Does anyone know what honda plans to do about putting out a new 4x4 to compete with the latest kaw 650 & yam 660. Is it just me, or does anyone else think honda's going in the wrong direction. What I meen is, why would you want your 450 to be able to unlock into two wheel drive? Isn't that why you buy a 4x4, to have four wheel drive? It would have been a lot better to have a locking diff. I also think they need to up the cc's to at least a 600. Now don't get me wrong, I drive a 450s, and I like it, but, seeing the compatition, upgrade each year, it worries me if honda is doing the right things. Does anyone else feel this way, or does anyone know what honda plans on coming out with next? Thanks.

 

funny you should mention that...I just rode a Kodiak 400 4x4 today instead of my trusty 450es and it had a switchable 2 and 4 wheel drive system. I ahve to say that was pretty cool, plus an all automatic tranny, all I had to do was push the gas and go then hit 4x4 in the mud and 2wd in the tight spots and I could swing my rear end around (which is not an option on the older Hondas) I really enjoyed the variety of riding styles it gave, plus the torque was ungodly. Dont get me wrong I really like my Honda but it was cool to experience another quad. If I had the option I would buy the new 450es with the 2 and 4wd system, but then you could get the rubicon and have it all.

 

I would imagen a Rubicon II in 2004. Just like the 450s was built off the forman 400. If I where to make the Rubicon II this is what it would be (nothing to drastic of a change as the Rubi is a great starting point)
1. 2wd, 4wd switch- but im sure the 450s is a test bed for what I assume will be all future 4x4's to have
2. Disk brakes all around!- and yes hydrolic, no blaster setup here
3. 550 or 600CC engine, Whatever honda can safely pump the current design up to
4. more suspention travel with softer responce in the first 2 inches of travel then stiffen up in the last 2.
5. able to switch between d1 and d2 on the go
6. smarter computer that will downshift faster when engine bogs quickly. and also maybe the new OBDII system used on new autos that actually learns the riders habbets and adapts to them, with downloadable "shift kits" from a laptop.
7. EFI (enough said)

 

I agree with you guys on the cc department but the 2 wheel drive option would be nice. I don't like ridding on dirt roads but I have to to get to other trails so there is not point being in 4 wheel drive. The nice thing is you can push a button it switch over and you would go a little faster and save a little fuel too. Plus there would be less ware on the front end. If it doesn't cost to much more and doesn't had a ton of weigh I think it a wicked option.