It’s April, and it’s an excellent time to enjoy the great outdoors. The weather is terrific, and there isn’t a better way to relish it than hitting the trails with friends on an ATV. Automobiles are not the only thing I enjoy getting behind the wheel of. I grew up on ATVs and jumped at the opportunity to check out Yamaha’s new Kodiak 700, an ATV that might be misconstrued as something one would only use for hunting. However, after spending some time on this bad boy, the functionality and fun are worth noting. The Kodiak 700 is a big ATV, and it’s designed primarily for the rough and 
rugged trails, pits and mud holes one can expect to find around our county.
The 2019 Kodiak 700 is powered by a 686cc liquid-cooled SOHC 4-stroke engine, also flaunting an on-command, three-way locking differential for those sticky situations. The 4WD system is easy and effortless, and the best part is most of it can be done on the fly without leaving the seat. It was able to flawlessly manage everything we put it through, from the mud and muck to more wet conditions and even thick sand. Yamaha has put together an incredible machine, perfect for hunting and designed for anything you might have in mind but enjoyable enough to take out with friends on the trail for a fun and pleasant adventure. The Kodiak would even make a great camping partner, offering enough space to hold all of your gear and plenty of fuel range to get you someplace relaxing. It also incorporates a storage space toward the handlebars and a 12V power point to keep your devices charged on the go. Other highlights such as halogen headlights ensure visibility, while the LED tail lights are bright and long-lasting, too. The Kodiak is ready for work as well, coming equipped with a center-mounted, heavy-duty, 2-inch receiver, and is able to tow more than 1,300 pounds.
Tough, durable, agile and powerful, the 2019 Yamaha Kodiak is much more than I thought it would be—in all the best ways. For anyone looking for a great excuse to get outdoors and spend time experiencing the real beauty of our area, here it is. The good folks over at Martin’s Yamaha put me on an incredible machine, and they can certainly do the same for you. It’s spring—go outside and enjoy all that we have to see around the area, ATV or not!
Aside from driving and sharing his experience behind the wheel for Ocala Style and his journeys with the blog stupidDOPE, Jesse is passionate about creativity and style, with broad interests in music and sneakers. Follow Jesse on Instagram at @Thee_JesseJames.
