I would like to hear from people who own or have ridden both machines. I will be using it mostly for play/trail riding with some river riding and snow pushing. Which is best buy for the buck? I can get an ES 4x4 Rancher for $4699, the Foreman ES 4x4 for $5399, or even a Rubi for $5999. But whatever money I save if I go with the Rancher is a down payment for a 250EX for the wife. Thanks for the input!

 

There both great machines have rode them both
test drive them both see which one you like better,there both capable machines if you do any
towing go with the foreman.In my opinion the Rancher is the sportier of the two,also thats a
hell of a deal for a rubicon.


01'Honda Rubicon
98'Honda Foreman 450S

 

The rancher has limited slip front differential. Whcih means if you dont know, that when in 4x4 the front wheel with the most traction gets all the power. The Foreman it gives the power to the front wheel that has the least resistance. Just some info.

 

Hi Skellcat, we have both a 2001 Foreman 450 and a 2001 Rancher 4x4 ES. My wife rides the Rancher and after riding with her on several occasions in some very challenging terrain I know we made the right choice for her, it is a very capable forgiving ATV that performs excellent in the hands of a beginner which she is, (was). I myself rode the Rancher a few times and found it a great trail machine but being 6'2" 220lbs felt a little too large for it. That's why I got the Foreman 450 for myself, I've only had it a couple of weeks but have been surprised by how well it responds to anything you ask of it. It really is a great trail mahine, muds well and corners great. It lacks a bit of ground clearance but I will take care of that with a set of 27" Blackwaters! So ride them both some will depend on your size and let us know what you decide on.

 

Greetings,

The phrase "...for the wife" says it all. I suspect that the right quad is the one that allows you to get one for her as well. Unless you're going to do something pretty heavy duty, the Rancher will most likely suit you fine. And including your wife in the deal will go a long way toward expanding your riding time. Plus having the 250EX around will be fun for everyone. I love having a choice and some variety. Going down the same trail on a different quad is like going down a different trail -- it doubles your opportunities and adds new experiences. And while you're at it, why not skip the ES part and put a little more money down on the 250EX. Just another way of looking at it.

 

I think the Rancher and the 250EX are the best choice. I love my Rancher, and my brother has a Foreman 450. Both are great bikes, and the Rancher does have the better front differential.

Besides that, I just saw, on ATV TV show, the 250EX evaluation and it looks to be an awesome ride for your wife, and you for that matter. I cannot wait until I can get one for my wife and girls, and for me as well. Good luck.

 

Thanks for everyones input! A friend of mine has a Foreman and just got his wife a Rancher so he will let my try them both to see which one I like. I'm sure I will get my wife a quad also its just a matter of when. Especially if she takes mine over! lol Thanks again