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

We get asked a lot on what we think of the differences between Honda and Yamaha and also an updated review of the Kodiak 700. Hope this answers some of those questions!

[mcoop]

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

[TTT-duoj]

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

[blairdougherty]

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!

[bg]

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

[grousehunter]

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

[chadweaver]

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

[ordinaryman]

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.

[bigjay]

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.

[chrisdavis]

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