I have a '99 450, my first was a '95 400. I am convinced I prefer the 400. Seems like the 450 is more awkward and harder to manuver. Has anyone else compared these two machines, and what is you opinions? Appreciate your input. JIM

 

i agree....

the 400 was more like the 300 for fit and feel and size..........a truely great machine

the 450 front wheels are tow-out

you sit higher.......well it seams like it

bigger tires i think

.......i prefer the 400 too.......but then again........ain no substitute for cubes

ride on.,...

pudding

 

You're right pudding! The 450 is a couple inches higher and the tires are bigger. And the contour of the seat on the 400 is more comfortable. I also like the clean look of the cable covers on the handlebars of the 400. Except for the supension travel being longer on the 450, 5.9",and only 4.3" on the 400, I like the 400 much better! Would love to find someone wanting to make a trade! Jim

 

wonder if the 450 shocks would fit a 400

the 400 here in New Zealand has made a good reputation for itself........fill the very big shoes......the honda 300 left....as farmers were looking for more power......and the 400 was a great quad to fill the gap

i am a 300 man myself.......the 1990 model i had was the most reliable bike i have ever riden

my fathers farm is on to its 5th 300 now.....and he also has a 450es, and just brought a bayou300

dad reckons he won't by another ES model

and i show no interest in new honda motorbikes......they just don't build them like they used too.....

 

One of my neighbors got a new 01 Foreman 450, and compared to the 99 he had before, this one seems to have lighter steering, and feels more maneuverable. It DEFINATELY turns shorter. The old one used to take half a county to do a U turn compared to this one! I think it makes a U turn within 3 or 4 inches of what my Xplorer will do. Impressive considering it is full-time 4wd, wheras I can unlock the fron end on mine. Nice power, too. Lots of 'chug'. I wouldn't want to hook a chain between our machines like I would have been willing to with the old ones. Oh, well, at least I can still pass him out in the open [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]
Test drive the new ones, you will like them. I think Honda has really improved upon thier design.

 

I have a 2000 400 grn. might be interested what year is yours.

 

IMHO the 450 can be a hassle to manuver. Unless I'm towing a trailer or log, I take the Recon to the fields. Also, the ES requires the use of your left hand. This makes it hard to carry tools and supplies, and makes it impossible to use a sprayer. If you are looking for a work horse, I would recommend the 450S or the 400.