There is a huge difference between the Grizzly and the Kodiak. The motor is the same. The clutches are a lot different. The Kodiak is set for a work machine. You can operate it at a lower RPM. The Grizzly is set up for more trail riding than working. But either machine will do more than adequate at either task.
The brakes are not as good as they are on the Grizzly.
The ground clearance is not as high as the Grizzly. The seat and ride height are not the same. The Grizz is much more comfortable to ride, at least for me. Softer seat, noticible even in the dealer showroom.
The factory tires are better on the Grizzly.
The 4wd and diff-lock is a LOT better on the Grizzly than the Kodiak.
You don't get the pod light on the handlebars on the Kodiak, you don't get the same gauge cluster on the Kodiak as the Grizzly.
The only place they start to compare apples to apples on the Grizz/Kodiak is when you get the Kodiak SE, but you're paying a price that will get you all that gear on the basic Grizzly.
That said, the 2016-17's are not without issues. The motor has had some hard starting problems. The air intake box sucks and lets a lot of dust into the motor, something Yamaha should have fixed from 16 to 17, but didn't... and the there are some that are having smoking issues at start up.
If you're looking just to upgrade, I'd look for a 2014/15 Grizzly 700 EPS. They're the cream of the crop as far as Yamaha atv's go. If you look really hard, you might, just maybe be able to find a 2015 new still. You'll have to dig though.
Last edited by tzone; 03/30/17.
