the only trouble I've had with my foreman was the front wheel bearing went out on both sides. pretty easy to fix, but its a good idea to keep an eye on it. If you end up changing it be sure to pick up both seals (inner and outer)

 

I have hears lots of times that synthetic oil isn't good for the auto clutch.

My brother has a '01 450 and it has been trouble free for 1.5 years now. Ever since he got it it has run a little rich though, and that needed to be fixed. Also i guy i ride with had the same size mud bugs as you have and it goes through bearings quite often.

BTW blackfoot is a huge place!!!!!!!! Very nice!

 

I have also heard about synthetic oil being a problem. Something about the clutch plates deteriorating faster due to the way synthetic oil reacts with them. IT would be fine to rune in a Rubicon or Rincon though. I haven't heard of bearings being related to bigger tires but it makes sense that they would wear a little faster with more stress on them. And yes Rincon, Blackfoot Motorsports is pretty big with a lot of different product lines and models and accessories. Also they had the best prices around. I compared them to prices in Red Deer and Edmonton and the closest I could come to their prices was still $400 more. Excellent service there also.

 

My brother got his for $6999, i thought that was good!

What did you get yours for? If you don't mind......

 

I paid $7400 + tax canadian. The prices all took a $500 jump this year. The 450s is retailing for $7700 out here right now. I got mine with the winch, tires everything installed, taxes and fees included for $10000 even canadian. I didn't think that that was too bad. Best price around that I could find.