Is there any difference to speak of?

 

Electric shift (thumb) ES , Foot shift (semi-auto) S

 

I prefer the ES. Your feet can stay dry in deep water, you don't encounter the heavy boots shift problems in cold weather, and you can shift easier while standing up in rough terrain.

 

The transmissions are identical. The difference is how they shift. The S is with your foot, the ES is electronically with your thumb. I like the ES. It is really well thought out.

 

i drive a ES since 1999 and it's a very good 4x4 quad ... nothing can't stop it

electric shift, when you are in 2-3 feet of water/mud it's very useful and the cluster say which gear is in (not on the s) ...keep in your mind the foreman have a hard rear suspension and it don't speed at all ... if your trick is do hard work and ride were he don't have trail is the quad for you ... for approx. 200$ more on the S you can have a ES it's worth every penny thrust me and it's very reliable also you have a emergency shifter if for i don't no what the electric one broke

 

Also, the ES comes with full floorboards, an important safety feature.

 

As everybody above said. I like the ES, really easy. Just make sure you do not shift through the gears while sitting, it may get stuck in between gears, it will show a - instead of anumber on the display. Usually you just have to rock the quad a little to get it back in gear. I tis posiible to get it stuck and have it be harder than hell to get in back in gear. Doesn't happen very often. I've neve had that happen.

Good Luck