Yamaha vs Honda? An Owner’s Honest Long Term Review of the 2019 Yamaha Kodiak 700

[@mcoop571]

Thanks for sharing your experience with us! Very helpful (and timely) for me!

[@Palomino488]

Glad it was helpful!

[@TTT-du6oj]

Great honest review/talk on Yamaha vs Honda,both are very well built machines,but I agree with you if you want an automatic there is really no comparison in real world functionality to Yamaha’s ultramatic transmission,as you mentioned you are always in the right gear with great engine braking.You should use low gear when pulling loads and steep hills,I have had a 2007 grizzly 450 and now a 2014 550/power steering with absolutely no buyers remorse

[@Palomino488]

Thanks for watching!

[@blairdougherty2760]

Really great video bud! You touched on so many of the really important features of the Kodiak especially in contrast to Honda. I have a 2021 Kodiak 700 base model that definitely lacks some features and the price reflects it but… The engine, and CVT transmission of the Yamaha make all the difference in the world especially at a base Kodiak 700 price point. As far as power steering goes in my experience, Yamaha has the absolute best. As far as automatic, transmission’s go longevity, how it shifts and general reliability, how they run Yamaha has the best for the 4 x 4 market in this class. I have a 2022 Yamaha raptor, 700 R for going fast and a 2021 Kodiak 700 that by the way has the same engine as a raptor for everything else!

[@Palomino488]

Thanks! Someday when I can afford it I’d like to own a Raptor 700, they are awesome machines.

[@navaho5430]

Love that colour, beats my 03 but still goes excellent cheers from OZ.

[@Palomino488]

Glad you like the color. The Kodiak is a great machine. Thanks for watching!

[@ordinaryman5956]

How do you know when to use high or low? Do you know how easy it is to change the belt and when to change it? I agree with the Honda gear hunting going uphill. I have a 2009 Rancher AT. Thanks for sharing.

[@Palomino488]

As a general rule I use low range for pulling heavy loads or attachments and whenever an incline is very steep and say I’m starting at the bottom of it standing still or if it’s just really steep and I prefer to crawl along at a slower speed. Whenever you want to creep along for a prolonged period whether it’s working with the machine or if it’s technical terrain I’d recommend low range. The Kodiak will tackle a lot of steep inclines just fine in high range if you are willing to stay into the throttle and are already moving. It probably would tackle them just fine from a standing still start with the torque it has, but I typically just switch to low range to be kind to the machine if I’m starting from a standstill on a steep incline. When you ride the machine you can get a feel for how it’s doing at any given time and if it’s lugging the engine too much and more throttle input doesn’t correct the lugging then it’s best to go to low range. I don’t experience any lugging though. I’ve not had to change a belt on mine. From the videos I’ve seen it looks pretty straightforward. All I know about the belt life is from what I read people say they last forever even on older machines with lots of miles. Yamaha gives the 10 year belt warranty when you purchase machine new. I think the owners manual gives the intervals for inspecting the belt. Just like with a serpentine or v belt on a car engine or other piece of machinery I periodically look at it and check the condition of it and replace when it’s absolutely necessary. That’s my plan with the Kodiak too. Thanks for watching.

[@bg9318]

I have one coming from a old 350 fourtax and then a 500 foreman but the Kodiak 700 is alot more bike and i agree with you on the smooth handy auto h/l and the power steering very easy bike to ride very comfortable and plenty enough power

[@donaldrogers3162]

First !!! 🎉🎊

[@chrisdavis9318]

That's a nice machine. Thanks for sharing sir.

[@Palomino488]

Thanks for watching!

[@chadweaver251]

Does your Kodiak run hot? Overheat at all? Some Yamahas are known for that.

[@Palomino488]

No, it has never overheated. The engine heat was never a problem for me. Sure they get hot in the middle of summer when it’s 90-100 degrees outside and you’re idling or moving slowly. I never let it bother me. The EGT’s are much cooler now that I installed the HMF muffler too. The EGT’s are where most of the heat radiates from.

[@wcasako1310]

Good information. Yamaha has some nice styling going on. Look sharp and seem to be well built.

[@grousehunter67]

I havent rode the Kodiak i own 2 Grizzlies 17/2020 ive owned all the iapanese atvs about 4 Hondas but in my experince the Grizzly is the best trail quad out there power to weight ratio plush ride quality built machine but if i want more of a utility / hunting machine the Rubicon is my choice

[@bradhouser5027]

i am looking at a new Rubicon, or Grizzly. at this point i am thinking more for utility, than trail riding. you have had both, can you tell me any specific likes for utility with the Rubicon over the Grizzly? i have ridden bikes all my life, but never had an ATV before, so this is all new to me..... i have had 1 Yamaha, and 4 honda's, and 1 Harley. i was impressed with all

[@dannymacdonnell251]

@@bradhouser5027.i think the rubicon is better for utility because of the low first gear but personally i think the grizzly or kodiak is perfectly fine in low gear most any task . But if you do choose to go out on the trails the kodiak or grizzly would be the better option for sure . Just my opinion ..

[@bigjay6743]

I wish yamaha would put black fender skirts on instead of having it painted. It doesn't take long to start tearing up that paint going through the trails.

[@Palomino488]

Yamaha atv accessories page online shows black fender skirts/flares for the Kodiak available as an add on for those who wish.