Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I'm looking into purchasibg the manual shift Honda Foreman 4x4 or the Rancher 4x4. I've spoken to one of the local Honda dealers and he said as for as the Rancher goes, I'd do better getting the 350 Rancher 4x4 rather than the Rancher AT (he said the 350 pulled better).

The Foreman 4x4 is top of my list, but I don't know if I need that big of a bike for the area that I'll hunt. And I'd save $1500 if I went with the Rancher.

Any of you have these bikes and can give some reviews?

Appreciate it.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

And please note that my mind is made up on Honda - I don't want this turning into another Honda vs. Polaris vs. Yamaha vs. whatever thread.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

The 350 rancher will actually do almost anything that you may ask of it while hunting or fishing.I would not consider a larger machine unless you are going to be doing a lot of heavy hauling or dragging with it.I moved up from the 350 rancher to the 500 rubicon because I do a great deal of heavy hauling and I prefer the hydrostatic transmission since it eliminates the need for shifting while doing heavy chores.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I have a 2003 Rancher 4x4 ES and love it . One benefit for hunting is it does not sit as high as some of the others and that makes it easier to get under tree limbs in thick woods. I know what everyone thinks of the Electric shift but I have not had a bit of trouble in two yrs. The only thing the foreman has that I wish the rancher had is a headlight on the bars if tracking game at night. Good luck shopping!

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

TroopA, nothing wrong with 350 Rancher (manual) it will drag any deer or bear sized game with ease and allow you to haul decent weight trailer as well. Other than physical stature here are the difference I have collected since I am also looking for new ATV:

Rancher TRX350FM vs. Foreman S TRX500FM
Engine: 329cc vs 475cc
FT 4x4 vs. Selectable 2wd/4wd
Drum vs. Disc Front brakes
Rear Single shock vs Dual shocks
Grill lights only vs. Grill plus handle bar upper light
Ground Clearance 7.2 vs 7.5
Front Tires: 24x8x12 vs. 25x8x12
Rear tires: 24x9x11 vs. 25x10x12
Weight dry(lbs): 524 vs. 594
Fuel Tank: 3 gal vs. 4 gal

The biggest thing I can see in favour of the TRX500FM is dual rear shocks, disc front brakes and selectable 2wd/4wd. On side note the tires size of the Rancher, riding 2 ply factories here will leave you flat sooner rather than later so this is a big concern to me seeing the more aggressive aftermarket 6ply tires seem to be moving towards larger sized tires in particular now 26" is the norm. So you may have trouble finding replacement 6ply's or may require some modifcations to fit the larger tires in the future to the TRX350FM. (I don't know this for sure but maybe something you'd want to inquire about prior to buying, if this is a consideration for you personally). If you think you'll need the larger motor & slightly heavier dry weight of the Foreman S will prove its worth for heavy hauling or dragging duty.

Both good choices you just have to determine which one will be best for your needs now and future, then go with it and enjoy.

I just sold my 98 Foreman TRX400 manual, it rode like a tank but was built like one too. Good bike, really not much I couldn't do and have wondered if I made a mistake selling it! In my case nothing other than up keep or reg. wear n tear. My quads don't see lots of miles each year compared to others, but when then do they are often hard miles my theory is maintain them and they will return the favor to you!

Best of luck and test drive them to see which one you like!

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

Either will do fine but if it were me i would go with the foreman.

I have a 2000 foreman s and the thing has been awesome . i pull alot with it but i also just ride for fun. the newer version is probably a much better rider due the ability to go to 2wd. steering is probably much easier. not that mine is bad but would be nice to have a steering system that was easier on the arms.

As far as cost difference ....for me i wouldnt really worry but depending on how much you use the machine it would be a factor. but hey you may get the rancher and really start using it for lots and find out it might not have enough guts. and you may wish you had went with the bigger machine. i will bet when you get one and find out what you can do with them you'll be happy if you get the foreman over the rancher.

anyway good luck with your shopping.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I appreciate you guys replies.

I'll be going next week to take a look at them and will have a tough time deciding.


