Hello Everyone,

Just bought my first ATV and I am pretty jazzed about it! A 2008 Foreman with the 475 cc engine. I went with manual shift just because the dealer explained to be that it was more reliable. And, that's what I wanted from an ATV. So, I am excited! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

I've got some questions. Are there any recommended accessories or new tires, new skid plates, anything right away? The dealer suggested that I get these new tires (I don't remember the name) because it'll give me a little more clearance, and for the dirt, mud, trial ridding I'll do they will do awesome on the foreman. What do you all think? I was concerned because I thought if you make a change like this, you run the risk of damaging other parts of your ATV. Is this true?

Anything I should know/get right away with having a brand new machine?

Thanks everyone!
Jeff

 

Great choice!! What color did you get? I wish they had the rancher in white; it looks so good.

As far as tires are concerned, some say that adding big tires and wheels will sacrifice power and agility, some say that it is worth the small change to get extra traction in mud and climbs. I don't see 26" or 27" tires making a huge difference on a machine of that size. It's really up to you. If you want to build a mud machine, I say, "go big or go home." Hondas are built tough and I don't see adding big tires and wheels making your machine wear out parts any faster than drowning it in mud would.

As far as addons, my must haves are:

a winch
cup holder
cases of oil and filters (for 1, 5, 10 and 20 hour changes - I am a firm believer in early and often)
shop manual

Good luck with the new ride - Post some pics of it!!

 

What kind of terrain do you ride??? Tire choice will depend heavily on that. Stock tires are 25", so I think you are safe going with 26". I like the ITP Holeshot ATR radials as a general purpose tire (it's not a mud tire however), maybe on some ITP C-Series Type 4 rims.

 

Thank you for your help!

A cup holder? That's awesome! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

It's not a Rancher redphone106, I picked up an '08 Foreman. Not a whole lot difference, but it is! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

The terrain I plan to take it in is going to be a lot of dirt, grass, rocks, in all honesty probably a lot of everything. That's the cool thing about Alaska, it's all there. I am really looking forward to taking it out camping for several days.

I ended up getting a red one. My other choice was the green, but Honda has to be red, and I think red is all around a fun great looking ride.

The tires I am really thinking I'll go with at the 25" ITP Mud Lite tires. I am also debating on getting front and rear bumpers. I think the bumpers look awesome. I already got Honda putting on a 2,500 Torn wench, so that's taken care of.

Thanks everyone,
Jeff

 

stay away from the mudlites or carry a plug kit and a pump. go with a 4 or 6 ply radial, one that doesn't have a reputation for flats. winch and bumpers are smart. heated grips are great. hand held GPS is a great thing to have too.

check out the tire test at atvpt.com

 

The stock tires are petty bad on the Foreman, I think they are 2plys also. Stay with 25" but get a more aggressive tread and like someone said get 4 or 6 ply.

I ride my freinds Foreman alot and when we do sudden sharp turns the bike wants to still go straight! Its like the front tires fold under the rims. He is hoping stiffer better tire will cure this.

 

You looking to keep the stock rims??? They are at least aluminum, and lighter than steel.....

There are good and bad things about aftermarket aloy rims. They are light, but can also be easily dinged. One thing that I like, is if you get a greater offset than stock, it will widen the quad some and make it more stable (!!!). The downside is, that you can pick up some bump steer and the steering might push a little in turns.