard of they are doing a good job looking after their customers.

[@northerntoyota7584]

You are correct, 2019 Yamaha went back to the 686 Yamaha built motor.

[@alexbell9196]

The 708 in my wolverine rspec burns oil but it runs good. I just toper off and keep rolling.

[@wildbill23c]

I had a Yamaha Rhino 700 (686) never had any engine issues or CVT issues...it just sucked at the utility aspect of its job...it would quite easily tear up your yard, not sure why Yamaha can't put some sort of "Turf" mode in their UTVs, seems just about every other manufacturer does, most of the time you don't need a locked rear differential, would be nice if they made it selectable. Dump bed on them is a joke, yep 400lb bed capacity, if you want to lift it yourself to dump it LOL, seems quite a problem with all manufacturers though, not just a Yamaha thing. Not sure I'd buy another UTV, I think I'd just buy one of those mini-trucks if I wanted another utility vehicle...those mini trucks are about the same price or a bit cheaper than a UTV. At least with a mini-truck you get a cab, and usually at least a heater, sometimes they have AC as well.

[@anthonyc1883]

Dad: "Ready to demo these machines in the mud?" Stephen: "Um, I'm still wearing my tan pants." Dad: "Too bad. Let's go."

[@jaimeastin]

Just picked up mine 2021 Kodiak 700 espse yesterday. I was going to get the copperhead orange, but they told me that the covert green was in stock and I couldn't pass it up. I was the one I truly wanted.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

yamaha did not lose access to the 708, they used the 708 for 3 years after thier small engine plant was partially destroyed by a tsunami. they used Subaru small engine division , which Yahama bought at the same time, to build thier 700 single. that factory already built an engine based off the 686 yamaha, so very little new equipment was needed, and out came the 708. the old 686 is slightly different from the new one, mounting points are different , new cam profile tomove torque curve closer to midrange wher its used most.

[@TruckKing]

Good info. Thanks

[@codyhilton7396]

2021 and the 2022 they used 31 gram clutch weights and 2020 down they used 18 gram clutch weights so that is why the older Atv feels like it has more power

[@nokkieg1]

i got 7000 euro back from the dealer on trade for my 15yo 2007 yamaha grizz with 12.000 km on it.. unseen.. that says it all imo..

[@EC_ATV_Outdoors]

I like the reliability of the Japanese ATV's, but seriously, asking 12,500 for a meh ATV that is reliable is a bit much. They e done no real r and d but want the same and in some cases more than the big brands, and stat whose they are inferior. I paid 12,600 for my 2020 850 High Lifter and $8000 on my 17 AC Alterra 700. Both have mounds more clearance, better accessories, and I've had no issues with either. Loved my 2018 KQ 750, but like the Yamaha, lacked clearance, suspension travel, and new tech.

[@quinton8312]

And yet you will still be on the side of the trail in your highlighter toast getting towed by a grizzly 👌

[@EC_ATV_Outdoors]

@@quinton8312 HL had zero issues, my 2021 850 touring, zero issues, my 2017 Alterra, Zero issues. My 18 KQ had zero issues but that was traded for the HL. The only problem with Polaris that I've experienced in the 5000 kms I've had on them, I hate greasing them. But Can-Am has the same amount of grease fittings too. The Alterra is as maintenance free as my KQ was. But I assume that's because for a very long time Arctic Cat and Suzuki had a partnership with engines.

[@tristan6351]

You have to remember that he’s talking about Canadian dollars. The 850 highlander is several thousand more than this kodiak 700 lol

[@EC_ATV_Outdoors]

@@tristan6351 I'm Canadian, my 2020 850 high lifter was $12,600. I was at the Suzuki dealer and a 750 was $13,500. I owned one, they're a good reliable ATV, but nowhere near touching a v twin let alone one that is fully snorkeled and has top quality expensive outlaw 2's. You're just not getting any bang for you buck. Japanese brands barely have any add-ons either. Let alone quick systems.

[@deadlyfraser]

I'm at the point now where i've tried three brands of bikes that were fun and had whistles I just want something that's bulletproof and I think this is it. 2022 Polaris sportsman 1000 touring burns a quart of oil within a 1000km trip. Segway snarler, too many problems to list, can-am differential issues and bearings go bad fast. I dont even beat on my machines it's all trail riding.

[@wg5768]

That Copperhead Orange color would be my first choice,but for the price of the Kodiak 700 I'd buy a side by side. P.S. Driving 60 mph with only one hand is not too bright!

[@sheepdawg6946]

I thought the same thing. I would never drive that speed with one hand.

[@tristan6351]

Power steering makes it much easier and safer.

