My Dad and I are looking for a 4x4 quad, with independent suspension, no color red, headlight (sorta-optional) on handlebars along with 2 headlights in front, and with racks. I would also like a manual shift, with a 4x4, 2x4 electric shift button. I am currently checkin on the Honda Foreman S and the Rubicon.

 

You should consider looking at machine with disc brakes. Artic Cat has a machine that fits your description.

 

Out of what you said you wanted neither the 450s or Rubicon fill it. The 450s dosn't have indepentdent suspension in the rear it's straight axle, so is the Rubicon. The 450s is manual shift but dosn'te have the electric shift, thats the 450es. The 450 has the 4wd/2wd but the Rubicon dosn't. Both of them are excellent 4x4's and I wouldn't hasitate buying either one. Acually I'm considering a Rubicon right now myself. If you want the 2wd/4wd option there is the Warn 424 select that you can put on it. If you want an all round ATV get the Rubicon. If you want an ATV to work with that has none of the fancy stuff to give you problems get the 450s. My best friend has Rubi and loves it for work/muddin/playin'. I know a couple guys with 450s and they run them on their farms and you wouldn't believe what these guys put them through and they just keep on going.

 

I have owned several Honda's and they will be great machines if you choose them, they do not have IRS though. I was looking for the same things when I bought my new quad and these issues led me to Arctic Cat. The Cats do not have a third light mounted on the handlebars, just the two in front. They of course have racks in front and back(weight capacity front-100lbs.,back-200lbs.), they can be shifted between 4x4 and 2x4 but it is not electronic-there is a push pull type lever on the left front fender. They also have a hi/lo range transmission that is shifted via a lever on the left side of the motor. The manual transmissions are shifted by a foot shifter that comes stock in a rocker style shifter(you can get a toe style shifter if you want). Both Arctic Cat and Honda make great machines for work and play but it depends on what you want to do with them. If you are looking for something with great top end speed (65 mph or so) these machines won't get you there. I can't speak for the new Honda's but my Cat has great low end power and acceleration and will top out somewhere around 55-60. I hope this helps

 

Sorry, I didn't realize this yet, but I am looking at the Rincon!!! The seat is so massive though...

 

The polaris sportsman's Have the IRS but an auto trans. I know that the polaris brand is realiable because we have had our magnum and trailblazer for 3 or 4 years now...It may not have manuual shift but it is always a good idea to look at all fourwheelers before eliminating them...later

friesen

 

I agree with almost every thing Dirteater said except if you were to go with a 2004 AC500 it will have push button 4X4.I too looked at Honda but went with AC.My family owns several Honda Foremans and they are super reliable but my AC has been just as reliable and it will work just as hard and play even harder than the Foremans (imo).My AC was also $1500 cheaper,something else to consider.

 

Sorry about the bad info, I haven't looked at an '04 yet or the website since I bought mine.