As a new owner of a 2000 450ES, There are alot of things that I like about this machine. But am I the only one that thinks this thing rides like a tank ? We just returned from our deer camp here in Utah and I will have to say that this Honda is by far the roughest riding machine that I have ever been on, Im not sure if Ive been spoiled by riding Sportsman 500s for too long (since 96) or what...You all are probably wondering why I switched. Im not sure myself, I guess just a change, Im wondering how long I will keep this bike since it is so uncomfortable to ride. I had seen Gordan B or someone say that the shocks seemed to loosen up after some miles..I have 230miles on mine so far??
I switched to 26x9x12 and 26x12x12 Mud Sharks and believe it or not they actually helped the ride, not to mention a little more ground clearance and alot more traction.
So I guess my question to all of you 450 owners is " Does the ride get any better than it is now ? " or will I need to explain to my wife in a couple of months why I need to get another new Sportsman 500 ?
Are there any little tips or tricks that I need to know about this machine ??

 

Well all I can say is if you want a hard working machine that you you can use as a yard tractor, that's dependable, virtually bullet proof, and you can still have fun on, you picked the right machine. BUT if you want a machine that rides like a car than I guess you'll have to go back to a Polaris. Personally I'm use to riding an 82' Big Red with "NO" rear suspension so my 2000 450es rides like a dream, guess it's what your use to. I have 852 KLM (approx 500 miles)on my machine.

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Ride the "WILD" country , South Gillies, Ontario, Canada

 

Gordon added some extra pading to the seat to make it wider, taller, and softer. I think you would like this sence you are used to those big Polaris seats.

How do the Mud Sharks compare to Vampires (in the mud) or anyother mud tire that you have used?

Arctic Cat 500, Thinking about Mud Sharks

 

I have a '99 450S with about 350 miles on it and stock tires. When I first got it, the ride was a little bumpy but not unbearably so. However, now my shocks have "broke-in" and the ride has gotten a lot worse. The suspension has become real bouncy. It's like riding a bucking horse when going over any bumps. I hear Works shocks have a much improved ride, but since they are so expensive that is not an option I can consider.

[This message has been edited by jwatkin (edited 10-28-1999).]

 

I don't think there is much of a debate, that the 500 Polaris will ride better than the 450. I do know several folks with 450's that after a couple hundred miles - they felt that they rode better.

I know Works shocks are expensive, but has anybody out there put the Progressive shocks on their quad? I was considering that, as they are a lot cheaper and will give a bit of a lift to boot.

In another respect, I don't feel to sorry for those with 450's.... They ride a lot better than my 300

Happy Trails

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Steve "Bog Hog" West

Honda 300 4x4 - Gordonized, Powered and Vamped

 

Re: How do the Mud Sharks compare to any other mud tires? The only other aftermarket tires I have had were 27" Blackwater X/T's on my Sportsman 500...So its hard to say which tire I like better since the machines that they were on are so different...I know one thing the Mud Sharks were way less expensive and I do like the mud sharks as far as how they look on the machine....Gordon how much padding did you add to your seat?? and do those shocks make that much of a difference ?

 

Hey Big red, i also have a big red..mine is a 83'200ES goes almost 60 rapped out in high range on flat pavment..that is no joke either, smokes my friends Kodiak,and my other friends 450S.. although not on hill's as it is geared so tall the engine bogs on the smallest up hill. but the thing is one hard working elk packer!! Im going to buy either the Rancher of Rubicon.. I am tired of the pogo stick rideing too

 

I also thought the 450ES rode alittle rough at first but you have to look at like someone else in here said. "If it you want a car, buy a car, if you want a truck , buy a truck!"

But for the brighter side. It took mine about 250 miles before it made a noticeable change. I think it rides better today (700 miles) than ever before. All in all it gets better but not so much to say it goes from a truck to a car. It's still a truck!

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Gap Arrington Dickson TN Honda ForemanES "and Yeller at that!"



[This message has been edited by Gap_Arrington (edited 10-29-1999).]

 

Sportsman 500,are you the same guy that used to talk on the ATV chat connection?If so,welcome to see you here.It's me [muddy] GOOD DAY----BILL

 

Thinking about buying a 450es. Is $5700 a good price? I live in Nebr. Thanks.