[@JCourts2k23]

I had a 2019 Kodiak 450, good looking quad, but never liked it and sold it. It sounded like crap and weak. Of course i was used to the Can-am Outlanders i had. 2011 800 and 2015 Outlander 1000 V-twins which both where powerful and sounded amazing

[@gamebred5662]

Never heard Ya-ma-ha pronounced yam-a-ha lol

[@jasondickinson1842]

Good video. You skipped mentioning that the 708 had a lot of reliability issues, although your’s has been ok.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

2016 and early 17 had a few oil burners that were fully covered by yamaha. no other reliability issues

[@darrellmcquay9808]

My 16 has been totally fine

[@WBOS72]

No, I would not take that POS Subaru 708cc in the 16 if you paid me. New any day, great video. Yamaha was left holding the bag, the 708 had huge oil consumption issues, zero help from Subaru. Subaru has since exited the small engine business, they sold everything to Kubota.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

subaru offered no help because yamaha bought subaru small engine division when they started the 708. only a small amount of 16/17 708 had issues, it was early production. get your facts straight

[@gaelicgladiator2893]

My 2016 700 has a issue where the fuel pump goes every month.

[@james8a484]

Mines was having the problem but came out to be the clear tube was clogged.

[@leroymoss5635]

Hi my name is Leroy I got 2021 Yamaha grizzly 700 the top speed hits 64 mph

[@8FunGuy8]

Yamaha is to ATV's what Toyota is to Automobiles.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

not really... yamaha is actually good, and not overpriced

[@northerntoyota7584]

Old man sleeping at the lights? Then likely weight was the deciding factor on the top end.

[@BaddykidStarcraft]

the 708 Subaru had major issues, the 686 is bulletproof proof

[@darrellmcquay9808]

Everyone says this but then I read peoples comments that have the 16s myself included that has had zero engine issues

[@lcdubs7847]

Truck King? Did you get a new channel, or have you always been on more than one?

[@christopherbassit2757]

686>708. Subaru made the 708 and is known to burn oil if not broken in correctly. The 686 didn’t have these problems

[@darrellmcquay9808]

My break in period was getting it dropped off in my driveway new on 2016 and 30 seconds later I was going 107kph for half an hour, no oil issues whatsoever

[@christopherbassit2757]

@@darrellmcquay9808 cause you broke it in correctly. Hard break in all the way

[@danthechevymanc6b475]

I really want to see a review on the Argo Xplorer

[@SuperDave-pe1zw]

Why were you in 4wd on your high speed test 🤔 my 2019 kodiak and my wives 2021 both run 64 mph. My new 2021 grizzly tops out at 60. I guess because they gave the grizzly 6% lower gearing in 2019 up. But it rips from a dead stop !

[@xmonster741]

Was asking myself the same question. It hurts my head just looking at that in 4by going that fast lol

[@darrellmcquay9808]

My 16 grizzly goes 107-108 kph

[@Ramblin_Rob]

I’d like to see Grizzly vs equal competition and Viking vs Competition

[@bobheale2521]

Dirt Trax is gonna be pissed. They might start reviewing trucks

[@yorkchris10]

So much for the test mules

[@04tsxpower]

Nice trails

[@garybrown9062]

I’ll take the Yamaha motor any day over a Subaru motor. Hard to believe “the motor company” would sub out a motor. Sacrilegious!

[@danlux4954]

I think it’s a Yamaha design, but Subaru screwed up. I think the Yamaha assembly plant was flooded or something.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

yamaha bought Subaru small engine division at the time the 708 began production .

[@garybrown9062]

@@jasonmorehouse3756 Motor was designed by Subaru and it shows. That’s why Yamaha switched back.

[@garybrown9062]

@canadian That being said a friend of mine has the motor Yamaha abandoned and he drives the crap out of it. Wide open every chance he gets. In a SXS. Limited at 82 kph and that’s where he drives it. Still working great. 4000 km or 2400 miles on it.

[@outpowspo]

The 708 is a DOHC and is vastly more complex. The 686 is a great engine but a little outdated, compared to other brands.

[@Roboticdoughbull3k]

Outdated is just a in one's opinion statement imo, when something is just right and likewise made right, it's reliable, you'd rather have a 687cc or just anything different in design so to say it's modern and not having the parts availability, aftermarket and known how.. I don't see how that "new or modern" trade off is a positive? The Ford F350 has a solid front axle because of it's duty list and performance needs so Ford stuck with that, it didnt deter buyer's because its dated, it just works. Same kind if thing designing a atv, if it works I don't think it's dated until it just grows old like anything and anyone else, when its new if its tried and true, that's a good thing imo. I like especially the mentality of the Grizzley being high ground clearance and harder to get on because its a half inch or inch taller, people have their ways of thinking and that's that I guess. The reality is a Kodiak dimensionally being a inch or 2 less wide and long compared to the grizzly is a good thing when doing technical tight trails, the difference in performance because of the length and width is negligible at best, ridiculous to think it's a better machine because of that and some clutching difference. Tires and suspension, mostly tires can alleviate the difference in ground clearance in seconds. Grizzly is made for the big spenders that Yamaha heard coming a mile away like any manufacturing company, money to burn baby well I say have at it. I'll get the Kodiak, change clutch weights and add 28" tires and be happy as all get out still having saved major coin over someone and their having to have the grizzly badge. Bit of a ramble and rant but I think a lot of people would agree with me here. Happy trails whatever you're riding.

