2018 Yamaha Kodiak 450 EPS launch review

ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are a vital tool for many who work on the land, where these practical machines perform myriad roles and offer many advantages over utes and even SSVs (side-by-side vehicles).

Quad bikes are cheaper to buy, require less room to store and are more manoeuvrable, while they leave only a small footprint on the land, are easy to transport and have relatively modest running costs.

In the most popular ATV market segment, that of mid-size quad bikes, Yamaha's Grizzly 450 has flown the flag for the triple tuning fork for the past decade, but now this venerable workhorse's successor is here – enter the Yamaha Kodiak 450, which slots into the farm range beneath the Kodiak 700.

Under the banner of "Work hard, ride easy", Yamaha says the new Kodiak 450 offers more control, comfort, confidence and convenience, with the brand's boffins executing a thorough revision of the platform from top to bottom with the aim of ultimately boosting the user's productivity.

Yamaha is hoping the changes will see farmers update their existing Grizzlies or come across from competitor brands, while the Kodiak 450 should attract its share of first-time buyers too. Yamaha says the agricultural sector accounts for around 70 per cent of the Kodiak's target market, with hunters making up 10 per cent and commercial users a further 10 per cent, the final 10 per cent accounting for other miscellaneous applications.

What’s new?
So, how exactly does the Kodiak 450 differ from the out-going Grizzly 450? It retains the 421cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine, but that engine is now fed via electronic fuel injection and it's rubber mounted to reduce vibration.

Yamaha doesn't quote horsepower and torque for the unit, but the old Grizzly 450 was said to produce around 26hp. The new one should be in the ball park – after all, if horsepower or torque had increased, Yamaha would have mentioned it.

The weights in Yamaha's Ultramatic automatic transmission are now 4g heavier to further reduce vibration and increase driveability, while the cooling for this constant variable transmission (CVT) has also been improved.

Switching from 2WD to 4WD operation is now just a matter of pushing a button on the right-hand side of the handlebar, Yamaha’s On-Command 4WD system meaning changes can be made 'on the fly'.

The chassis is markedly different and, with the help of higher-set handlebars (now 25mm higher), delivers roomier ergonomics. The foot wells are bigger too, being both larger and wider, and there's now more 'real estate' on the thumb-operated throttle, which Yamaha says reduces thumb fatigue. Yes, it's a thing, as any quad bike rider will attest.

Importantly, the A-arms are now a bit longer to deliver a wider track. It’s up to 80mm wider than the Grizzly, says Yamaha, which translates to greater stability.

There's a handy underseat storage unit for smaller items and it's possible to access the airbox without needing tools, while the full-length skid plate has service access points for easier servicing.

There's a 12-volt power socket and new LCD digital instrumentation, and the Kodiak 450 comes pre-wired for the installation of a Warn winch (buyers can choose from two models in the Yamaha accessories list).

Finally, for the EPS (electronic power steering) version of the Kodiak 450, new mapping has been employed. The EPS system essentially modulates the intervention of the system based on speed and conditions, reducing or increasing resistance accordingly.

The new machine is covered by Yamaha's factory three-year warranty, and it's priced at $10,299 for the standard model or $11,299 for the EPS version.

Fit for purpose
With a sizeable fleet of Kodiak 450 EPS models at our disposal, the assembled media undertook a morning training session with the Yamaha ATV/SSV Safety Institute (YASSI) before taking to a 20-minute loop around the sizeable grounds of Sirromet Winery, to Brisbane's south-east.

This was much more than buzzing between the vines, mind you – the course took in everything from sweeping gravel bends to steep climbs and descents, log and rock obstacles and several deep, muddy bog holes. We might not have been carting hay bales and stricken sheep, but we were certainly putting the Kodiak's dynamic abilities to the test.

I've been reviewing motorcycles for over 20 years but I'm a relative newcomer to ATVs, and so I appreciated the instruction from the YASSI guys. We've all heard horror stories associated with quad bike use but the fact is, as Yamaha and the Federal Chamber of Automated Industries (FCAI) say, the vast majority of ATV injuries and fatalities could be avoided through wearing a helmet, ensuring the ATV in question is fit for the task at hand, and ensuring junior riders aren't riding adult ATVs.

Yamaha is taking a leading stance on ATV/SSV safety but it's to the benefit of all relevant manufacturers that the ATV safety message is communicated clearly and effectively, lest the industry becomes mandated out of existence.

In any case, armed with my newfound knowledge – and with my new, ATV/SSV-specific Shark helmet in place (see the review of sister site, Bikesales.com.au) – I was feeling far more relaxed about getting to grips with the Kodiak 450 over the undulating Sirromet course, and I was certainly feeling comfortable on the roomy and compliant seat.

Roomy ergonomics
At 188cm tall I'm on the lankier side but the Kodiak felt positively roomy behind the 'bars. The foot wells are large and have plenty of holes for drainage and serrated spines to aid grip. It's an upright ride position and an easy stretch to the handlebar, which as mentioned is now 25mm higher.

