Hello all I posted on here early this week well things have changed.I took the time to demo each atv. I have 2008 honda 500 FG trail edition and I like this one but find it would be great with a standard shift. I put it through few test here on the farm and its ok but I think it has lots of torque and get up and go..My worry is all the fancy electrics. I kinda have dibs on a honda 420 standard shift but just wanted to try the demo out first.I did manage to try the grizzly 700 last night but I think its kinda top heavy my personal opion.The dealerships here want my business so I'm going to try the demo out and see which is best for me. I'm a real experienced rider so I know how to test machines out.The thing is how long will the machine last is my question? Well if anyone has something to say then let me know.

 

whats a 500fg trail edition? a rubi or foreman?

 

We also use TRX500FG/FA (2 Rubicons right now) to work with ..from towing bikes , boats , snowmobiles .. Hauling trailers and for plowing snow .. The 420 is a good bike but remember it's lighter , shorter, and narrower than the Rubicon .. 1 of our trailers is a float that weights 1800kg the Rubicon with low range will handle it fairly easy I'm not sure a 420 would ..

 

How long the machine will last depends a good deal on you. If you do the oil change/valve adjustments at least as frequently as the manual suggests, and don't abuse the dog snot out of it, you will likely get thousands of hours of reliable service. The same could be said for the FM, too.

 

I'm a manual tranny guy, so I would hold out for a Foreman 500 (and not an ES either), if it is mostly a work quad. If it is more of a trail quad and only a part time work quad, then the Rancher 420.

 

I was set on a FE 420 model, but the dealer finally convinced me to go with the FM 420 model. Was a little leary of his suggestion but after having the FM model, I see why. Using it around the ranch, there are times when you may want to carry something in your hand, and the FE model you have to have your hand on the handle-bars to shift. Also now when plowing snow, I can be shifting into reverse or forward and have a hand free to raise and lower the plow, (with the reverse button locked out). It is a bit akward when running cows to have to shift alot, and there has been times when I have hit nuetral when I didn't want to, but all in all, it is a great machine. I did have to put on stiffer springs because of the weight carrying and the snow plow on the front. Only other problem is the wife would of rather had an automatic, she doesn't like the manual and sometimes has trouble shifting.....sure she will get the hang of it.

 

Well, you could always get the wife a Rubicon. Then you'd have a happy wife... until you explain that it would make sense if she did the plowing. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Good idea!!!!!