[@KUBBI7488]

Older engine on yamaha market better for reliability !!!

[@williamfreeman8866]

Mine costed 9000 and goes 70 and its governed

[@MIKEC2000]

I heard the 708 was littered with problems

[@thumperbangin2000]

You heard wrong.

[@TraveladvRajanSRai]

12k is to much. A base one for 8k is better

[@Show-me-how-now]

Those single yamahas are so slow. My Kawasaki 650 goes 69 to 70 mph (112).

[@FlawleZ31]

Dude all utility 4 wheelers are slow. No one buys them for top speed and if you did you bought the wrong bike.

[@Show-me-how-now]

@@FlawleZ31 The Polaris, Can-Am and Kawasaki 4 wheelers are pretty fast, in fact they are much faster than the Yamaha. Regardless, if you only run tight technical trails, then you’re right speed isn’t an issue. I run both tight trails and high speed gravel roads, so something that cruise comfortably at 55 mph plus is important for me. Cheers buddy. 😀

[@FlawleZ31]

@@Show-me-how-now What is considered fast is relative. I come from the car and sport bike world where 1000+ horsepower cars are regular and the bikes are 1000cc+ with power adders. So when I dabble in offroad fun, trail riding, mudding, etc, anything in the utility class UTV or ATV is not fast. And it doesnt need to be. They're designed to go off road and traverse terrain. Sure theirs the sport ATVs but not really talking about them.

[@danlux4954]

The trails I run are slow bumpy trails. Can’t do top end.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

@@Show-me-how-now i find it funny that my 700 kodiak with my 300lb+ body on it will smoke a 750 brute with a 180lb rider and a 650 brute with a prob 210lb guy. my kodiak will easily cruise at 55 top is roughly 64 to 67

[@843MudMafia.]

I got a 2019 Kodiak 700 i like but i just preorder can am Outlander XT1000

[@gamebred5662]

Cam am > everything else.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

@@gamebred5662 lol another short bus kid eh

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

we fell sorry for you

[@jedeckert8912]

686 is better them the 708. 708 burns oil.

[@thumperbangin2000]

Only a few of them do. Most run absolutely fine.

[@jedeckert8912]

@@thumperbangin2000 Well mine sure did. Glad I dumped that POS.

[@murdered1415]

Matter of truth is that you don't want to reveal the real reason they stopped using the 708 which was cheap pos Subaru built motor

[@POHLHAMMER]

The 708 was a HUGE flop... Not made by YAMAHA, and almost all burn oil. YAMAHA ditched it on purpose, and went back to the old reliable 686. I know , as I own them both.

[@jasonmorehouse3756]

and here you are again spreading misinformation. was made by subaru small engine division who is owned by yamaha. not almost all... more like a few, mostly 16 and early 17.

[@tedsamuels3203]

Way over priced

[@ktmfour1007]

Basically junk get a honda Forman..heard of the power steering taking people off cliffs.. Electronics and mud dont mix.. Also drive belts reduce reliability. If you drive like grandpa u might get 1000 miles on a belt .. Normal belt life your lucky too get 500

[@garybrown9062]

Belts are warrantied for 10 years. I don’t know anyone who has replaced one. Local dealer doesn’t even stock them.

[@ktmfour1007]

@@garybrown9062 NOTHING on a wheeler has a 10year warranty LMFAO

[@ddubbs5638]

You clearly have no idea what you are talking about. Yamaha have wet clutches so the belt is always under tension. Honda has electronic transmission computers. Seen Honda leave people stranded. Never a yamaha

[@DodgeMan360]

@@ktmfour1007 He's correct, Yamaha drive belts are warrantied for 10 years.

[@ktmfour1007]

@@DodgeMan360 yea against defects not for wear. Good luck getting one warrantied.. Cant be contaminated with mud or water.. Read the warranty lol. They wont warranty a belt for normal wear

[@dirtydogvideo]

you really do a good job on your videos.

[@TruckKing]

I appreciate that!

[@yorkchris10]

So much for the test mules