I'm new to this forum, but find it very interesting and informative.

I am going to buy a new ATV before end of year and have narrowed the search to Arctic Cat 500 or Honda Foreman 450ES. I have test-ridden each of them on the same trail. Problem is I can't make up my mind! Both machines have strong points and weak points.

Arctic Cat has power, nice ride, good looks and a $ 69 winch offer. It also has POOR foot brake, and on the 2002 model--a really poor seat release setup!! (They had a great one on 2001 models!) They also don't have a yellow model. Dealer is one man operation with one mechanic--but he doesn't charge an arm and a leg for shop labor.

Honda has goodies like the electronic speedo head, Can get the 450ES in yellow, has good brakes, but less power, ride not as good, Reverse button is ackward to use, expensive to repair--shop labor rate high, but dealer is solid with about 10 mechanics.

I will do some snow plowing (if we can have some snow this winter) and some dirt plowing and other moderate utility work. Most of time will be riding my favorite ATV trail!

Please offer some thoughts on subject-your expierences good and bad with these two machines. Also what some of you have had to pay for these machines. AC 500 Auto and Honda 450ES.

Sorry to drag on--Thanks for your comments.

 

Well since your going to be trail riding then I would say the Honda because the 02 model has the sweet switchable 2 to 4 wheel drive. PS if you get a Honda it will NEVER be in the shop so thast no big deal about the 10 mechanics.

 

killer man.u crack me up! Every quad goes into the shop once in a while for valves,jetting ect. I know this isn't hard mecanical labor but if its under warrenty people would trust a shop more then themselfs with a new quad. Anyway XBearOne i don't want to sound like a dick but if u are looking for utility tips i suggest going to www.highlifter.com thats what they major in! People here pretty much only give decent answers to ex and r questions. At highlifter they don't have ppl like killer here(no offence man) they will help u with what u need. just trying to help a little.l8r
Ben#16

 

hmmm I am at highlifter ALOT so........your wrong there. Anyways I was assuming that people on here knew how to work on ATVs seeing as they own them, aparently not. Thats why I said if you buy a honda it will never be in the shop. But seeing as you guys dont know how to change break pads or tighten a chain or adjust valves then yes yourr quad will be in the shop alot.

 

man I'll tell you straight up, artic cats are under powered, slow, and pieces or shlt, no bashing, just the honest to god truth, wander why you dont really see that many of them most places?

 

To add a tidbit, the reverse button system is ergenomically excelent, and very fast...AFTER a bit of practice. It keeps your hands on the grips, and you don't have to 'seemingly' sacrifice rear brakes for a second, because hondas foot brakes work too.

 

Hey Flying400--thanks for info on highlifter.com--taken like you probably intended it. Thanks for the info from you others also.
Hope you all have a great day and enjoy your riding.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]