I am buying my first 4 wheeler. It will be a used one as I have about a 2500 budget. Really like the Honda's after some research. It will be used for hunting, trapping, and general running around on the farm. No racing, only mud running on occasion...

I have found a 1997 Fourtrax 300 in good shape for 1800 that needs new tires. And also a 1997 Foreman that is in good shape for 2000 that needs front brakes.

Both run good. Which would be more suited for my needs?

Thanks for any tips

 

I thik the 87 Foreman was the 400. It is a pure utility (work) quad, and has limited suspension. The 300 is more of a trail quad.

 

Well, first of all the Foreman 400 was introduced in 1994 as a 1995 model. The 1987 Fourtrax 350 was called the Fourtrax Foreman. And the Fourtrax 300 was introduced as a 1988 model. The 1987 Fourtrax 350 was called Foreman because it included racks, a hitch, and an
alternator.

Heres a Honda timeline:

http://forums.trucktrend.com/7...70-present/index.html


Between the Fourtrax 300, and Fourtrax Foreman 350, I would choose the 300. Has more suspension travel, much longer production run so more availability of parts/accessories, and has dual a-arms in front.

But check them both out and pick whichever one you like more, and is in better condition.

-Krait

 

Sorry, I had the wrong year. It is not 1987, they are both 1997.

 

Ahh, ok then that makes a diff lol. Well then the Foreman WOULD be the 400 like Recon said as they discontinued the old Fourtrax Foreman 350 back in the early 90's I believe. Altho, to confuse you more, they intro'd the Fourtrax Rancher 350's in 2000, when they discontinued the 300 line.

Between those two, again pick the one you prefer, but I would probably go with the Foreman. More power, newer tech, should be worth more, altho the 300 had higher stock snorkels than the 400 so could go thru deeper water. But for general farm work, hunting/trapping, both would probably serve you well. The 300 has a very good rep for being a tough quad.

-Krait

 

Both of those bikes are great bikes, very reliable just be sure to check over the basics like wheel bearings and play in the steering and all that.

The 300 is physically smaller then the foreman so if your a larger guy the 300 is smaller, but maybe a littel more nimble on the trail. The Foreman has dual rear shocks which adds a nice bit to stability and ride and comes with a speedometer/odometer which is handy, and of course is 100cc's larger so it has more power.

If you go a year newer in the Foreman you can get the 450 (1998 was the first year) which gives you a digital speedo, 12" wheels instead of 11's, thicker seat foam, carb heater for easy starting in cold weather, and its a little taller the the 400 foreman.

 

Thanks for the info.

I am totally new to this. How do you check the wheel bearings? What else needs to be checked???

Was just planning on taking it for a ride and seeing how it worked...must be more to this. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Please help the ignorant.

Thanks again