Hey guys I'm kinda stuck on which one I should go for? Here are my options:

06 Scrambler 500 HO - $2300 (started at $2500 already got him down to 2300)


03 Foreman 450 ES - $2750 (haven't haggled this price any)
- has aftermarket rims and tires


Both seem to be in mint condition!


Here are my concerns:

I've never rode a fourwheeler with electric shift and I'm not sure how well I'd like it. I was originally looking for something more nibble and sporty which is what drew me to the Scrambler initially, but the chain driven rear end I wasn't sure was as reliable/durable as gear driven on the Honda. I've read some issues on the automatic and getting wet migth be an issue? How well does electric shift hold up to water?

I'm not worried about which is faster - and I"m not trying to climb some widow maker hill or devils peak or whatever else crazy name is given to the next steep climb - I'm just looking for something that wont leave me stranded on decent trails and I can rely on. I know the name Honda stands for itself - I've never dealt with polaris but I have really liked what I've seen out of the recent models.


The main reason these are my two options are because they are the only local quads that are not wore out and seem to be in great shape.
Any input? advice?

 

I ride with a 2001 500 Scrambler and 2001 450es Foreman all the time. I sold the guy the 450es 5 years ago and we both never had any ES problems. The only thing I did not like was it was full time 4wd and had no diff lock system,but yes I would have to call it a trouble free gas and go ride.

The 500 Scrambler has no trouble with water since the belt is in a water tight housing like all belt ATVs. The scrambler sure wins in the fun factor with its handling ,suspension,traction (True AWD) and power/speed advantages.
I do notice the guy with the scrambler is always fooling with the chain.

I would would go with the 450es myself because I need a ATV with Racks and lubing and adjusting a chain would make me nuts. The 450 can hit 50 mph which is much faster then any trail will allow you to go anyways.

 

ive driven both and ride with people that have both and i have noticed one of my friends having a problem with the ES because it will get stuck in a gear and wont go back to neutral if he is tryin to crank it. also, i have seen people put racks on the scramblers. i think i would go with the scrambler just because it can do everything that the foreman can and more! alot of people seem to like them, see if the owners will let you test drive the machines and then you can compare which when is a better ride and that might help with your decision! good luck!

 

Without doubt the Scrambler will ride and perform better in every way.

But the Foreman will need less maintenance over time just for the fact it has a air/oil cooled motor and rear shaft drive vs Liquid cooled and rear chain drive.

Liquid cooling cause you to have a water pump,rad,rad fan,thermal sensor,thermostat,hoses and coolant. Air/oil cooled have none of that. I already replaced a rad fan(not cheap) ,thermal sensor and had a air lock.

Chains need adjusting and lubing and replacing along with sprockets while with shaft drive you almost just forget about it.

The Polaris is more and better performance with more maintenance. The Honda has less performance but much less maintenance. Its your choice.

In ten years from now the Foreman will be on the trail while the Scrambler will be getting parted out on Ebay.

If your into it for the shorter term get the Scrambler but if your into it for the long term get the Foreman.

 

I'm not looking to buy an atv that I plan on keeping for ever, don't need it to do work or anything just looking for a fun toy to hit the trails that won't be getting stuck like some 2wd would but still offers some maneuverability - if I can manage the funds before its sold I'm going for the scrambler! Key point was I'm not in it forever just a toy i will buy a new, nicer quad when I'm getting serious about it

Thanks for all ur comments!!

 

Get the Scrambler then , much more fun. Its like a good looking Hooker for the weekend vs a faithful ugly wife that can cook for a life time. LOL

 

It all makes sense now.

 

Got the scrambler! Now, who has the best helmets? What type of riding gear is recommended?

 

I would've gotten the honda- I've had a few honda's and a scrambler

my 07 scrammy 500 4x4- was a lead brick and handled so poorly (well, compared what I'm used to anyway) the front end was heavier than the rear end and the chain drive sucks on 4x4 atv's- chain & sprockets belong on sport quads only IMO.

the honda might be a little under powered and lack a diff lock but like you mentioned, you're not climbing deadly steep mountains and hitting fender deep mud- so you really don't need the diff lock.

The honda would've been a more comfortable trail atv-

 

i got fox equipment because the helmet breathed good! and it was comfortable padding too!