I'm pretty set on buying the new '05 Foreman ES. There are a few '04s around but I think for the extra $500 it would be worth getting the "new and improved" Foreman. For those out there that own the new '05, how are you liking it? Does it ride better than the '04s? How is the power? Any complaints?

Also, what would be a good OTD price for a '05 Foreman ES? I can get one at a local delalership for $6066 OTD. Is this a good deal? I haven't even tried negotiating the price yet but they are about $500 less than any dealer around here (central Wisconsin) so it sounds like a pretty good deal.

Am I better off to wait a couple of months for some promotions or is this as good of time to buy as any?

 

buckslayer,

I don't have the ES but my manual shift is great. IMO I think the upgrades are well worth the extra money. The frame, suspension, and motor are all new. It rides much better and has a noticable amount more power than the '04. The "new" looks (rincon styling) also help. I paid 5595 out the door for mine and I think the ES was 2-300 more. I live in Illinois, but I priced it at a few places in Missouri as well. I did find a place in Columbia MO for $80 cheaper, but I would have spent that in gas. If you want to read some reviews there are two on this website (just search from the home page). I know that there are a few people on here that don't like dirt wheels, but they also did a review earlier this year. Granted, some of there info is not accurate but the overall review wasn't that far off base (in my opinion). If you want any more info you can e-mail me at pipirho7@hotmail.com or just private message me. Hope it helps

 

I am also looking to buy the '05 ES, S, or Rubicon... Im a hunter, but i love mud, water, and trail riding.. I own an '02 Rancher ES and an '04 Polaris Sportsman 700 ... im selling my Rancher very soon and im wanting to know which one to buy..... sorry if im kinda stealing your forum buckslayer, lol.. Well I know the details about the new '05 500 Honda Models, I was just wanting to hear some first hand reviews... Thanks

 

Wherever you buy one...don't do it in New Jersey! A friend of mine just bought an '05 Foreman 4x4 and it cost him around $7200 bucks! I don't know why bikes are so expensive out here. My brother-in-law lives in Michigan and he bought the exact same bike but an '04 for $4300. I'm looking at getting an '05 Foreman with the manual foot shift. I've ridden both types but still prefer the good 'ol foot shifter.

 

Crocket,

You say you purchased an 05 Foreman for $5595 OTD. I just bought one and that is around the price I got before TT&L, no where near OTD. If this is true you got a very good deal!

 

Bayou,

I didn't have to pay sales tax because in Illinois if you claim it for farm use it gets you out of it. Also, I didn't have to register it to get insurance so that saved my some money as well. If I would have had to pay both it would have been closer to $6100. I also bought the extended warranty which cost me $500 (which brought the total to 6100 anyway). I normally wouldn't do that with a Honda, but since I got it only a month after they were introduced I thought it would be a wise investment. Also, I've never had a Honda with the electronic dash like this one and I like to play in the mud. The dash is supposed to be water proof, but if it does go out at least I don't have to pay for it for 4 years.

 

Crocket,

Gotcha, I started to do the same thing but I figured it best to go ahead and register it for riding on game reserves and such. I'm very pleased with mine so far, the upgrades Honda has done to the Foreman 500 seem to be right on. We just returned from a trail ride at Wolf Pen Gap in Mena, AR, the only thing I would like to have is IRS for this type of riding but other than that this ATV is GREAT!!

Buck,

It seems you are getting a good deal from your dealer, I definitely think you should go ahead and get the '05 Foreman, you won't be disappointed.