I'm getting a new four wheeler this week and it's a toss up between a 2003 arctic cat 400i auto and a 2000 foreman es. I like the suspension of the arctic cat much better but honda 4 cycle motors keep going and going and going. I don't know much about Arctic Cat really. Any views?

 

Hi I have a 200 foreman ES and I really like it. I ride with many other wheelers and it always serves me well. I have never been on a arctic cat so I cant offer much info on them. I know if you went with the foreman you would not be sorry they are really tuff wheelers.

 

Foreman all the way. I got a chance to ride one a few weekends ago in the snow and absolutely loved it. It's 50 cc's bigger than the Cat and it has that awesome Honda reliability and quality that I preach about. The word on Arctic Cats is that the suspension is great until you pick up the speeds to about 25mph or more. At this point, they begin to get a little loose and tippy to the point where it's almost a little scary, SO I'VE HEARD.

 

Decide what you are going to use it for. I would think the Foreman is a harder worker but the Cat has a lot nicer ride if you are looking for a trail machine.

 

Are both of the machines being sold for the same price? -- If you were looking at 2 new machines, then I'd write to buy the Foreman. Because they are used, you have to consider the "owner" factor. The 2000 Foreman might be in decent shape and the owner might have taken care of it. There is a chance that the owner has never touched the drum brakes. If used a lot in mud and water this could be very bad. The other thing is that the 2000 Foreman does not have selectable 4x4. You would have to buy a Warn 424 to be able to switch it in and out. On the other hand, the Arctic Cat might be a lemon and they just want to get rid of it because the warranty is up.

It really comes down to which machine is in the best shape for the best price.

Just a thought. I don't know how much these machine are being sold for but lets assume for around $4000./$4500. You can buy a brand new 4x4 Eiger with the same motor as the AC for a few hundred more and you'll have a new machine with a warranty.

Check the prices at NADA or KBB to see if they are good deals. If tires are worn, you can add at least $200. to the final cost.

 

Go to atvtv.com. They didnt think much of artic cat.

 

For a work machine i would choose the 400 AC over the honda 350....but i would not choose 400 AC over the honda 450. AC has lots of lowend grunt, but so does the honda 450. i think the AC is a great machine, but just not in the same reliability class as honda.

 

If you are looking for a bike to just ride for fun and a little work, get the Honda. The resale is way better and it will last longer. My biggest thing is weight. Compare the Honda to the Cat. I would pick the Honda. All the Cat's are a little too heavy for my liking..

 

Arctic cats have the better ride quality. honda has the better engine quality. what do you think?