Ok all you loyal Honda fans, I need some input. My question is the 450 S worth the $1000 more than the Rancher 4x4? I am a novice to the sport, if the money is not an issue which is better?

 

I dont believe that I would have gotten a 450 had the Rancher been out when I bought my machine.
You would be hard pressed to tell a difference unless you are doing a lot of heavy pulling.

 

sportsman 500 is right, I have driven them both and opted for the rancher. It's a new machine, more ground clearance, good power from a 350 and easier to drive. You won't regret buying it!

 

I like the 350 much better,the 450 has more ccs but its also alot heavier.Also the 350 comes with the new front AP diff.The 350 is more in the sport category than the utilty cat.

 

I have a 450s and my wife has a 350es Rancher . The 350 is deffinetly the better riding bike but I do notice quite a difference in power . The two bikes are not geared the same . In the snow my 450 will break the trail at higher speeds more easily than the 350 . Once the snow is gone I will probably trade the 450 for a 350 . I fine the 450 harder on my arms and shoulders when on dry ground . The 350 handles great and with little effort .

 

Thanks for the input, you responses just confirmed everything I have read in the magazines. Time to go & negotiate, A Rancher 4x4 for me & a Honda recon for the wife.

 

Glad to hear all of the positive responses to the Rancher. I pick mine up tomorrow and was having some last minute doubts about buying a 350 when Honda has a bigger machine. Everything that I have read seems to support my decision of the Rancher over the 450. I guess bigger isn't neccesarily better in this case.

 

Glad to hear all of the positive responses to the Rancher. I pick mine up tomorrow and was having some last minute doubts about buying a 350 when Honda has a bigger machine. Everything that I have read seems to support my decision of the Rancher over the 450. I guess bigger isn't neccesarily better in this case.

 

Go with the Rancher. Just think of all the cool accessories you can add for the thousand bucks that you'll save.

 

Easy...NO!! It is not worth the money. In fact, I would prefer the 350es...and did. Rode with a 450 this weekend with my new 350 and it out performs the 450 for trail riding. A little easier to manuever and has as much power pound for pound..(450 is about 50 lbs heavier.) I am 6'3" and weight 240 ok ok 245...350es is big enough frame and plenty of power and speed. Save the bucks for accessories!