I'm trying to decide between the 450S and the 350 Rancher 4x4. I plan to do some water crossing's, rough powerlines, work in the yard pulling dump trailer, and pleasure driving with my wife on the back in a seat. I want the standard shift for either model. I'm unsure what to do, I've heard the 450S runs hot, but would it still be better than the 350 for carrying two people? Is the ride somewhat close between the two? Help....

Cayman

 

You can not really go wrong with a honda. Personally, if I wasn't concerned with the $$$ I would go with the 450 no doubt.

I ride with a few guys who own the rancher and they are bigger guys both go about 230 to 240. I think the rancher is a bit small for them. they get along just fine, but for myself, I would just as soon go with the bigger machine.

The best thing to do is go for a ride on both of them. The ride is pretty close, but the power of the 450 is a lot more noticable.

Like I said, you really can't go wrong. If you can afford it, go with the 450. Good Luck!!

 

Thanks,

I was kinda thinking the same thing, but unsure. I appreciate your reply.

Cayman

 

My opinion on the 350 vs. the 450 would depend on how much you intend to "work" with your machine....the 350 has enough power if you and yer missus are going to use it for pleasure...me and the missus are on mine all the time..and you don't go fast usually with 2 on the machine anyway...for solo riding it's a great machine....but undoubtedly the 450 is a better work machine...as a matter of fact it is an awesome machine...for pulling, towing, plowing it is a better machine than the 350....so if you plan to work it a lot, the 450 is a better choice....just for fun, the 350 is emough bike, and a little sportier feel as well..in my opinion.

 

If you can wait until next spring, maybe the Rancher AT 400 will be the perfect machine for you.

 

my dad weighs about 265 or so and he has never felt underpowered on the rancher when on the trails or through the marsh. we have hooked the rancher up to an empty steel 2 horse inline horse trailer and pulled it all over the yard in second gear doing 12mph. we have a ranch with lots of animals and chores to do and the rancher pulls its weight, even better than our kawasaki mule. the rancher also pulls 2 guys and 2 deer out of the woods at slow speeds with ease. the only time there seems to be a lag is with about 500-600 pounds on it.

at the local hill climb i have raced plenty of 450s. the results with similar riders is the rancher falling by about 2 quad lengths on a 300ft or so hill.

the extra weight of the 450 seems to negate the extra power in 99% of the activities but it will haul and tow more if you need it.

either way, hondas are pretty much bulletproof. well...these two anyway

 

The rancher will loose more speed on the hills than the 450. the 450 has noticebly more power, and feels more stable do to it's width. The top speeds are basically the same on flat ground but on the hills the 450 will pull away.

 

maddog56
What is the difference in weight btwn the 450 and the 350? From what I have seen, the power difference is quite a bit. To say that in most activities the power is 99% negated is very bold! I can't image the weight is that big of an issue.

 

I checked the weight on the Foreman and the Rancher and there is only a 58 lbs difference. I don't dispute the fact that the Rancher can hold it's own, but I also have to say for the extra $$$, you get more power (HP) (BANG) for your buck!!

 

I bought the 450S and I'm loving it. Thanks for the advice... What a great machine.

Cayman