It's fun to listen to this today (January 2025). Tomorrow I'm pulling the trigger on a 2024 Kodiak 450 EPS (tan/camo was the only one in stock). A local dealer gave me a pretty good price (not a steal, but a very competitive price). I'll use it for light recreational use and for plowing our level driveway. Like the man said in the video, I'm a first time ATV buyer. Maybe I'll want more some day. But this feels right. In case anyone is curious about a random 40+ year old first time buyer's thought process, I was looking at Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki. I didn't really consider Can-Am or Polaris. I think the reason why is the "Japanese makes" seem to have solid platforms that don't change. I want something bulletproof that is a proven platform (not new or changing every year) and I get that vibe from them. I didn't pay much attention to Suzuki. Not 100% sure why. It just didn't sing to me. Maybe it was simply that drab green color, which seems to be prevalent and transcends manufacturers. Maybe it was the uninspiring front end design (visually). I was all set for a Honda Rancher 420, but didn't want to foot shift. The DCT models with IRS were notably more than the Yamaha and Kawasaki. After more research, I learned that the belt is a non-issue with Yamaha, and the more I read the more I liked the idea of it with their CVT transmission. The new Brute Force 450 had my heart. It looks so cute, yet beefy in the front. IMO Kawasaki did a great job on design (visually). I hear it's Kymco. Some people criticize it. Some say Kymco is bullet proof, so it's a good thing. I ended up not choosing that mostly because it's new. There are so few plow and accessory options for the new model, and I want a plow on day 1. If the Kawasaki were a couple years old and had plenty of accessories, who knows where I would have ended up. I still like the little thing and tell my wife maybe we'll buy one next year. Side note, too. Kawasaki's plastics look cheaper. Not having a black "block" around their shift looks cheap. It's just a cutout in the plastic. It makes it feel extremely cheap, especially with the white plastic option (though I DO like the overall look of the Brute in white). Also the plastic is shiny and in general gives me cheap vibes. Even if it isn't, it's something that continually picked at me. Cheers. Just sharing a random customer's thought process. The local dealer will be equipping it with a KFI winch and plow setup. I was all gung-ho for Warn. I wanted a front mount. After some thinking, I'm only plowing my 100yd level driveway. It will get light use. Mid-mount will be just fine. KFI will be just fine. It's all powder coated. I'm looking forward to the entire package.
That guy from Yamaha is super sharp. I'm sold. I just decided to get me a Kodiak 450. I'll give it to my son and get the 700 later. My shopping is over. Decision is made.
I work in sales and something I really had to work hard to learn was how to stop talking and let the other person express them self. It's a great video but a few times the Yami engineer was going to explain something, most especially about the lack of dif lock, and you didn't really give him enough room. Consider this constructive feedback, I loved the video and just want to help you make them even better in the future.
I was going to say the same thing but then saw your comment. Completely agree with y’a he needs to shut up. What’s the sense of having someone on if your not going to take advantage of his knowledge.
I had a 2000 Yamaha Kodiak that was a great machine, that I really liked. When I replaced it, I looked at the same 2018 Yamaha Kodiak 450. I wound up buying a Kodiak 700 EPS, but would have been just as happy with the 450. I just got a good deal on a leftover '17 with the 700.
I just picked up a 2019, nice so far and by the way where this was filmed is my usual riding area, very cool place, can't wait till it opens May 1st, happy trails!
Yamaha changed their minds! I'm looking at the 2021 Kodiak 450 SE with dif lock. The Special Edition comes equipped with aluminum wheels, a Warn winch and dif lock. It's a nice Edition at a great price! They put together a 400 class machine that is very nicely equipped. Other manufacturers have 400 class machines that tend to be wanting for features like independent rear suspension, 25 inch wheels etc. This is a great idea! Allow the consumer to purchase a fully loaded quad in the 400 class at a price still under other's base model 500 class machines.
Buy it! You wont be disappointed. The new Kodiak 450 EPS are outstanding. It's only flaw in my opinion is the rear brake - I would like hydraulic disk brakes on all corners, but it's still night and day better than anything in its class.
