Well, I'm in the market for my first ATV and I'm pretty sure Honda is the way to go. I know for sure that I at least want a 350. But, I'm still undecided on wether or not I should spend the extra dough for a 4x4. I was hoping that all of your opinions would help me decide. First, let me tell you that all I'm going to do with it is ride through the woods with some buddies, go through some mud and muck every now and then, maybe even go the mud bogs a time or two[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img], and joy ride with my wife on her parents property. Now that you know that...what do you think? Is it worth the extra $800-1,000 for the 4x4? While we're on the subject...which would you prefer, the 350 Rancher or Foreman? Is there any pro's and con's concerning either of them? If I'm going to spend the money I want to make sure it's what I want. I would greatly appreciate you veteran's opinions and/or suggestions. Thanks!!

 

Get the Rancher 4x4 for sure with a warn 424 select,excellent trail bike if thats what mostly are going to do.The Foreman is a better workhorse but I find the Rancher great on the trails and even working it. You can;t go wrong with either machine.

Framer

 

Ditto Framers comments. Save the money for the trailer, etc. 4x4 is the way to go for rough terrain.

 

If you can swing it, you may want to look into the new Foreman 500. They can be had for a little over $6,000. You get TraxLoc selectable 2x4/4x4, front disk breaks, 475cc engine, 2 oil coolers(one mounted up high incase the lower one packs with mud), new suspension design for a better ride and a nice digital instrument package.

If you can afford it now, you might as well get it. Because sooner or later, you're going to want more power than a 350 can provide, especially if you want to mud with it. I've heard that Florida has some thick, sticky mud almost everywhere, so the 500 would be a fine choice.

Best of all, it's a Honda. If you ever want to sell it, you'll get top dollar for it.

If you don't want to spend that kinda money, get a Rancher 400AT.

If you still don't want to spend that much money, get the 350 [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Look at it this way. If you get the 2WD , you will wish you had got the 4WD.......BUT.............. if you get the 4WD you will never wish you got the 2WD. Get the 4WD. If money isn't a problem, I'd look at the New 500 foreman 4WD. You could get the Rancher now, then later on if your wife likes riding, give it to her and get the Foreman for yourself. Decisions, decisions!

 

Depends on the type of mudding you plan on doing. If the mud is going to be less than a foot deep I would say 2wd. 2wd will be a lot more fun to spin in the mud, the lighter front end will make jumping more enjoyable. With the money you save on the 2wd, buy some good tires. What do your buddies ride? They will probably know what to get more than we will. I bet 95% of the people I see with 4x4s could easily get by on a 2wd. IMO.

 

I agree with you MHWASH. My brother-in-law has a Rancher 4x4 and sometimes playing in the mud to him is too easy. I think with some good tires in the back, I would be able to get throught most anything. Thanks for the replies. It's always smart to listen to some opinions.

 

Kind of outa the price range as the rancher, but look at the Rubicon. The 05 Rubicon is very nice it alows to switch from 2wd to 4wd and it has a different 4x4 system. I have a 04 Rubicon and it is great. I push alot of snow with it and never had a problem.

 

I have owned both and still own the Foreman 4x4. I definately recommend the 4x4. Just this week I purchased the best I have seen yet. Got my girlfriend a Rancher 400AT 4x4. It has everything you could ever want. The nimbleness of thr 350 with a larger engine, automatic or esp shifting transmission, 4x4 and back to 4x2 at the touch of a button. It will start in gear if you hold the front brake lever in. It even has brake lights! If I could back up on my own atv, I would go with the Rancher 400 with the bigfoot kits and accessories that I have on the Foreman...This new Rancher is awesome and so so easy to ride..My dealer sucked,, but Honda did a great job on this one.

 

If you spend the extra money on the Foreman you will know where the money went. If you are a big person and plan to go with bigger tires later I would probably go with the Foreman. I would consider getting a winch if you go with the foreman because when you do stick it, its STUCK. I just bought the 05 Foreman ES and I love it. That being said the Rancher is a very good bike and you will get a lot of enjoyment out of owning one.