But, I can't go wrong with either chioce, right? After all, it's a Honda.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

rancher, only thing better about the forman is the dual shocks on the rear, the rancher is light enuff that if you do get stuck you can pick it up and move it, put some mudlites on it and roll with it.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

Of course not! Honda builds solid equipment.

I am a big fan of selectable 4WD. Makes a lot of difference in manuverability.

The only downside for me is a handlebar light. I nearly always have stuff on my front rack, usually at least a gun, which makes a handlebar light useless. My ATV doesn't have one, but some others in camp do. So they can't run their high beams if they have anything on the front rack.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

Next to being over-gunned, most people I see in the woods are over-biked! Nothing wrong with that, mind you! But I see that you are from the Cajun state, mostly the same terrain as East Tex, and the Rancher ES will do most anything that needs doing! I have not had any problems with the ES either! Good luck!

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I've got a Foreman - it does everything. I hauled my deer out last year on it and I use it to pull logs around too. It's a real work horse - excellent reliability too and support from Honda. I had a battery problem when new - Honda replaced it with no questions asked.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I looked at both machines and went w/ the Rancher 350 4x4. I figured for the areas I hunt, and the game I use to help me get out, I would not need anything larger. It also was easier on the cash flow too.
I love my Rancher. But, it does look like a pup next to my buddy's Grizzly 660!

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I went Tuesday and after talking with the dealer and looking over all the bikes, I bought the Foreman. I didn't realize that the Rancher didn't have the 2wd option - if it did, I would have gone with it. The Rancher AT was only $300 less than the Foreman, so I went with the bigger bike.

It rides smooth and comfortable and hopefully will drag a bunch of deer/hogs out of the woods this year.

It's a big bike, that's for sure. And extremely cool to look at.

I'm almost scared to take it in the mud!!


:)

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

You can buy a 2wd drive "option" from Warn for about $200. It's supposed to be easy to install.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

Yep, still loving it!

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I have a Yamaha 350 and my brother has the Honda Foreman 4X4. I ran circles around him manuevering the woods because he just could not get that big thing turned. He kept having to back up, pull forward, etc. 350 has always done everything I needed it to.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I'm with Dkw on the size thing. I also have a Bruin 350 and the big ATV's sometimes are, well, just too big. Hopefully someone got a picture of our latest food plot planting. The Bruin was probobly pulling a trailer of total weight over 2000#. "Get R Done!"

Uncle Matt (in IL)

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

I've got the Rancher and a Big Bear 350 and both are great bikes.I must admit I to looked at the Foreman and was tempted,but let the cost factor decide.While the Honda has never let me down,.....ever.....I do sometimes find myself wishing for the larger bike.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

Hey how do you like that Big Bear of yours? I am looking at buying a new Utility ATV and that one looks pretty decent.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

the Big Bear is a '95 that I just recently bought as a second quad for the boys and so we can all ride together.The big bear has a solid rep. for being built tough and reliable.In the older machines,92-96 were the best years.Not that there is anything wrong with a '98 for example,just that whatever they were doing before....they were doing better! Yamaha has a large lineup in newer machines with the Bear,Bruin,Kodiak and Grizzly.I think they all have a place and it really comes down to what you are looking for and what you want it to do for you.

I really love the Honda's in the 2000-2003 models.The automatic transmission in the later ones is an industry leader but some say the ESP in other models is stronger.I have not used one myself so I am still undecided.Like I said though the Honda has never let me down or stranded.Our winters in Manitoba are something to be seen and when I'm 10 miles back in the bush and it's cold and dark,...I want to KNOW that thing will start up....and it does.

Honda's biggest drawback(if you want to call it that) is their suspension system,They have come out now with Ind. Rear Suspension (IRS) but in the other models it uses a swingarm and shock(s).I personally don't mind it at all....other people don't like the ride and say it's to rough.

[link]http://www.trackshare.com[/link]....anybody who is interested in ATV's check out our local club website.....over 600 strong and growing.Tell them " Wolf " sent ya' ( my handle over there). Lots of good info and friendly people.

RE: Honda Foreman 4x4 / Rancher 4x4
 

For yall that ride Hondas check out this Forums for Honda riders only www.ridethered.com