The Kodiak 700 is one of the more well-rounded ATVs you can find, though it doesn’t quite make the list of best ATVs for the money.
A review of the Kodiak 700 reveals that while it does have some drawbacks, its recreational appeal is not one of them.
This model is surprisingly fast for a utility ATV, and combined with its excellent low-end power it makes for a great trail riding option.
So does the Kodiak 700 go fast enough to keep up with the fastest ATVs in the industry?
This guide will answer that question in detailing the following:
- Yamaha Kodiak 700 exact top speed
- How it compares speed-wise to other Yamaha ATVs
- How you can make this model faster if you want
Yamaha Kodiak 700 Top Speed
The Kodiak 700 models are powered by two different engines, as Yamaha made a change to the engines in 2019 which helped alleviate some of the Kodiak 700’s common problems.
2016 to 2018 models are equipped with the old unit, which was a 708cc engine.
2019+ models are equipped with a newer 686cc engine that seems to run smoother and less lean.
The two engines provide the same speed though, as any year Yamaha Kodiak 700 can reach a top speed of 68 mph.
While this is right around the same top speed of the Yamaha Grizzly 700, a comparison of the Kodiak vs the Grizzly shows the Kodiak 700 features milder acceleration so won’t quite reach its peak speed as fast as its Grizzly sibling.
How It Compares With Other Yamaha Models
Aside from the Grizzly 700 (now the Grizzly EPS), you won’t find another Yamaha ATV that offers the same blend of power and speed found in the Kodiak 700.
But a review of the Yamaha Kodiak 450 shows that it’s one of the best in its class as well.
But as you’d expect, they can’t quite compare with some of the fastest Yamaha ATV models such as the Yamaha Raptor 700 or the YFZ 450.
The table below shows how the Kodiak 700 compares top-speedwise with the rest of the Yamaha ATV line.
| Yamaha Model | Top Speed |
| Kodiak 700 | 68 mph |
| Kodiak 450 | 52 mph |
| Grizzly 700/EPS | 66 mph |
| Raptor 700 | 77-80 mph |
| YFZ 450 | 73-75 mph |
More Ways To Increase The Top Speed
While it’s easier to make the “Big 3 modifications” to sport models like the Raptor 700 and YFZ 450 and see significant gains in terms of top-end speed, there are some ways to increase the Kodiak 700’s speed as well.
Upgrade The Intake System
Your Kodiak’s air intake system is made up of the air filter and airbox, which are known to be problematic as explained in the common problems article mentioned above.
By upgrading the stock airbox and air filter, you’ll help your Kodiak 700 to breathe better and send more air to the engine.
This results in more power which translates to more speed, but upgrading the intake system is only part of the equation.
Upgrading The Exhaust System
The other half of the equation is to upgrade the stock exhaust system along with the air intake.
The added airflow into the engine will need to escape just as efficiently, and an upgraded exhaust system will provide that.
These two combined mods should increase the overall horsepower your Kodiak can attain along with making it slightly faster.
Tune Your ECU
When you make modifications to the intake or exhaust system in the Kodiak 700, you’re going to want to tune your ECU to account for this.
Not doing so can lead to engine damage, but you also won’t maximize the power and speed potential without a tune.
A tune will recalculate your Kodiak’s optimal air and fuel ratios throughout the gears and RPM levels and apply those within the ECU.
This ensures you get the best throttle response, power, and speed at each RPM level.
EHS Racing offers highly recommended tunes for the Kodiak 700.
Final Note
While the Kodiak 700 is a utility-focused quad, it offers surprising top-end speed and recreational appeal.
Just be sure and cover your ATV between rides to help prevent some of the common problems that affect this model.
