Thinking of getting a 04 or 05 4x4 450. How reliable? How hard to start if you sink one? Appreciate all comments good or bad.

 

Very reliable quad by today's sub-standards.

As for the sinking part, the connecting rod design on all the Foreman 400 and 450 models are the weak link. Compared to any other model or brand out there, the rod is very weak and is more prone to bending when water enters the combustion chamber than others.

 

Hmm you seem to know much about the Rod . .
Can you tell me if it's normal for it to have a blue tint !?!? ...

 

I am used to driving like a sausage and drowning mine out at least twice a month and i have a 1998 450 with about 8 thousand miles on it.The only problem i have seen with all the Hondas i have bought are the axles,the splines tend to strip on the hub connection.I have owned 3 -300 fortraxes and 1 -450 forman and all stripped on the hub,but never had engine trouble and my wheelers have seen more water than dirt.