I went ATV shopping today. At the local dealership I found a 98' Foreman 400 with 3000 miles on it for $3900. The I also saw a 2001 Rancher ES 4x4 there. The Dealer said he would take $4900 for it. So here's my dilema. Which one should I get. I do a lot of trail riding but I need something to do work with as well. I am a big rider 6' 2" 300lbs. Any suggestions?

 

Mudcovered,

I have the '01 honda foreman 400, it's a great bike always up for the challange.

Starts every time no matter what the temp. I work it hard and I ride it harder, and it never
lets me down.

I'm not as big as you, but I'm no light weight 230lbs and the only bad thing I can say about
it, is that it lacks suspension. I think it's in the 5 inch range.

I've never been on a rancher, but if you look around here, all you'll read is good stuff.
Fun to ride, no problem when it comes to work.

Either way you'll be riding red, so you can't go wrong. Good luck and let us know what you get.

 

I'm in the process of trying to sell my 96 Foreman 400 because I just bought a 2001 Rancher ES 4x4. The Foreman is bulletproof but you'll need a kidney belt to ride for very long, the suspension and ride quality leave a lot to be desired. The Rancher is sportier, has better ground clearance, a better front end, better suspension, floorboards, digital dash, and best of all the electric shift.

I guess I'm going to have to come up with a new user name : )

 

I have a '95 foreman 400 it's bullet proof unless you leave it sitting on a 60 degree incline for 3 days and let it sit ther when your warming it up. I made that mistake and it cost me $900. Other then that it's great. But that was my fault

 

 

I imagin the the forman has a little more power.But the Rancher has it beat in all other aspects.
1-More ground clearance.
2-Better four wheel drive system
3-Digital dash
4-Better suspenion.

I would spend the extra 1k.Plus you get a waranty.


Had mine for almost a year with no problems.

 

I use my 2001 Rancher mostly for trail riding, but when we go to the cabin we work it HARD doing chores such as firewood collection. That super-low first gear comes in handy dragging fallen trees out of the mountains.

 

I have heard a lot about the Rancher ES. My original plans were to buy one. But I saw this Foreman and got to thinking. The more I think about it though, the less I like the thought of less suspension. I hope the Rancher would suit me. Right now (keep in mind how big I am) I ride a 86' 200SX. Anything would be better. Thanks for the advice everyone.