I just received my new Honda 450ES 2002. I really like the new front differential which allows me to drive in 2x4 or in 4x4. In 2x4, the handlebars are a lot easier on the arms. They also changed the tires for a more aggressive thread. The center light is now the same as the Rubicon. It is incredible driving in the dark with 105 Watts to light up the trails. I hope it will be snowing really soon so I can try it for longer rides.

 

Explain what the front differentials do different from the older models. I know that one thing that I hate about the traditional setup is in the winter, if I do run off the trail and get stuck in soft snow its a real beatch to get out. Usually the quad always leans to one side and your stuck with one front tire in the air free wheeling and its the only one spinning. The tire that's in the snow and needs traction is idle! What a system! It should be the other way around and would be nice if you could either lock all 4's or it would know which one needs traction, or at least you could control which one has traction.

Slywolf75s ATV Denn

 

I did not try to lift one the front wheel, but from what I heared, it was redesigned completely to provide more traction to the wheel on the ground.