So has anyone traded from the Foreman 450es to the Ruby? If so is this new 500 better than the 450 and in which ways? Just wondering if it is worth waiting to get one or maybe get the Traxter.

Proud Owner: 98 Honda Foreman 450 ES
99 Honda Fourtrax 400 EX

 

I did. The Rubicon is faster at top end and off the line, it seems to turn tighter than the 450ES and is smoother running. Running the Rubi in the ESP mode is where you really notice the difference between the two. There is no "klunk" when you shift the Rubi, and you can shift at any throttle position, its very smooth. Also its nice to have a high and low range,shifting into reverse is very easy, and to be able to start the machine in any gear is a big plus. My wife has a '00 Kodiak auto and there is no comparison between the two. The Rubi is quicker off the line, has more top speed and is way smoother than the kodiak. In my opinion its the best bike yet. It may not be the best in EVERY category, but I think for a utility ATV, the Rubicon will out-shine any other ATV on the market today. Thats just my opinion. Its like the Ford-Chevy-Dodge argument, its whatever you like. They all do a good job.

 

I have nothing but good to say about the 450ES, but after seeing and riding the Rubie, the choice was clear. More power...more clearance...more suspension...more everything! I pick mine up in the morning.

 

I had the 450ES and swaped it for the Traxter,, Reason was clear and easy, for playing and joy riding the Honda would be a better choice I feel, but if your going to work it, the choice is clearly for the Traxter, weight, power, traction and ability are clear. Have only put the Traxter up nose to nose with two ATV's, first was the 400 Foreman and other was the 600 Grizzly, must say the 400 Foreman did a better job than the Grizzly but neither are close to a challenge for the Traxter, found that surprising. Was dissapointed in the Grizzly especially.
Honda makes a great unit and they do very well, however in my area of useage nothing comes close to the Traxter for grunt ability, traction and ability to carry 700 lbs on rear rack using a Warn A2000 winch as a wrecker.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck

 

Are you saying the traxter xt hase more power than the honda rubicon? Well that is false/ traxter xt 495cc 2 valve engine //// honda rubicon 499cc 4 valve engine with a high and low range on it. Now im not putting the XT down but the honda rubicon just is a little bigger than the XT.

 

Lovinhonda: What sprintpusher is saying is due to the weight of the Traxter and some different designed features it is better for heavier WORK. Like pulling, pushing, hauling and easier getting off in the meanwhile while doing all of the above. He is not saying it is a better off roader or even a better machine period. But from riding both, they are pretty even in off road performance and other things. It simply comes down to if you like the step through design or want something with some go like the Rubicon. Since i do little work and most play, I chose the Rubicon. For work I would seriously think about the Traxter. Both are great quads.

Back to the post though: 450ES vs Rubicon. I'll take the Rubicon everytime. Not knocking old reliable, but you have everything the 450ES has and more, much more. Besides i like the fact you can have the Rubicon floored in ESP mode and shift at will without clutch damage. This alone makes it better off roader than the 450ES could ever be and yet use the 499cc to it's fullest.

 

I traded a 450S for my 4 week old Ruby and I'm very glad I did.I pull a portable sawmill around the woods with my ATV and the Ruby handles it much easier then the 450 did,especially on the hills! I LOVE MY RUBY!!!!

 

Alright I get you'r point now, I probably just didn't understande him. IM SORRY