Guys,

Here is where I'm at.... I have a limited budget for a new quad. I am looking at a 2007 4 x 4 Rancher ES and a 2006 Foreman 500 4 x 4 ES. Between the two, I am looking for the one that is quicker, faster, and has the best trail manners. I really love the new Rancher, the EFI, the reviews, etc., but right now, I can get them for the same price. Would I be stupid for passing on the Foreman? Anyone with some ride time on either/both that would be willing to share their experiences? Also, I am 6'0" 265 lbs.

 

the only way i would get the foreman over the rancher is if i rode the mud alot, as far as trails ,speed and quickness, the rancher has it hands down!!

 

Rancher.

 

March issue of ATV Action.....they did a review of the Foreman: " We had Honda's new Rancher 420 out with the 500 for some of our testing and it's MORE SPUNKY AND MORE FUN."

The Foreman is a basic work quad, and the Rancher is a basic trail quad. The Foreman can handle some trail, and the Rancher can handle some work...... you said you are a trail rider......so clearly the Rancher is the better choice!

 

The Foreman is a more expensive ATV so I would want it if they are willing to sell it at the same price as the 420! The Foreman is a physically larger bike with larger tires dual rear shocks and more suspension travel,ground clearance and torque. The 500 may not be as nibble in the trails but do not fool yourself it has advantages over the smaller 420. The 500 does not retail for $1350 more than the 420 for nothing.

 

I would personally go for the Rancher. It's alot more fun on the trails.

 

Trim-Spa Baby!!!

opps I ment Rancher [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img] yeap yeap da Rancher [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

The only way I could rec'm the EFI Rancher for you at those prices would be if you regularly ride at widely varying altitudes and then you would have convenience of no re jetting. Otherwise at your 265 pounds the larger motor and overall chassis of 500 Foreman should be better match for your needs and a much better deal. The air/oil cooled Foreman should be better in mud because of the dual oil coolers with upper cooler protected against the mud build up.

 

i have a new 500 foreman although i do not know any thing about the 420 i would have to say the 500 is a great bike for it all

 

I don't think you would be disappointed in either of those two machines. The Rancher will handle someone of your size fine.

I really like my 500 Foreman, though I prefer the foot shift. It's a much better trail machine than the older ones. Where I ride I wouldn't want anything with less ground clearance, but in tight twisty woods trails a bit smaller machine would have it's advantages.

If I were you, I'd try to get a ride on both, and pick the one that calls to you. My personal choice between those would be the Foreman, but if you prefer a bit physically smaller machine the Rancher would be the one.

Good luck, and let us know what you choose.