Overview
What stands out here is the Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE’s positioning as a mid-weight utility ATV designed for both work and recreation. With a 708 cc single-cylinder liquid-cooled fuel-injected engine, it delivers a strong balance of power and efficiency suited for demanding tasks or trail riding. The CVT transmission with selectable 4X2 and 4X4 drive modes allows for adaptable traction management, making it suitable for varied terrains and workloads.
This machine is built around a chassis that emphasizes durability and comfort, featuring independent double wishbone suspension at both ends. The front suspension offers 7.1 inches of travel, while the rear provides a more generous 9.1 inches, affording a smoother ride over rough terrain. Its ground clearance of 10.8 inches and a wheelbase of 49.2 inches contribute to stability and maneuverability in off-road environments. The 4.8-gallon fuel capacity supports extended use without frequent refueling, ideal for long days on trails or farms.
Marketed primarily to outdoor enthusiasts who need a dependable workhorse that can also handle recreational trails, the Kodiak 700 EPS SE aims at owners who value a combination of power, comfort, and control. Its brake system, with dual hydraulic disc brakes on both ends, ensures confident stopping power, while the rugged Maxxis tires enhance traction across diverse surfaces. The Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE stands out within its segment for offering a notable blend of performance features with a focus on rider ease and terrain adaptability, making it a compelling choice for those who demand more from a utility ATV.
Performance & Powertrain
Anyone running demanding tasks on tough terrain will appreciate the 708 cc single-cylinder engine powering the Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE. This displacement exceeds most utility ATV segment norms, typically hovering around 600 cc, providing a significant boost in torque and power delivery. The liquid cooling system maintains consistent operating temperatures, especially useful during extended rides or heavy workloads, preventing overheating and ensuring steady performance.
The fuel injection system enhances throttle response and fuel efficiency, delivering smoother acceleration and more predictable power delivery than carbureted models. This setup improves performance across a range of conditions, from hill climbs to hauling cargo, by providing precise fuel metering and responsive throttle inputs. The engine’s design emphasizes low-end torque, making it suited for hauling, trail work, or pulling loads without requiring constant throttle adjustments.
The transmission employs a continuously variable transmission (CVT), which offers seamless power transfer without the need for manual gear changes. Coupled with a selectable 4X2 or 4X4 drive system, the powertrain provides flexibility for varying terrains and tasks. The CVT’s effectiveness lies in its ability to adapt quickly to throttle inputs, maintaining optimal engine RPMs and ensuring efficient power delivery whether navigating rocky trails or smooth dirt roads. This drivetrain configuration supports the Kodiak 700’s role as a workhorse, emphasizing reliability and ease of use in challenging conditions.
Suspension & Handling
If you’re planning to tackle a variety of terrains, you’ll want to know that the Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE features independent double wishbone suspension at both ends. The front suspension offers 7.1 inches of travel, while the rear provides 9.1 inches. These figures indicate a setup designed to absorb bumps and uneven surfaces effectively, making it suited for trail riding, uneven work sites, and rougher terrain where shock absorption impacts rider comfort and control.
- Front suspension: Independent Double Wishbone with 7.1 inches of travel
- Rear suspension: Independent Double Wishbone with 9.1 inches of travel
- Braking system: Dual hydraulic disc brakes front and rear
- Tire sizes: Maxxis AT25 x 8 – 12 front, Maxxis AT25 x 10 – 12 rear
The dual hydraulic disc brakes on both ends deliver consistent stopping power, enhancing safety across varied conditions. The tire sizes are chosen to optimize grip and stability; the 8-inch wide front tires improve steering precision, while the larger 10-inch rear tires provide better traction and load distribution. This combination ensures the Kodiak 700 maintains confidence on loose dirt, hardpack trails, or muddy paths, thanks to the balance between suspension travel, braking performance, and tire footprint.
Dimensions & Ergonomics
Most utility ATVs in the mid-range segment offer dimensions that balance stability with practical usability, and the 2016 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE measures 81.5 inches in length, 46.5 inches in width, and 48.8 inches in height. Its wheelbase spans 49.2 inches, contributing to a stable ride without sacrificing maneuverability, which is essential for working terrain or trail riding. The ground clearance of 10.8 inches provides enough room to traverse rough terrain without risking contact with obstacles, yet remains manageable for rider comfort and control.
The compact size means the Kodiak 700 can fit into most standard truck beds, facilitating transport for work sites or recreational trips. Its width, at 46.5 inches, offers a broad stance that enhances stability without making the machine unwieldy in tight spaces. The seat height is designed to accommodate a wide range of riders, with a typical height around 34 inches, which provides enough elevation for taller riders while still remaining accessible for those with shorter legs. This balance enables riders of varying stature to find a comfortable riding position without excessive strain.
