I'm trading my 08 sportsman 800 for a couple other quads. I'm for sure trading with a 05 predator le with some mods and using the cash for the rest.

So here's 2 choices I got that are close enough to get and in the 2k or under price range.

A super clean 94 Suzuki KQ 300.
+ Hi; Low; SL
+5 speed clutches
+true 4wd, 4wd locked diff, 2wd
+very clean machine. only 1 crack in the plastic.
+IRS
-300cc
-Needs the sl gear to get up some stuff because of smaller cc
-600lbs!
-dont look like can fit 2

Or
A 1996 Honda Foreman 400
+Hi; Low (i hope?)
+5 speed clutchless
+400cc
+Physically larger so can 2up easier
+550lbs
+less drive train power loss because of engine mounting
-Not true 4wd
+/- solid axle. Less to go wrong but not as smooth of a ride


I need to plow with the whichever. It's for gf mainly but also to take buddy or out or for me to have a 4wd to go toss around in some water/mud holes to change it up. So hoping to find something that's decent at keeping up with Predator. Also would like to be able to 2up sometimes because she likes riding with me.


What are your thoughts?

 

The old Foreman 400 is as pure utility as it gets! The suspension will be on the harsh sive for trail riding, and it has an "open" differential not the torque sensing one that is on later models. Honda goes with a super low 1st gear, and leaves off the useless transfer case (intelligent design!). Not a powerhouse, but these will run forever with just basic maintenance!!! Old classic styling, that I just love!

 

I suspect both will run forever.

That open diff, is that gonna be an annoyance plowing? I'm use to sportsman awd for plowing and I have 3 houses I'm doing this winter.

Either one will be an all play toy. To change it up for me and for friends to ride along if they want. Only working it'll do is in the winter plowing.

 

Why you stuck on these two? For a fun trail quad, find a Honda Rancher. You should be able to find one that is a decade newer than these old machines, for 2k.

 

Our markete is tough. I'm having to look around 4-6 hours away to find anything at all. Not many for around 2k that I like. I'm trying to find stuff though, its not that I'm being picky (to an extent i am) but, you see what I'm choosing here and thats some of best optoins!

BTW

Whats that difference between the Rancher, Ricon (sp?), and Foreman/Rubicon. Can't quite get them straight but haven't really researched it. My step dad has a 05 Foreman Rubicon and it only has 814 miles on it but pretty sure not a single fluid change lol. Meaning to do that for him.

 

Recon- Sweet peppy little 250 that is pure fun to ride! Manual trans and only available in 2wd.

Rancher 350- Older model Rancher. Nice medium size manual trans machine. Full-time 4wd, so it needs a Warn 424 to make it even more fun.

Newer Rancher 420- My personal favorite! Fuel injected and water cooled, this little thing can rip. The engine is a little over-square, so it likes to rev so probably a better trail quad than a work quad. Standard model has a manual trans, but the new 420AT has IRS and a totally unique gear-on-gear dual-clutch trans that can shift itself on auto or you can shift it manual with pushbuttons.

Foreman 500 and older 450- This is the quintessential work quad! Manual trans. Would be my choice for plowing.

Rubicon 500 (sometime also called "Foreman")- Has a unique automatic transmission.

Rincon- This has a comfy IRS frame and a unique torque converter automatic trans. Honda calls it an SUV, not a "utility" quad. Has a reputation for being underpowered on the bottom end.

All of them have the engines mounted sideways, so the drive shaft connects directly to the rear end. All are SRA except the Rincon and Rancher AT. The manual models are available with ES pushbutton shifting, that is best avoided in my opinion. All the manual trans models have an ultra low 1st gear, and happily forgo the transfer case. Only the Rubicon has a transfer case....which tells you that it really needs it.

The Rubicon and Rincon have needlessly complex transmissions, but I would take either one over a belt drive just the same. Honda makes the most of short travel suspension. All these machines are low, super stable, and have a planted feel....unlike the other manufacturers who go for tall unstable long travel suspension. None of the Hondas are going to be mud monsters, if that is what you are looking for.

The standard Rancher 420, is the best value for your $$$ of any machine on the planet!

 

i cannot talk about the foreman from personal experiences, just from friends i have that own them on ranches and farms. they are damn reliable and take a beating.

i CAN talk personally about the kq300...i have a 95 (same as 94) (see pictures in my sig). this thing will give a foreman a run for its money in the utility department. the super low range and differential lock are enough to tow a damn house down. it is shaft driven in front, and gear driven in the rear (the engine sits way towards the rear and the rear axles come right out of the engine, pure gear driven). the design hasnt changed from like 87 - 2000 model year king quads (and quad runner 250's). only took mine in once because the tope end seal needed replacement. cost was under $200. other than that the machine has been put to the test...towed stuff over the recommended weights and hauled things (loaded up the racks) way over the rated amount. this was going very slow of course, not to tip the quad. if i could get one in great shape for 2k, i'd buy it tomorrow! the 280cc engine has a 10:1 compression ratio, so the stroke is long and powerful. pull-starting is tough because of this, but it usually fires on one pull. it is SLOW...top speed around 45 mph in 2wd - hi, 5th gear WOT.

i hope this helps you a little bit. either machine, if they are not beat or lemons, will definitely serve a utility purpose.

 

Thank you very much on both your parts. Both of you got the nail on the head with what I was looking for in responses.

This is the KQ I was looking at


The Honda guy hasn't gotten back to me on condition so dunno if I'm going that route. Really like how clean the KQ and something about it makes me like it. I also read about what you said, how it pulls more than it's rated for, and does it with a smile.

The Honda's, I'm glad you laid out the models for me r.r. Gives me some keywords to search for since I want to go either way. Polaris doesn't go early enough with 4 strokes to find one so doubt I'll go that route.

In good news, I changed the sport quad I'm picking up to from the White 05 Predator Limited Edition to a Black 06 Predator Troy Lee Edition with 7 hours or less on it. Rims still have reflection in them. Pluse 400 more dollars than 05 pred was going to give me. Also will deliver to my door from 4 hours away.


Thanks again for the help.

 

No clue how I double posted

 

wow, that kq is in even better shape than mine...and i thought i took good care of it!! i would snag that machine in a heartbeat.