I've had 3 Yamahas (Big Bear, Kodiak, and now a Grizzly 700) - loved 'em all. I prefer them to all of the others - have Suzuki, Kawasaki, Honda and Polaris dealers close, and cost was not an issue for me in the decision between 'em. Have friends that have/have had all of the others - only ones that I've seen too many issues with were Polaris. That was 10+yrs ago, but none of 'em will go back so no experience with the newer ones.
Never had a problem with the belt on the Kodiak or Grizzly. I had the Kodiak in fairly deep mud/water a few times. I buy 'em for hunting, not for mudding, etc., so I don't go looking for the stuff. If I did, I'd look into "snorkels" for the transmission "vent tube".