The king quad better have locking diff. I have had a king quad since early 90,s. Never had a major problem. Also I plow snow for 17 homes plus the 1 Block around a senior center. U need power to all tires when plowing. No chit either. Oc
I had a 2006 kodiak and it was good but it had a locking front diff. I liked it because the 650 I had before it used a lot of gas but the little 421 motor was weak. You always wanted more power. I’d get the new grizzly for sure it already has good big tires and rims.
I have a 2021 Yamaha Kodiak 450 SE with diff lock and EPS. I absolutely love it. I will say it’s actually really fast it smoked my rancher 420 in a race. It toppes out about 53mph on a straight away. Down a hill I hit 57 mph stock one mine. That’s really fast for a 421 cc 28hp Kodiak.
Seems more of an advertisement than a review. And people want diff. lock on the smaller models.They shouldn't have to trade up to a mini jeep size quad to get a diff lock. Hopefully they fixed the rear knuckle pivot zerks, which were impossible to grease unless you took the axle/suspension apart on the previous generation 450.
I just sold my 09 350 grizzly, waiting on some more ATV’s to be available. Due to nobody having new quad the used quads are almost non existent. I really wish the 450 had diff lock here, it’s a must for muddy hill climbs and I won’t have a quad without it. Having all 4 locked in really brings a stability to climbing steep muddy hills. I would consider a smaller quad if it had that.
Everything Off-road, you may not need diff lock but I do. That's a fucking deal breaker for me and I absolutely cannot believe that they deleted the god damn diff lock!!!
Omg it doesn’t have a diff lock 😭😭😭😭😭 just kidding I could care less. Every time I’ve ever got stuck is because I’ve bottomed out so a diff lock would not of mattered
Grizzly is not selling because they took away the color green. If they had it in green i would have bought it. I have always wanted a grizzly ever since 1998. I ended up with a Honda Foreman then I also bought a YZ 250 dirt bike. Last week I Ended up buying a 2019 can am 2up outlander because Yamaha does not make a 2up version and did not come in green. Actually if Yamaha had the grizzly in green I would have bought it. The only option the store had was white and blue which I did not like.
Mr Lariata green has nothing to do with it. Everyone wants 800 - 1000cc twins that are a pain to control on a trail. Yamaha doesn’t put one in the Grizzly because it isn’t necessary so people who think bigger is better, want to brag, or I guess who find the color more important than the machine itself go buy a Polaris or Can-Am instead.
The lack of diff lock and lower ride height are why my girlfriend wanted the 450. She didn’t want to pay more for a diff lock and she’s 5’0” 100lbs so the smaller shorter frame works great for her. Bigger isn’t always better. Yamaha wanted to make a 4x4 with a compact frame at a lower price point for riders like her. I wanted to go balls out so I bought a Grizzly 700 SE. We are two different markets and we both went Yamaha. That’s their goal here.
It's fun to listen to this today (January 2025). Tomorrow I'm pulling the trigger on a 2024 Kodiak 450 EPS (tan/camo was the only one in stock). A local dealer gave me a pretty good price (not a steal, but a very competitive price). I'll use it for light recreational use and for plowing our level driveway.
Like the man said in the video, I'm a first time ATV buyer. Maybe I'll want more some day. But this feels right.
In case anyone is curious about a random 40+ year old first time buyer's thought process, I was looking at Honda, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Suzuki. I didn't really consider Can-Am or Polaris. I think the reason why is the "Japanese makes" seem to have solid platforms that don't change. I want something bulletproof that is a proven platform (not new or changing every year) and I get that vibe from them.
I didn't pay much attention to Suzuki. Not 100% sure why. It just didn't sing to me. Maybe it was simply that drab green color, which seems to be prevalent and transcends manufacturers. Maybe it was the uninspiring front end design (visually). I was all set for a Honda Rancher 420, but didn't want to foot shift. The DCT models with IRS were notably more than the Yamaha and Kawasaki. After more research, I learned that the belt is a non-issue with Yamaha, and the more I read the more I liked the idea of it with their CVT transmission.
