Just wondering??

Has anyone had any trouble with the Electronic shifters in the 350 or 450 ES models. I am looking a buying a Honda 350ES or an Arctic Cat 375 Automatic. I have always loved Honda for their engines. But the new Arctic Cat has some really nice features.
Any help would be great!!!


Thanks

 

I too came down to the same two bikes and ended up buying the Foreman ES 450. I now have about 150 miles on my bike. I initially had trouble with the shifter due to a faulty battery, but since the battery was changed it has worked flawlessly. The bike is very powerful and carries a heavy load without a noticible decrease in power. I bought the Honda for one reason only - reputation for longevity and reliability. Otherwise, I thought the Artic Cat was a better bike, both in features and design. As far as the engine goes, I don't think that the Suzuki engine on the Artic Cat is any worse than a Honda engine. I hunt daily with two 10 plus year old Suzuki bikes that still run well. I don't think you could go wrong with either bike. If you plan on riding rocks or hills, I think the Artic Cat is a better bike overall due to a much superior suspension. I use my bike on level ground and mud, carrying heavy loads (two or three people, dog, guns, and decoys on one bike), and primarily at low speeds. I thought the AC suspension was a little soft with too much sway when heavily loaded, despite the fact that it lists a carrying capacity that exceeds that of the Honda. There are several previous threads in this forum that can attest to the long-term reliability of the ES system. If you plan on riding in deep water, give some consideration to belt slippage on the AC if it gets wet (you might consider the AC 400 also if this is a worry). I've had no such problems in deep water with the 450 ES.

 

Well thanks for the advice. Just purchased a 2001 350ES. I felt the same as you. I love the Honda reliability!!!! And thats what stands the test of time. I like all the features on the AC but it is still to new and not proven. Maybe when I trade my 250 Big Red Trike in I will get the Cat.

Honda Rules!!!!