Weighing in at a dry weight of approximately 599 pounds, the Kodiak 700 maintains a reasonable weight-to-size ratio that promotes stability without overly taxing the rider during handling or transportation. Fuel capacity of 4.8 gallons extends the riding range, reducing frequent stops for refueling. Combined with ergonomic considerations like a well-positioned seat and accessible controls, the dimensions support both the machine’s work-oriented tasks and recreational use, ensuring riders can operate comfortably over extended periods and varied terrain.
Notable Features
Anyone running demanding tasks or navigating challenging terrain will appreciate the Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE’s inclusion of electronic power steering, which significantly reduces rider fatigue during extended periods of operation. This feature enhances control and comfort, especially when tackling uneven ground or hauling loads, making it a tangible upgrade over base models that often omit such assistance.
Beyond the steering system, the model benefits from a liquid-cooled 708cc single-cylinder engine, paired with fuel injection technology. This combination ensures consistent power delivery and reliability in a variety of conditions, whether on steep inclines or long, extended rides. While many competitors in this class stick with carbureted setups, Yamaha’s fuel-injected system offers smoother throttle response and easier cold starts, which adds real convenience for daily use.
The transmission setup further distinguishes the Kodiak 700 EPS SE through its continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a selectable four-wheel drive system. This configuration allows riders to switch between 2WD and 4WD modes easily, offering better traction on slippery or uneven terrain. The CVT ensures seamless power transfer without manual shifting, reducing rider effort and enhancing overall control in diverse situations.
While the SE model does not stray far from the standard feature set in terms of convenience, its addition of electronic power steering and fuel injection addresses some of the key shortcomings found in earlier or more basic utility quad options. These enhancements translate into a more refined riding experience, especially for those who depend on their ATV for work or serious trail riding, and they do so within a price point that remains competitive within the segment.
Pricing & Value
If you’re planning to tackle demanding chores or trail riding with a focus on comfort and convenience, you’ll want to know that the 2016 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE carries an MSRP of $8,899. This price positions it among mid-range utility ATVs, targeting riders who need a blend of power, features, and purpose-built utility performance without stepping into premium pricing.
- It sits above entry-level models like Yamaha’s Grizzly 700, which often retail for slightly less, and below higher-end trims or specialized editions that can push well past $10,000.
- The SE (Special Edition) adds features such as electronic power steering, which enhances handling and rider fatigue during extended use, justifying a premium over base models.
- Compared to other brands, the Kodiak 700 EPS SE’s price aligns with competitors like the Honda FourTrax Rancher and Polaris Sportsman 570, but Yamaha’s reputation for durability and ease of maintenance lends extra value.
While the MSRP might seem steep for some, the package of features, including the electronic power steering and Yamaha’s proven engine reliability, offers a balanced value. The Kodiak 700 EPS SE provides a substantial utility machine with premium enhancements that make it competitive within its segment, and it sits at a price point that reflects its feature set and brand positioning rather than an inflated premium. For riders seeking a dependable, well-equipped utility ATV, this model justifies its asking price as a worthwhile investment given its capabilities and Yamaha’s track record for longevity.
Final Thoughts
If you’re planning to tackle demanding terrain or work sites, you’ll want to know that the Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE delivers a reliable powertrain paired with a 686cc single-cylinder engine. Its electronic power steering system reduces rider fatigue and enhances control over rough ground, making it suited for long days in the field or challenging off-road conditions.
The most defining feature of this machine is its combination of simplicity and refinement. The lightweight chassis and responsive handling make it an easy machine to maneuver in tight spaces or uneven terrain. Its proven durability and Yamaha’s reputation for longevity mean it can handle daily use without frequent repairs, provided the rider maintains proper service intervals.
However, riders seeking a machine with advanced features like high-performance shocks, a high payload capacity, or the ability to carry heavy loads over extended distances might find themselves better suited to more specialized models. The Kodiak 700 EPS SE excels in affordability and all-around usability but falls short of machines designed explicitly for heavy-duty hauling or extreme trail riding.
This model is an excellent choice for hunters, landowners, or farmers who need a dependable utility ATV that offers comfort and control without excessive complexity. For those who prioritize rugged reliability and simple operation over high-end features, the Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE stands out as a sound investment. It delivers consistent performance and ease of use that should satisfy most utility riders looking for a dependable workhorse.
Tech specs
Engine
Transmission
Suspension
Brakes
Tires
Dimensions
Tags and taxonomy
Compatible parts for the 2016 Yamaha Kodiak 700 EPS SE
Selected from this machine's own specification, not a generic list. Check any of it against the table above.
- ClassUtility ATV
- DriveSelectable 4X2 / 4X4
- Front tire25x8-12
- Winch and mountSynthetic and steel line kitsShop on Amazon
- Plow kitBlade, mount and push tube. Needs the four wheel drive on this machineShop on Amazon
- Tires25x8-12Front tire size fitted from the factoryShop on Amazon
- BatteryReplacement and AGM upgradesShop on Amazon
- Oil and filter kit708ccFull service kitsShop on Amazon
- Loading rampsRated for machine weightShop on Amazon
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