The new Brute Force 450 had my heart. It looks so cute, yet beefy in the front. IMO Kawasaki did a great job on design (visually). I hear it's Kymco. Some people criticize it. Some say Kymco is bullet proof, so it's a good thing. I ended up not choosing that mostly because it's new. There are so few plow and accessory options for the new model, and I want a plow on day 1. If the Kawasaki were a couple years old and had plenty of accessories, who knows where I would have ended up. I still like the little thing and tell my wife maybe we'll buy one next year.
Side note, too. Kawasaki's plastics look cheaper. Not having a black "block" around their shift looks cheap. It's just a cutout in the plastic. It makes it feel extremely cheap, especially with the white plastic option (though I DO like the overall look of the Brute in white). Also the plastic is shiny and in general gives me cheap vibes. Even if it isn't, it's something that continually picked at me.
Cheers. Just sharing a random customer's thought process. The local dealer will be equipping it with a KFI winch and plow setup. I was all gung-ho for Warn. I wanted a front mount. After some thinking, I'm only plowing my 100yd level driveway. It will get light use. Mid-mount will be just fine. KFI will be just fine. It's all powder coated. I'm looking forward to the entire package.
That guy from Yamaha is super sharp. I'm sold. I just decided to get me a Kodiak 450. I'll give it to my son and get the 700 later. My shopping is over. Decision is made.
I work in sales and something I really had to work hard to learn was how to stop talking and let the other person express them self. It's a great video but a few times the Yami engineer was going to explain something, most especially about the lack of dif lock, and you didn't really give him enough room. Consider this constructive feedback, I loved the video and just want to help you make them even better in the future.
Monst Er agreed. Guy just can’t stop talking
I was going to say the same thing but then saw your comment. Completely agree with y’a he needs to shut up. What’s the sense of having someone on if your not going to take advantage of his knowledge.
I think he ripped a line before this interview!
I have had a grizzly 350 for about 13 years and I love it
I had a 2000 Yamaha Kodiak that was a great machine, that I really liked.
When I replaced it, I looked at the same 2018 Yamaha Kodiak 450.
I wound up buying a Kodiak 700 EPS, but would have been just as happy with the 450. I just got a good deal on a leftover '17 with the 700.
I just picked up a 2019, nice so far and by the way where this was filmed is my usual riding area, very cool place, can't wait till it opens May 1st, happy trails!
Yamaha changed their minds! I'm looking at the 2021 Kodiak 450 SE with dif lock. The Special Edition comes equipped with aluminum wheels, a Warn winch and dif lock. It's a nice Edition at a great price! They put together a 400 class machine that is very nicely equipped. Other manufacturers have 400 class machines that tend to be wanting for features like independent rear suspension, 25 inch wheels etc. This is a great idea! Allow the consumer to purchase a fully loaded quad in the 400 class at a price still under other's base model 500 class machines.
Buy it! You wont be disappointed. The new Kodiak 450 EPS are outstanding. It's only flaw in my opinion is the rear brake - I would like hydraulic disk brakes on all corners, but it's still night and day better than anything in its class.
The king quad better have locking diff. I have had a king quad since early 90,s. Never had a major problem. Also I plow snow for 17 homes plus the 1 Block around a senior center. U need power to all tires when plowing. No chit either. Oc
I had a 2006 kodiak and it was good but it had a locking front diff. I liked it because the 650 I had before it used a lot of gas but the little 421 motor was weak. You always wanted more power. I’d get the new grizzly for sure it already has good big tires and rims.
I have a 2021 Yamaha Kodiak 450 SE with diff lock and EPS. I absolutely love it. I will say it’s actually really fast it smoked my rancher 420 in a race. It toppes out about 53mph on a straight away. Down a hill I hit 57 mph stock one mine. That’s really fast for a 421 cc 28hp Kodiak.
Not having diff lock is a deal breaker for me. It's one of those things that makes rough trail riding soooo much nicer.
Looks like you can get it on the 2020 SE model now :)
@@charlespalmerii4299
That's great. I really like this quad but the lack of diff lock was a big issue.
Seems more of an advertisement than a review. And people want diff. lock on the smaller models.They shouldn't have to trade up to a mini jeep size quad to get a diff lock. Hopefully they fixed the rear knuckle pivot zerks, which were impossible to grease unless you took the axle/suspension apart on the previous generation 450.
