Yamaha YFM 700 Kodiak [2016-2018]: A Workhorse with Refined Grit

Introduction

The Yamaha Kodiak 700, produced between 2016 and 2018, stands as a testament to Yamaha’s legacy of building rugged, dependable ATVs that balance utility with trail-ready performance. Designed for hunters, farmers, and off-road enthusiasts who demand reliability in harsh conditions, this generation of the Kodiak refined its formula with subtle but impactful upgrades. After spending a day testing a 2018 Kodiak 700 EPS SE model through muddy trails, rocky inclines, and open fields, it’s clear why this ATV remains a favorite in the used market—and why it’s still worthy of upgrades and customization today.

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Design & Build: Functional Toughness Meets Practical Comfort

The Kodiak 700’s design screams purpose. Its boxy silhouette, accentuated by angular fenders and a no-nonsense steel rack system, prioritizes durability over flashiness. The 2016-2018 models offered color schemes like Realtree Xtra Camo, Hunter Green, and Tactical Black, appealing to users who want their ATV to blend into the wilderness or stand out in a workyard.

At 2,070 mm (81.5 inches) long and 1,181 mm (46.5 inches) wide, it’s compact enough to navigate tight trails but substantial enough to feel stable under load. The seat height—860 mm (33.9 inches)—is accessible for riders of all sizes, and the floorboards are designed to shed mud quickly. Yamaha’s attention to detail shines in features like the dual halogen headlights, which cut through pre-dawn fog during my test ride, and the digital LCD display (on EPS SE models), offering clear readouts for fuel, gear position, and trip metrics.

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Engine & Performance: Torque That Won’t Quit

The heart of the Kodiak 700 is its 708cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine, a configuration Yamaha has honed for decades. With a 10.1:1 compression ratio and a SOHC valvetrain, this powerplant delivers linear, tractable power rather than explosive speed. During my ride, the engine’s 43.2 cubic-inch (708cc) displacement proved ideal for towing and climbing, with peak torque arriving low in the RPM range.

Carburetor vs. Fuel Injection: A Transition Worth Noting

• 2016-2017 Base Models: Equipped with a Mikuni 44mm carburetor, these versions require occasional choke adjustments in cold starts but are praised for their mechanical simplicity.
• 2018 EPS SE & Later Models: Yamaha switched to fuel injection, eliminating cold-start fuss and providing smoother throttle response. The difference was palpable during my test—the injected engine hissed to life instantly, even after sitting overnight in 5°C (41°F) temperatures.

The Ultramatic automatic transmission pairs seamlessly with the engine, offering push-button 2WD/4WD modes (and locked 4WD on higher trims). On steep, slippery inclines, locking the differential transformed the Kodiak into a clawing beast, its Maxxis 25-inch tires biting into loose soil without hesitation.

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On & Off-Road Handling: Confidence in Chaos

Yamaha’s Independent Double Wishbone Suspension provides 180-193 mm (7.1-7.6 inches) of front travel and 231-232 mm (9.1 inches) at the rear, depending on the model. While not as plush as dedicated sport quads, the setup absorbs rocks and ruts competently. The real star, though, is the Electronic Power Steering (EPS) available on SE trims. Navigating a labyrinth of tree roots and mudholes, the EPS reduced arm fatigue dramatically, auto-adjusting resistance to match terrain demands. Non-EPS models require more muscle in tight turns but remain manageable.

Braking is handled by hydraulic discs (upgraded from sealed multidiscs in earlier models), which offered strong, predictable stops even when descending a rain-slicked 30° slope.

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Comfort & Ergonomics: Built for Long Hauls

Yamaha nailed the ergonomics here. The handlebars are positioned to allow a natural upright stance, and the seat—while firm—distributes weight evenly. During a 3-hour ride, I noticed minimal lower-back strain, a rarity in utility ATVs. The 18-liter (4.76-gallon) fuel tank ensures long range, and the rack system can haul 90 kg (200 lbs) upfront and 136 kg (300 lbs) at the rear.

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Competition: How the Kodiak Stacks Up

The mid-size utility ATV segment is fiercely competitive. Here’s how the Kodiak 700 holds its ground:

1. Honda Foreman Rubicon

• Pros: Honda’s legendary reliability, available DCT transmission.
• Cons: Heavier steering, less low-end torque.
• Kodiak’s Edge: Lighter feel, superior EPS (vs. Honda’s non-EPS base models).

2. Can-Am Outlander 650

• Pros: Faster acceleration, more aggressive styling.
• Cons: Higher maintenance costs, thirstier engine.
• Kodiak’s Edge: Better fuel economy, lower vibration.

3. Polaris Sportsman 570

• Pros: Smoother CVT, larger cargo capacity.
• Cons: Less durable drivetrain, prone to overheating.
• Kodiak’s Edge: Yamaha’s bulletproof shaft drive vs. Polaris’s belt system.

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Maintenance: Keeping Your Kodiak in Peak Form

The Kodiak 700 is built to last, but smart upgrades can extend its life—and your enjoyment:

1. Oil & Filter Changes

• Use JASO MA2-certified 10W-40 oil (2.6L/2.75 quarts). Consider a high-flow aftermarket filter for dusty environments.

2. Carburetor TLC (2016-2017 Models)

• Clean the Mikuni carb annually. Install a knockoff air filter to prevent debris ingress.

3. Brake Upgrades

• Swap factory pads for sintered metal pads for improved bite in wet conditions.

4. Suspension Tweaks

• Heavy users should upgrade to adjustable shock absorbers—ideal for compensating for the Kodiak’s slightly stiff rear suspension.

5. Tire Upgrades

• The stock Maxxis MU19 tires are versatile, but 26-inch ITP Mud Lite XLs add grip in swamps without sacrificing speed.

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Final Thoughts

The Yamaha Kodiak 700 isn’t the flashiest or fastest ATV of its era, but it’s a machine that grows on you. By the end of my test ride, I appreciated its unflinching reliability, intuitive controls, and the way it shrugged off abuse that would leave lesser quads whimpering. Whether you’re maintaining a 2016 carbureted model or modding a 2018 EPS SE, this generation of Kodiak is a platform that rewards thoughtful upgrades—and MOTOPARTS.store has everything you need to keep it thriving for another decade.

Caption: The Yamaha Kodiak 700 tackling rocky terrain, showcasing its independent suspension and aggressive tread.

Caption: Close-up of the 708cc engine—compact, liquid-cooled, and built for low-end torque.

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Specifikacijų lentelė

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