Honda Foreman 450s

[Waylon]

I am considering buying an Forman 450s, anyone know on any faults with
these. Are there any good websites out there that discuses this bike, I
always use atvfrontier.com, but it seems to be down for close to a week now.

How much porformance increase can i expect from this quad, I currently have
a bayou 300 4x4 that I am selling.

[James Nipper]

I believe the concensus is that the Honda Foremen 450S is one of the most
sturdy, reliable atvs. I have one, and I almost think of it as a small
tractor.

Mine (2000 model) is full time 4 wheel drive, so the steering is a bit
hard. I think the later models may have the option of switching it to 2
wheel drive.

It is very powerful and very reliable. Others prefer a more sporty
approach, but I like the utility and robust characteristics of the 450.
I would strongly recommend a winch. I put the Warn 2500 on mine, and it
has gotten my son out of several jams that otherwise would have meant a LONG
walk home.

There are many good ones out there, and the Foreman 450 is a good choice.

Good Luck !!

--James--

[James Nipper]

Followup comments:


Some folks like the electronic gear switching (ES model). For our
purposes, which is mostly riding on steep mountain trails and rough places,
we only wanted the manual shifting. I feel that it allows for better
control in rough, steep places. But others claim the electronic switching
is super.


Here is a good review link too:


http://www.atvconnection.com/editor/review/atv/honda/99450es/review.htm



--James--

[Willis Vance]

I love my froeman it is a '98 and have done nothing but change oil. I love
the ES and you can't ride it in rougher places than I ride mine? The ES is
easier to change in rough places because you can get to the gears.

Post by James Nipper
Some folks like the electronic gear switching (ES model). For our
purposes, which is mostly riding on steep mountain trails and rough places,
we only wanted the manual shifting. I feel that it allows for better
control in rough, steep places. But others claim the electronic switching
is super.
http://www.atvconnection.com/editor/review/atv/honda/99450es/review.htm
--James--

[zero]

opinion: because of drums all around and less suspension travel than more
modern machines 450 seems to favor utility use more than sport. way more
machine than your bayou.

[Jeff B]

We really enjoy ours.... the ONLY downside to the ES is my new problem with
it sticking in gear every now and then..... I think I SHOULD be able to fix
it myself with the help of others in the group..... other than that it's
been a VERY dependable machine.....
Looking to add the Warn 424 system to have it in the 2wd mode more often
seeing we hardly ever need the 4wd mode for trail and yard work..... the
winch is HIGHLY recommended.

Jeff B In Maine
==========================================================================

Post by zero
opinion: because of drums all around and less suspension travel than more
modern machines 450 seems to favor utility use more than sport. way more
machine than your bayou.

[Justa Guy]

Post by zero
opinion: because of drums all around and less suspension travel than more
modern machines 450 seems to favor utility use more than sport. way more
machine than your bayou.

I would tend to agree. I have the 450s and my wife has the 350
Rancher. Both accelerate evenly and have the same top speed. Even if
we switch machines the results are the same.
The Rancher is much easier to steer and I think it will go through
deeper snow and mud.
The only time I really appreciate the 450 is when I'm hauling a
trailer on my farm. You can feel the extra torque working for you.
For play, I prefer the 350 Rancher
For work, I prefer the 450
If I could only have one. I would buy the 350 and put a winch on it.

[Rick Bell]

I always wanted someone to say that .

Post by Justa Guy

Post by zero
opinion: because of drums all around and less suspension travel than more
modern machines 450 seems to favor utility use more than sport. way more
machine than your bayou.

I would tend to agree. I have the 450s and my wife has the 350
Rancher. Both accelerate evenly and have the same top speed. Even if
we switch machines the results are the same.
The Rancher is much easier to steer and I think it will go through
deeper snow and mud.
The only time I really appreciate the 450 is when I'm hauling a
trailer on my farm. You can feel the extra torque working for you.
For play, I prefer the 350 Rancher
For work, I prefer the 450
If I could only have one. I would buy the 350 and put a winch on it.