Yeah, the grizzly is a helluva bike. Spendy though, 2K more than the Kodiak and virtually the same ride. I'd like to slip in the door cheaper with the Kodiak.
I hear by simply shimming and installing the grizzly clutch weights, one can get the exact same performance. Although I'd likely be satisfied with the factory setup.
I don't need power steering. I use more tame tires, chain-up the fronts (rarely) in the deep snow. They offer it on the Kodiak for about a grand more.
I've been researching these since they came out and have narrowed it down to Grizzly or a Can-am.
This is true if you're looking for Grizzly performance. It sounds like he's not. The Kodiak is set up for work/towing/woods work. The clutch will give you a bit more bottom end and little less on the top. If you're working more than trail riding the Kodiak may be for you.
That said, if you get the basic Kodiak, you're getting VERY basic! There is no speedo, stiffer less comfortable seat, no diff loc, and the no push button 4wd. You're going to be flipping a cheap looking lever to get in 4x4 on the left side of the machine. And flipping it back off. The lever is cumbersome and really, it's pretty ugly. you also get the halogen lights, which are OK, but the new LED's REALLY light up the trail!
There is NO WAY in hell I'd get a new ATV without power steering. It's the best thing they've come up with since 4x4 as far as I'm concerned. You're selling yourself VERY short if you don't spend a few extra $$ and get the EPS.
The '16 Grizzly/Kodiak's aren't without issues on the new motor/Electrical either. Some are tough to start in cold weather. Temps of 20*F or colder. A few have been solved by using 0w30 YamaLube but some have issues with the compression releif not working or not being installed at all from Yamaha! The new 700 is actually a 708 and an all new motor. Not just a re-tuned 700 from the year prior.
The Grizzly has larger, better 26" tires. The Kodiak has 25" tires. not a big difference in traction, but there is in the way it handles.
If you get the Kodiak, and can afford a bump over the very basic model, I'd recommend the Kodiak SE. It's still quite a bit cheaper than the Girzzly and pretty comparable to the basic Grizzly, but with a few more features.
The Kodiak is also a bit closer to the ground than the Grizzly. in seat height and ground clearance. The Grizzly and Kodiak SE have a lot better brakes than the Kodiak as well. The Grizzly is also a bit wider ie, more stable than the Kodiak.
So yes, the Kodiak is less money but you really are getting a lot less for the lower dollar amount.