DaveS Serra diff lock is not necessary I get my 2 wheel drive Yamaha Moto 4 everywhere a fancy 4x4 can get to
I don't see a clock included in that gauge. Does it have one? I know it's minor but I like to just glance down to see what time it is on long rides.
I have a Grizzly 700 and my wife has this 450 both are a 2019. I never use the front diff lock
That front rack looks exactly the same on my 2005 kodiak 450
You can buy the left over base 700 kodiak 18’s right now for $5999.00. thats the best deal in ATV’s imho
I just sold my 09 350 grizzly, waiting on some more ATV’s to be available. Due to nobody having new quad the used quads are almost non existent.
I really wish the 450 had diff lock here, it’s a must for muddy hill climbs and I won’t have a quad without it. Having all 4 locked in really brings a stability to climbing steep muddy hills.
I would consider a smaller quad if it had that.
The new special editions have diff lock my guy
First thing 421CC NOT 450 just because garbage polaris does it why lie with decals ?
Great video! Thanks.
no diff lock??
I should of got this over my brute force 300
is diff lock really needed on this quad?
No, i have one and i dont even think i need 4x4 where i go
People who NEED dif lock in a small machine are just whining. They need to man up and get the grizzly that has it.
I have a 2018 Kodiak 450 and I only have 2 headlights
No dif loc? My 05 had it and I used it all the time.
Deal breaker for me.
Everything Off-road, you may not need diff lock but I do. That's a fucking deal breaker for me and I absolutely cannot believe that they deleted the god damn diff lock!!!
I wish Yamaha made a two up
Why do you care if your passenger has a back rest lol
SE has diff lock
Getting one this week 2021 SE ridge red .. PUMPED
i’ve had 3 450s now. even though i ride Can Am, i love riding my girlfriends kodiak 450.
how tall is the man in the white shirt just subbed i know im a little late to the seen
The JTF 5'-10" the Kodiak 450 fit great.
@@UTVScene if you had to choose between the 450 or 700?
Omg it doesn’t have a diff lock 😭😭😭😭😭 just kidding I could care less. Every time I’ve ever got stuck is because I’ve bottomed out so a diff lock would not of mattered
I just can’t get over that they are using a lawn mower transmission manufacturer for there rear diff.
Grizzly is not selling because they took away the color green. If they had it in green i would have bought it. I have always wanted a grizzly ever since 1998. I ended up with a Honda Foreman then I also bought a YZ 250 dirt bike. Last week I Ended up buying a 2019 can am 2up outlander because Yamaha does not make a 2up version and did not come in green. Actually if Yamaha had the grizzly in green I would have bought it. The only option the store had was white and blue which I did not like.
Mr Lariata green has nothing to do with it. Everyone wants 800 - 1000cc twins that are a pain to control on a trail. Yamaha doesn’t put one in the Grizzly because it isn’t necessary so people who think bigger is better, want to brag, or I guess who find the color more important than the machine itself go buy a Polaris or Can-Am instead.
You should turn the lights off lol
The lights were on, but no one was home. lol
What's the hp?
44 hp
Its 27hp, actual size is 421cc. The Grizzly & Kodiak 700 are actually 708cc with 48hp.
117 at the rear wheels
doomsday8448 lol 686 not 708 u idiot
kodiak 700 49 horsepower.... grizzly is the same...
If they added a diflock and lifted it an inch or two it would never get stuck.
The lack of diff lock and lower ride height are why my girlfriend wanted the 450. She didn’t want to pay more for a diff lock and she’s 5’0” 100lbs so the smaller shorter frame works great for her. Bigger isn’t always better. Yamaha wanted to make a 4x4 with a compact frame at a lower price point for riders like her. I wanted to go balls out so I bought a Grizzly 700 SE. We are two different markets and we both went Yamaha. That’s their goal here.
Ya but the should have diff lock and lift kit an option for the se
I want your job.
Lights on when you turn off the machine really? Somebody tell me this is not true, this leads no power quite soon!
Noticed that too. I have one and the lights do cut off. Not sure why his isn't.