I have a Yam Kodiak 450. My cousin has a 2000 Honda 450S (no electric shift, he didn't want it). I've ridden his. I really like being able to shift on the fly, especially down-shifting for the hills that suddenly get steeper than you realized. My auto needs to be stopped, then shifted. When we're on technical stuff, his gear driven low range 1st is great. mine revs like hec, then suddenly breaks loose. for that reason i traded in my 400 to get a low range option. Now it's a little better. That's more a function of automatic vs. belt drive. But i sure like his old technology.

reality is, he's a better and braver rider than me, so machine doesn't matter, rider skill level is way bigger factor. I like both the quads equally. the Foreman is a great quad.

Honda products are the best for re-sale, and probably reliability. I have a Honda generator; quiet, great unit. Honda pressure washers and lawnmonwers: same thing. They ALWAYS sell for more used, because they are reliable and proven. Also have an XR70 and XR80 dirtbikes. They're easy to sell for a decent price, so why wouldn't you want to own one, knowing you'll have no problem with re-sale when you change your mind for something newer and bigger? How many old XR200s are kicking around, for ridiculous prices considering the age and use?

The one thing i don't like is the arrogance of the Honda dealers. you can't deal with these guys. They have a chip on their shoulder like if you don't want it, somebody else will pay too much for it, so go away. That's why I have a Yamaha 450. And they won't give any other brand credit for being remotely close in quality, etc.. Thank goodness there is competition and other brands, because Honda dealers would only get worse. Their products are great, their attitude and arrogance sucks.