Originally Posted by faruquehabib

the full name for the rubicon is "Honda Foreman Rubicon", so yes, it is a variant of the Foreman. However, when the foreman changed in 2012, the rubicon did not, so for now, there are some differences other than engine and tranny. the new foreman has a single shock in the rear and no low range. the rubicon still has dual shocks in the rear and has a low range. you can also switch to ESP mode on the rubicon, which acts like a 5 speed manual, "shifting" using the handlebar shift like a foreman / rancher / recon ES. the "gears" are preset ratio's in the hydrostatic transmission.

i have a 2009 rubicon, 2010 rancher, and a 2005 polaris ATP (the predecessor to the sportsman X2). the polaris has more power and a softer seat. the honda wins in everything else. i ride the ATP for an hour, then switch to my rubi, and the difference is night and day. granted, the rubi is 4 years newer and has power steering, but the overall craftsmanship and ergonomics are superior on the honda in my opinion. i do use both the rubi and polaris for work, and both pull their weight in that department.

ride them and do your research. good luck!

Originally Posted by railroad mike

thanks everyone for your advice and the information. I bought a 2012 honda foreman i hope i made the right choice.