Hey guys, I read alot here trying to learn as much as I can, but I've got a quick question.

A little background...

I presently have a 99 Big Bear 350 4X4 which I use for hunting. I bought the machine from an older guy who had ridden it VERY little. Since I've had it, I've used it for one hunting season. It's always been well taken care of and given me no problems. I use it for deer hunting, and mostly for goose hunting when I pull a 6'X12' trailer.

I have a chance to buy a 99 Foreman 450S 4X4 from a buddy of mine. It has approx 700 miles and has been well taken care of as well. He already has a Warn 2000 winch and a Moose plow for it(the main reason I'm interested)and wants 4900 for the bike.

I'm hoping to be able to get around 3900 for mine which will allow me to upgrade 100cc and get the winch and plow for about a grand.

I guess my questions are...do these seem like fair prices for the bikes? Will I really see that much performance increase by jumping up to the Foreman?

I understand that both of these machines are quality...so, am I just "spinning my wheels"? Should I just take the $$ and buy my own plow(I already have a winch, just not installed, I figured I could sell it for a couple of hundred to help come up with the cash).

Thanks for all of your time and helping out a rookie.

Jeff

 

The Foreman price is a little steep. IMO Even with the plow and winch. On used stuff, a winch doesn't REALLY add to its value, however ,the plow would. This is only MY opinion....take it or leave it. Here in Ohio, that is what a dealer would want for it.(after taking it on trade, giving the former owner about $3700 with plow!)
Good hunting,
Mike

 

If the Foreman is in good shape the price isnt really that bad with the plow and winch I think. You could probably find one for less but then you dont know the history of it. I just sold my 1999 in January for 4700 without the plow but with a winch. It had just over 3000 miles. The guy told me he had a difficult time finding a used one. In this area (at least) resale value on Hondas is very strong. I have usuallly sold mine within a few days of placing an ad and usually to the first person to come out.

 

I'll be glad to sell my '00 Foreman-S for $4900.00! I'll deliver in a 200mile radius of Columbus, Ohio.

 

Thanks for the info guys...

Will there be very much performance difference between the two machines? Like I said, I've got a winch, I figure I can buy a plow set up for 500.00, and then could stick the other 500 in my pocket if there's not too much gained by going w/ the bigger bike.

Jeff

 

Sorry, the Big Bear is one model I havent ridden. I cant give you a fair and honest opinion without having been on one. Will your buddy let you do a little riding with it to compare? If so, go out and try them both. If you see or dont see the gains you want, the decision will be easy.

 

Don't know how the Yam. frame is built, but the Honda is VERY substancial. You most likely won't notice a big power difference. The 450 DOES pull well from very low speeds. It's first gear is very low, for working/pulling heavy loads. You can take off in 2nd, it seems like 1st.
Good luck

PS--Cabella's did have a nice plow kit for $400.00(I think)

 

Sounds like a good price to me. I think you will see a big difference between the two. Good luck. Post if you get the quad.