OK, i've got some money saved up. And i've been somewhat ready to buy a quad for a while now. I went to my local Honda dealer recently and they have '06 Foreman 500 4x4 S going for around $5,300! Thats almost the MSRP on a 4wd Rancher! SO i was gonna wait until Polaris offered their '07 model lineup before i bought a quad but since i seen a deal like this i figured i can buy a Foreman, long lasting quad and it wont take me long before ill be able to buy another one! ....... BUTTTTTT my question is this. I've had an ES Rancher and had GREAT luck with it. So with the ES being only $200 more, i was thinking about going for it. BUT, for those of you who have experience, i've heard the footshift's are a tad bit more powerful? Or is it that you can possibly "feel" the power better on a footshift? I know footshifts will last longer because i grew up on a '98 Foreman S and ES and both are still running but the ES has had many more problems while the S is still running top notch! SO should i decide this on "feel"? Is the ES system better than what it once was? And will i notice a decent power increase than on the old 450 Foremans? Thanks for all replys.
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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 (Green)
'27 ITP 589 M/S Tires
on ITP Type 5 Wheels
3000 lb. Warn Winch
3-Way Headlight Mod
High Lifter Lift Kit

2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 Mossy Oak - STOLEN
2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Sold

 

The S and ES are the same. There is no power difference. They have the same transmission. The ES has a small electric motor that shifts the gears where the S has your foot to do the same job.
And yes they have more power than the 450.

 

i had a 2004 foot shift rancher and i now have a 2005 ES, there's no power difference feel to it at all.

the 500 foreman will have more power over the 450. Good luck with your purchase!!

 

Thanks for the reply's.. I know the ES and S are the exact same machine. I know there is no difference in power or anything whatsoever except for one's footshift and one's Eletric.. I just heard from someone that the S feels more powerful.. sounds stupid i know. But anyway, i think if if buy im going to go with the ES.. Is it a noticeable more amount of power than the 450's? Because if my buddies who ride their 450's like the new Foreman 500 im sure they'll want to go out and buy one... Anyway...I know 95% of all Honda's are bulletproof, but almost every ATV is known for having atleast 1 specific problem. My ES Rancher, atleast back then, was known for having problems with the ES system and 1 or 2 other nitpicky things.. anyway are the new Foreman's just as dependable/reliable as the LEGENDARY 450's? I know some of you may be thinking since i have a Polaris why am i worried about dependability? lol Well, when i buy Honda, i buy to keep them for years. So reguardless if i buy another ATV after i buy a Foreman, i will be keeping this Honda for years...
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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 (Green)
'27 ITP 589 M/S Tires
on ITP Type 5 Wheels
3000 lb. Warn Winch
3-Way Headlight Mod
High Lifter Lift Kit

2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 Mossy Oak - STOLEN
2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Sold

 

You'll not be dissapointed in the 500 Foreman. It rides better than the 450 has more power and it trails like a Rancher. I put Rubicon wheels on mine with stock size Mud Lites (wish I had gotten the Super Grip Super Lights) K&N air filter, power tip and adjusted the jetting. Runs great.

I know you are in south Alabama, but you need to check Southern Honda (www.southerhonda.com) they are still selling '05 Foremans.

 

yeah you'll love that 500 foreman. I havent driven one yet, but that will be the next ATV I buy if I get rid of my Rancher, but I dont plan on that any time soon.

The cool thing about the Foreman is you can get the foot-shift model and still have the speedometer and odometer and stuff. You cant get that with the Rancher and if you want that stuff you are forced to get the ES. If I could get that stuff in a foot-shifted rancher I would have jumped right on it. Otherwise I would have had to buy a foreman and I didnt have that kind of money at the time.

The ES is better than it was in the early 2000's, but there are still glitches. I have had zero problems with my 2005 and 500 miles, but I'm sure I'm one of the lucky ones.

If I were you, I would go for the foot-shifter, Then you'll have no problems at all, since you can still see how fast you're going and how many miles on it so you can keep track of your maintenance.

 

Thanks again. Reguardless of whether i get the S or ES i think the first 3 things im going to do to it, and possibly the only 3 things will be to get/try out the ITP Terracross tires on type 7 rims. I LOVE the way they look and they look to be a great all around tire. But anyway.. So the ride is a little better than the 450's? They rode like tanks. Im young so i dont mind the ride, but i think its great if ist been improved! Also, Grumpy, ARE YOU SERiOUS?? Those prices are iNCREDiBLE!! $5,980 for an '06 RUBiCON!! That really caught my eye! Im going to give them a call on Monday and see if these prices have changed, and see what they still have! I expect that the '05 500 ES is gone by now, but if its not i bet i could get a killer deal on that! And before i buy i will "refresh" myself of what both, S and ES, feel like, so maybe that will decide for me. If not it wont be that big of a deal. Anyhow, THANKS for the help and THANKYOU for letting me see that site.
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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 (Green)
'27 ITP 589 M/S Tires
on ITP Type 5 Wheels
3000 lb. Warn Winch
3-Way Headlight Mod
High Lifter Lift Kit

2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 Mossy Oak - STOLEN
2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Sold