Please let me know how you're new rubicon compares with the 450 es in different driving conditions you're help would be greatly appreciated.
450es 350es
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Topic title edited by atvbbs

 

I'll let you know tomorrow, since we're picking our red Rubicon up tomorrow.

 

What exactly would you like to know? Several posts have already been made as to how the Rubicon performs. Having previously owned a 450ES, and riding with 3 other 450's regularly, I can tell you that the Rubicon can do everything the 450 can do, and more. More power, more ground clearance, lighter steering, smoother shifting...the list goes on. This thing is just plain fun to ride.

 

Ok, here's my opinion after 50 miles on the Rubicon. I think this is one of the best 4x4 quads ever made! It tells you when to change your oil on the LCD display, the turning radius is great, suspension is very plush for having a straight axle in the back, and the engine and transmission are awesome. We drag raced the Rubicon and the 450ES and the Rubicon totally humiliated the 450. Also raced my 300EX, and I could barely beat the Rubicon getting every ounce of power I could out of the 300EX. Even on top end, the Rubicon was right there hanging behind a quad length or two. The Ruby is the only Honda quad I've seen so far that is not cold blooded, and it definitely has enough cooling with an oil cooler mounted right on the front of the radiator with a fan behind it all. ESP mode is cool to be in, it shifts incredibly smooth. It steers easily, and the engine braking is incredible for an automatic quad! Does it seem like I like the Rubicon? Well you guessed right, it kicks hinder!

 

What is the big thing about the Rubicon ground clearance? Does it have maybe an inch more at the frame than the 450? I know it doesn't have anymore at the rear gear housing. Thats really not a big upside I don't think. The Rubicon is a superior machine, but really, its all mechanical. The larger engine, smooth transmission, and new differential are really the only things that I would call better. The rest I would call different, I.E. -larger in size, different racks and stuff like that. The Rubicon is awesome, but I think that the thrifty person should go the way of the 450. The Rubicon falls into that Sportsman and Bombardier category. Actually, it really just falls into the Bombardier category as far as price. I saw 2000 sportsmans a month ago for $6049 at a dealer that used to sell them for $6599. Not a sale or anything either. I saw 2000 Grizzly's for $5895 on sale as well. I'm thinking that manufacturers should start targetting $6500 for their highest priced quad. These things don't need to get any more expensive. This is basically why I don't care to see any 700cc quads ever made. The prices would be just ignorant. Think of how nice of a used tractor you could buy with the money you might blow on a Polaris diesel.

 

I went to the dealer the other day and checked out the Ruby for myself. One thing I did notice Andy, about the rear ground clearance was that the towing hitch doesn't hang lower than the pumpkin like the 450. They made it shorter and higher. Otherwise, it looked like pretty much the same set up.(in the rear end that is) It is one heck of a nice looking machine though. But I agree 7k is a lot to pay for a quad. I would have to put some miles on one before I would shell out that kind of money. It sounds like its worth the money for a lot of people though. My dealer said he tried to order 30 of them but can only get a few a month.

 

Have 100 miles on my new Rubicon, and don't know if I can go back to riding the Foreman ES. The Ruby is so smooth shifting, even in manual mode. Plenty of power, great handling, etc. etc. The ES and Ruby are both great machines, but as an "old timer" that chases trails, the Rubicon sure makes it easier. One caveat, the "programmed" oil changes on the Rubicon may get a tad expensive since it holds quite a bit more oil than the ES, and the filters are bound to be more $$$.

 

Andy...Good post as usual...I've always thought the 450es should be compared with the 400's...not with the 500's.Bigger and better with high price tags will always stir debate ...but when the dust settles I believe the 450 will still be there.A good stable platform that requires less work to keep running, that goes just about anywhere you point it.If it went about 10 mph faster at top end the debate would be better. With my size and weight I've yet to test the suspension...although I ride mainly under 20 mph. in Rough woods and deep muck.The 5800 I paid in May of 99 looks like a bargin compaired to todays prices.I think many other riders don't need or will ever use the extra HP. of the 500 and 600 class quads.....Im' currently preping the wife on the idea of a second quad..one that does things different from the one I own..There is NO perfect Quad...but by owning several you could cover all the bases
Ride save in HOG land...Bill

 

The only thing I wish my 450S had is the Ruby's front differential. Everything else has worked flawlessly whether I'm out muddin or haulin back the big buck.

Zac
00' 450S
00' 300EX
94' 300 2x4