Hey guys.. Ive always been honda loyle but after I checked out the prairie 650 I had my hart set on it just for the POWER that it offers but after thinking on it for a while and jumping back and forth from the P650 to the forman s I think I want something that the belt wont burn out on me when I'm 50miles from the nearest road.... I have never ridden a 450 foreman befor so I have a few queastions... (1) Can I wheelie it, I LOVE to wheelie and want something that I can ride a good wheelie on... (2) how does the 4x4 perform on the 2002 models and up....(3) I like to mud and I am wondering how deep of water I can take it in... (3) I and a hunter and often haul deer up some STEEP hills, is the forman stable enough for this...(4) I am carrently ridding a 86 fortrax 250, will I be able to tell a big differance In the power..... (5) I have ridden a rubicon and was NOT impressed, It seemd like my little 250 had more power, does the 450 forman have more tourque than a rubicon.... (6) Are there and after market mods that I can do to make it have more power... (7) what is the top speed of it, and is it any faster in 2x4 than 4x4???? I think thats about it, I'm sorry its so long but I just want to make the right choice... THANX for any info!!

 

Come on.. I know some one on here has a 450 and can answer my qeastions...

 

hey i have a 450s, it's alot of fun and yes you can wheelie it but it takes some pratice to beable to keep it up, i have never had the bike quite on me when crossing water i read in a mag that you can go in water as deep as the bottom as the handle bars and have no problem, the stock tires arnt't the best for going in the mud but it does better than and 400 kawi and, 350 rancher in the mud. if i was you i would get the forman. (as for the wheelies you can either go slow and birp the throtle or sart in second and shift to third than fourth and in fourth you can hot it at half throtle and go forever doing about 45-50km/h

 

The 450 is not known to be a "wheelie king",but it is possible!The 450 is a workhorse.There is a ton of aftermarket parts out for the 450,lift kits,pipes,big bore kits,etc.The 450 will be very stable in any situtation.To me the ride is the worst part about this bike,it can wear you out on a long trail.If this is a concern you may want to look at a Rancher.The Rancher is good for any kind of riding you can imagine!

 

If you weren't impressed by the rubicon's power, I don't think a 450 gonna cut it for you either, although they are excellent mudders they certainly aren't fast by open class standards. They are both more powerful, torquey than your 250, but not much faster.

 

I ride with a 450 and the traxlock is a nice feature. It has plenty of torque and all the speed you need in a utility if you ask me. Great in the mud and snow and very hard to get stuck even with the stock tires. My other buddies have the KVF 650 and they are a bunch more money but they have plenty of power for anything. I have 3 complaints (1) The clutch has to have the black spring installed as soon as you get it. (2) They are very top heavy (3) The reliablity is questionable according to who you talk to. All 3 of my friends have had the same problems at different times. I still like the KVF 650 after saying all that...if I could find a deal I would buy one but I think I like the longevity of the 450 S much more.

 

I don't know about wheelies, sit right back on the rack I guess. I've had mine to the top of the tank in water with no ill effects, the engine snorkle is at the top of the tank under the black plastic piece. Ditch the factory tires and get a nice set of 27-28" tires, they will fit on stock rims with stock susoension. These bikes are great on steep terrain mainly due to their low center of gravity. If its a newer model the selectable 2-4wd is great, otherwise install a warn 424 unit which does the same thing. As far as reliability goes, its hard to beat. I've had mine since '98, had 27" tires since '99, and plowed snow all last winter in addition to regular cruising, and aside from regular maintenance, I've only replaced 2 wheel bearings, and its never left me stranded (except for the time I lost my key and I had to hotwire it, but thats my own stupid fault!!!!).