This is my first post. I have been reading the forums here for a while now. I am just before buying my next atv. Thought I would get some comments.. Can't decide between these two. I will mostly be hunting on it. It will be a 4wd model. thanks for the comments in advance.....

 

I bought a 2004 Rubicon in December, before the 05s were delivered. If the 05s were there my decision would have been a lot tougher.

As the 05s have discs in the front and switchable 2 or 4wd, from what I've read a better ride, and the newer styling I would have to go for the 05. I ignore the fact the 04 Rubicon is already aged now that the new one is out. Good thing I saved $1700 off retail.

I was going to wait 2 weeks for the new Foreman to come and by the 05 manual (I prefer to shift - or at least I used to!!), but my wife was enthusiastic I was looking at an auto (she's driven my AC 400 with a foot shifter and my buddies Rubicon). As most know, if your wife is happy about it, your life is much easier.

I have to say that the Rubicon tranny is awesome. If you could swing the 05 Rubicon.........

good luck

 

If we are considering 2005 machines only......for me the Rubicon is the only way to go between the two.

1. Power: The rube has a slightly bigger motor
2. Tranny: The rube has the best tranny of any atv bar none.
3. 4WD: The rube now has the traxlock and can be changed from 4wd to 2wd. That was really the only thing it was missing.

For the 400-600cc class utility atv's, IMO the rubicon is the best. If I were buying a new quad in this cc range, it would be the rube. This doesn't mean that the Forman ES is bad. But what I don't understand is why honda builds two machines in the same class (only about 24cc's difference) that are this similar? Why would you buy the Forman with less motor and less tranny when you can have the Rube???? Unless the price is a big difference. I don't know what the MSRP is for either, so it might the this difference.