Honda Rubicon vs Yamaha Kodiak 700 ES

[mopunvisit]

I totally get where you’re coming from—starting with the SRA vs. IRS debate is tough! I think going with IRS is a solid choice for overall comfort and handling, especially if you’re planning on some trail riding or longer rides.

As for the transmission question, I’ve ridden a few models with both the DCL and Ultramatic. In my experience, the Ultramatic tends to be a bit smoother and more responsive, especially in more technical or varied terrain. It shifts seamlessly and doesn’t require as much thought while riding, making it easier for beginners and those who just want to enjoy the ride without worrying too much about shifting gears manually.

That being said, the DCL is a great option too, especially if you want a more traditional riding experience. It offers more control in some situations, like when you’re tackling steep hills or rougher trails. But it can be a little more challenging to get used to if you’re new to quads.

The Kodiak 700 does get a ton of love online, and for good reason! It’s a great mix of performance, reliability, and comfort. The Honda models are definitely solid too—known for their durability and ease of maintenance, so it really comes down to what kind of ride you’re after. The Kodiak 700 might be a bit more fun in terms of power and ride quality, but the Honda is tough to beat for long-term reliability.

Hope that helps a bit! Let me know if you have any more specific questions—I’d love to share more about my experience.

Cheers!

 

[Snowwolfe]

How often do the belts fail? Is field changing a belt a pain in the ass?

Only thing I know is they are guaranteed for 10 years.

 

[rookieforever33]

Flip a coin. Each has pros and cons and will run a long time with minimal maintenance. One thing about quads is a large amount of people end up with 2. Unless you are in a group where others have them. Get the other one when you buy one for your wife or kids.

 

[chapman8523]

No question, Yamaha Kodiak. It's equal quality, more power, better ride, better price. I was in the same predicament and decided on the '24 Kodiak EPS. I had a 2018 as well, hauled an entire moose camp out with a moose in the meat wagon through muskeg several times. Machine is an absolute work horse.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

I totally get where you’re coming from—starting with the SRA vs. IRS debate is tough! I think going with IRS is a solid choice for overall comfort and handling, especially if you’re planning on some trail riding or longer rides.

As for the transmission question, I’ve ridden a few models with both the DCL and Ultramatic. In my experience, the Ultramatic tends to be a bit smoother and more responsive, especially in more technical or varied terrain. It shifts seamlessly and doesn’t require as much thought while riding, making it easier for beginners and those who just want to enjoy the ride without worrying too much about shifting gears manually.

That being said, the DCL is a great option too, especially if you want a more traditional riding experience. It offers more control in some situations, like when you’re tackling steep hills or rougher trails. But it can be a little more challenging to get used to if you’re new to quads.

The Kodiak 700 does get a ton of love online, and for good reason! It’s a great mix of performance, reliability, and comfort. The Honda models are definitely solid too—known for their durability and ease of maintenance, so it really comes down to what kind of ride you’re after. The Kodiak 700 might be a bit more fun in terms of power and ride quality, but the Honda is tough to beat for long-term reliability.

Hope that helps a bit! Let me know if you have any more specific questions—I’d love to share more about my experience.

Cheers!

Thank you for this response.

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Flip a coin. Each has pros and cons and will run a long time with minimal maintenance. One thing about quads is a large amount of people end up with 2. Unless you are in a group where others have them. Get the other one when you buy one for your wife or kids.

Truth. I'l already thinking of #2 when I don't have #1. Could get one of each. If I go Honda I would probably pick up Yamaha 450 ES for the wife.

 

[Tourguide]

My new in 2022 grizzly came with a 10 year belt warranty, they are pretty proud of their drive system.

 

[traildust]

Yamaha for sure

 

[Yung6ix]

They are both great choices. Having owned several over the years the Yamaha is it for me on reliability. Never had any problems. Do your maintenance and it’ll take care of you. You’ll also enjoy the automatic CVT, zero problems with any of the machines I’ve owned. Good luck.

 

[Tnarb44]

They are both great choices. Having owned several over the years the Yamaha is it for me on reliability. Never had any problems. Do your maintenance and it’ll take care of you. You’ll also enjoy the automatic CVT, zero problems with any of the machines I’ve owned. Good luck.

Yamaha has been great to me as well. Make sure you take ride into consideration on your purchase.

 

[cnelk]

I hope the OP posts a pic of his new Yamaha real soon

 

[Mule3006Elk]

Right!
It won't be new. Looking used.
Looking for the same 2 quads.
May come down to which I can find at a reasonable price.
I think they will both serve my needs well.

 

[Snowwolfe]

The deals on the Yamaha's are out there but they won't last much longer. Two months ago our local dealer had the 2024 700 Grizzly SE on sale for $10,999 out the door. This model has the power steering, 2500 Warn Winch, and 27 inch mud tires. I snagged one even with no plans to use it till spring. Was a little concerned the warranty would run out before I used it so added the 4 year Yamaha extended warranty for another $720.
This is the first Yamaha I owned and I been buying quads since 1986.
Next on my list is either a Polaris 6x6 Big Boss ATV or the Can Am 1000 Outlander 6x6. Which ever 6 wheeler I buy will be my moose hunting machine.

 

[Coveyleader]

Honda awaits you….. Yamahas are like “settling” when it’s 1:50AM! hold the line!

 

[Snowwolfe]

Honda awaits you….. Yamahas are like “settling” when it’s 1:50AM! hold the line!

Hondas are over rated. I owned:
Honda
Suzuki King Quads
Polaris, both 4 and 6 wheelers
Kawasaki Big Brute
Arctic Cat
And now a Yamaha (that I haven't ridden yet)

Beat the snot out of every machine I owned and never had an issue with any of them. I can not remember ever needing to go back to the dealer for any repairs on any of them other than a switch on the handlebar corroded on the Big Brute (it was over 11 years old when that happened). A simple cleaning fixed the switch. The only thing that stands out in my mind was I ended up paying more for the Hondas. The only ATV the wife and I did not enjoy riding was the last Honda purchased and that was due to the jerky trans and the design of the foot rests.
Buy the brand/model that fits you that fits your needs and you enjoy riding. I would never buy a ATV on name only.

 

[Wrangler13]

Have had a couple ranchers with the DCT auto. They would get weird when plowing and constantly going from forward to reverse. They would lock in neutral and you would have to restart them. Other than that they were great. One irs one sra, the sra was fun to drive with the throttle.

Have a Yamaha kodiak 450 eps now. It’s better in every way. Will likely grab a 700 next.