That's a good thing, because although I still felt comfortable when standing up on the Kodiak, had that extra 25mm not been there I think I would be been a little hunched over. No accessory bar risers are available for the model, says Yamaha.

The guards are broad front and rear and they provide decent protection, although some of the bog holes on the course meant no one was spared the odd spattering of mud. Black factory guard extensions are available from the model's extensive accessories list – Yamaha says they're the most popular add-on for its mid-size quads.

Selecting ‘high range’ on the repositioned shifter and easing on the thumb throttle sees the Kodiak surge forward on a wave of low-down stomp. The 421cc single is a grunty unit, make no mistake, with a strong midrange and enough poke to handle road work at a brisk pace. I saw 65km/h at one point and there was still more to come.

The throttle delivers crisp response thanks to the sorted fuel injection and the CVT plays its part with smooth, progressive urge. It’s a great pairing and the adoption of fuel injection should also guarantee easy starting on the coldest of winter mornings.

Suspension and drivetrain
The 25-inch Chinese-made Cheng Shin all-terrain tyres and independent double wishbone suspension front and back soak up big hits with aplomb, and traversing logs and rocky terrain was a breeze.

While some obstacles saw me engage ‘low range’ – a process undertaken at a standstill – by the end of the day my Kodiak was sailing through the vast majority of these in 2WD, such was the level of traction the quad laid down.

The shifter is a very simple arrangement, having low range, high range, neutral and park, and I loved Yamaha's On-Command 4WD system, which let me change from 2WD to 4WD and back again at the push of a button. It's a slick set-up, changing ratios without hesitation.

The new LCD instrumentation looks smart and shows a large digital speedo and fuel gauge. You can cycle through an hour meter, a trip meter, an odometer and a service meter, but there's no digital clock, which would have been a handy addition.

The upper low-beam headlight is complemented by twin high-beam lights, and there are two racks – there's a 40kg limit on the front one and an 80kg limit on the rear. Add to that a 600kg towing limit and farmers will find the Kodiak 450 can handle all sort of loads and implements.

Implements and steering
In fact, also on hand on the day was a selection of Kodiak-towable gear from Qld-based company greenpro, including a sprayer trailer (for weed management), a seeder, a solar-powered irrigator and more. For smaller properties and depending on the application, a Kodiak 450 could potentially replace a more-costly tractor.

We only had access to EPS units on the day but the power steering was paradoxically prominent for its low profile. The steering always felt light and easy, requiring minimal muscle at the 'bar in tighter going, but stability was assured at higher speeds too. It's a smart system that adjusts the level of assistance as conditions dictate – although it would have been good to sample a non-EPS model for comparison.

Braking is carried out via twin-disc set-up up front and a sealed wet brake at the rear, the latter actuated either by a handlebar lever or a right-foot pedal that protrudes through the foot well.

This sealed unit means less wear and tear and less maintenance, says Yamaha. Used together, the anchors haul the Kodiak down from speed well, with sufficient power and feedback, helped along in no small part by the tyres’ four large contact patches.

The Kodiak 450 comes to the market with a full range of factory accessories, including the aforementioned Warn winches, a windscreen, a heavier-duty towbar, heated handlebar grips, a seat heater, gun carriers, front and rear cargo boxes – even an Esky carrier! Ask your local Yamaha ATV dealer for pricing and more information.

Summing up
After a full day on the Kodiak 450 EPS, I came away impressed with this mid-size quad’s all-round ability. Frankly, I don’t know why you’d want more performance, although a spin on the Kodiak 700 may well change my thinking on that one.

With a quality construction, standout features and a pragmatic list of genuine factory accessories, the Kodiak 450 EPS looks set to stand utility-based ATV users in good stead for many years to come. It seamlessly picks up where the Grizzly 450 left off, and fully delivers on its promise of easing the load for the man (and woman) on the land.

SPECS: YAMAHA KODIAK 450 ESP
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled, four-valve, SOHC, four-stroke single-cylinder
Capacity: 421cc
Bore x stroke: 84.5mm x 75mm
Compression ratio: 10.0:1
Engine management: Electronic fuel injection

PERFORMANCE
Claimed maximum power: N/A
Claimed maximum torque: N/A
TRANSMISSION
Type: CVT ‘Ultramatic’ auto
Final drive: Shaft

CHASSIS AND RUNNING GEAR
Frame: Multi-section steel
Front suspension: Independent double wishbone, 171mm travel
Rear suspension: Independent double wishbone, 189mm travel
Front brakes: Dual hydraulic discs
Rear brake: Multi-disc sealed ‘wet’ brake
Tyres: Cheng Shin – front AT25 x 8-12, rear AT25 x 10-12

DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES
Claimed wet weight: 295kg
Ground clearance: 245mm
Fording depth: 350mm
Wheelbase: 1240mm
Fuel capacity: 14 litres
Front rack: 40kg
Rear rack: 80kg
Towing limit: 600kg

OTHER STUFF
Price: $11,299 ($10,299 for non-EPS model)
Colour: Steel Blue
Test bike supplied by: Yamaha Motor Australia, www.yamaha-motor.com.au
Warranty: 36 months, unlimited kilometres