I'am not sure which would be right for a 47 year old male. I don't need speed or any macho stuff, just a pleasure machine that can plow snow, drag some logs around and maybe do some mild trail riding. I've narrowed it down to either the new rancher 4x4es or the 450 4x4es. I rode dirt bikes before honda made a dirt bike and got the speed thing out of my system (i think ?). What do you loyal honda fans think? rancher or 450???

 

MrBill I dont think going with the ES is a smart move. A friend of mine has a 450ES and has had probs with tha shifting before. Maybe honda has perfected the ES now though im not sure.Also after you buy a Honda450ES they give you this little foot shifter in case the electric shifting sytem fails ive been told and that would automatically make me not want to buy it.

 

Mr. Bill, for your described usage, there will probably be very little difference between the two. ATV's with smaller engines are generally geared lower, so they actually have nearly as much rear-wheel torque as some larger engine models. I have a 1997 300 4x4 that will go anywhere my 450ES will, just not quite as fast.

I'd think twice about the ES system, though. It costs more, it weighs more, and it adds complexity. I have a 1999 450ES, and while I've had no trouble with it whatsoever, I do often wish I could change gears without using my left hand. Frankly, my left foot is not so busy that it needs to be relieved from its job. I wish I'd bought the 450S.

I dislike floorboards, too, as they collect so much mud, which adds weight and makes the quad harder to clean. A lot of people love them, though.

Gordon Banks
Huntsville, AL
2000 Honda XR400R
1999 Honda 450ES 4x4
1997 Honda 300 4x4
1947 Body (w/padding by Pizza Hut)