Have a freind wanting a Rubicon but he's wondering about the ride. Right now he has a 300cc Honda utility. He's riding my 450ES and comented on bumpy ride and hard steering of it. The dealer will only allow a parking lot test of the Rubicon, so I was wondering you guys that have owned both and have been out in the real world with both can give me an opinion on the ride and ease of steering compared to the 450 foreman. thanks to all.

 

While I have only test riden them (the dealer had a trail), I would say that the Rubicon steers easier, but the ride (suspension) is comparable. If a smooth ride is the priority of your friend, there are certainly better options. Although I thought both machines were comfortable on a test ride, I have heard some people say that all day rides can beat on you. Perhaps someone with more extensive riding time on both can verify...

 

I like the ride and handling of my 2001 Foreman 450s, even the steering was quite light till I added the winch and 1/4" aluminium skid plates which I consider necessary items to have, when I shop for a quad ride is not one of my main considerations just about everything else is. The Rubicon has what I consider too long a front end. The 450 Foreman is a durable responsive quad that will give years of trouble free riding!

 

My Rubicon seems to ride better than the 450S now that it has some miles on it to soften it up a bit. The steering was too stiff when I bought it, but airing the stock tires up to 6 p.s.i fixed that. I have changed tires now and the 589 m/t's steer good too.

 

I used to own a 98 450Es and now have a Rubicon. I think the Ruby is a little plusher than the 450, and it handles as well, if not better. It steers real well also, That is one of the things I really like about this machine. You can really go through the woods with it!