Built for the tough stuff

Shod on heavy-duty, 25-inch diameter Maxxis tyres carried on 12-inch steel wheels, and weighing in a 307kg, the 700 is certainly a large machine, but its physical attributes mean it’s good for 600kg at the tow-bar and a useful 140kg spread between the front and rear racks.

Out on the farm, the Kodiak, despite its weight, is easy to point in the required direction thanks to the electronic steering system that keeps effort light and offers good feedback over changing surfaces or terrain.

The SOHC/4-valve 686cc single cylinder, fuelinjected engine starts easily and quickly settles to a steady tick-over.

Hitting the throttle results in smooth, rapid progress, complemented by Yamaha’s Ultramatic CVT system, which features a toothed drive belt that is kept under constant tension. This serves to impart excellent downhill retardation, with all wheel braking delivered by the one-way sprag clutch set up.

Sitting on the machine, a wide, long seat accommodates all sizes of riders, while full length footboards give a sense of safety and stop seasoned bikers from “putting their feet down” before the vehicle comes to a stop.

Countering the turn of speed, disc brakes allround bring things to a controlled stop, with a configuration that sees the right-hand lever control the twin discs at the front and the left lever or the right foot pedal actuating the rear single disc.

On the farm race, the ride quality feels very pliable, edging towards soft, but certainly leads to a very comfortable ride. A double wishbone, A-arm set up utilises specially designed KYB shock absorbers, offering 180mm of travel at the bow and 230mm at the stern.

Pulling an 80 teat calfeteria loaded with 500 litres of milk along the main farm race and through muddy gateways was certainly taken in its stride, with 4WD only engaged to stop the front tyres “washing out” on turns. The flat contours of the central Waikato meant there was never any need to hit the diff-lock button.

Living with the 700 for a couple of weeks certainly looked to be easy, evidenced by the shaft drive to the rear, a handy access cover at the left heel to get to the engine oil dip stick and a very capable and powerful halogen headlight up front.

Keeping things clean was also easy with smooth panels, especially under the mudguards and plenty of space around the front and rear axle components to let muck fall through, rather than lodge and collect – so no excuses there.