A friend has narrowed his decision to these two machines. He has ridden my expedition and is impressed. He is however very loyal to Honda and therefore feels the 450 needs consideration. I can't offer much help to him as i didn't care for the Rancher I had. Comments from anyone appreciated.

 

450 all the way

 

I've had a Honda 450ES and now own an Polaris Expedition 425. I bought the Polaris because I wanted a softer ride and more comfortable seat. The Honda was too much "utility". The Polaris is more "fluid motion". I haven't ridden the Polaris enough to have had any problems yet, but I do expect more than I had with the Honda (none). If my life depended on it, I'd choose the Honda. If it was just for the pleasure of it, the Expedition wins. Just my 2 cents. Hope it helps some. By the way, the Polaris *seems* lighter, although it isn't.

 

max,

I would suggest that he read that article in 4 Wheel ATV Action where they did a shootout. I thought that the article was well done and they concluded that the bikes were different but about equal overall. They detailed eachs strengths and weaknesses which may help your friend decide.

Temp

 

i have a plaris 425 xpedtion great atv have almost 2000 miles on it now no problems what so ever i love every one told me polaris=problems but i have 2 polaris xpedtion 425 me and my brother own one no problems we ride in extreme heat and -dgree temp and water and mud we are not easy on are quads but im telling you this xpedtion is differnt it holds out like a honda or better

 

I have never ridden a Polaris 425 before so i don't know if i'm gonna be much help. i do have a 450es with a lift kit and 27 inch Blackwater xt's and i love it. I'm so glad i went with the 450. the ground clearance is awesome and i love the ride. the 450 is a bad machine and i haven't had any problems or gripes when i get in the mud. i don't bash Polaris because a lot of my friends have them and they do good, but when it comes down to it i think the Honda has the edge.

 

Last year the 450 barely beat the Expedition in a shootout. Also, 4 wheel atv action said the Expedition has the smoothest shifting tranny off all auto clutches.

I have never ridden or seen the Expedition.

Ride them both, get the one that fits your needs the best

 

temp, he has read that article, however a less biased opinion is what he requires. I too held my own one on one comparison months ago (posted the results on this forum) but that is only one experience. he would like to hear about several.
Thanks for your reply.

Maxtrax

ps my posted results on our comparison of these two machines was entitled......
425 Expedition vs 450ES....... Finally!!!!!!!

 

the polaris has gotten great reviews with the expedition, and although most mags concider it to be a lesser bike compared to a 450es, i believe that they are very equal in many ways. Although i am a die-hard red rider, the450es i think may have met it's match. the only adivce i can give is to test-ride both of them and see which one compliments your riding style the best.

00' rancher ES 4X4
98' fourtrax 300 4X4

 

A 4500ES, now there is a nice quad, 4.5 liters of v8 power! nice....