I have been looking at Honda's 2002 forman 450 4x4 ES. I will be hunting and playing off it. Are there any simuliar? any pro/cons? You al heard anything? What do you think?

What do you want to do with it? Mud, rocks, sand, hills, ruts, speed, grunt etc etc. The 450 have great torque and mod. potential. The problem is the AP differential. Some people love it but they never used non-factory tires. How much cash do you want to drop and what are you expecting out of it?

Originally posted by The_Law
What do you want to do with it? Mud, rocks, sand, hills, ruts, speed, grunt etc etc. The 450 have great torque and mod. potential. The problem is the AP differential. Some people love it but they never used non-factory tires. How much cash do you want to drop and what are you expecting out of it?

I will be hunting off it mostly and I will concievly be in mud, snow, rocks, hills, ruts, and use it to haul the animal back. From ducks to deer. I can't afford the Rubicon, but I can afford fourtrax Forman ES, see link: http://www.hondamotorcycle.com/models/2002/index.html?model_number=TRX450FE

How does non factory tires affect this machine? I don't really want to spend more than $7000. I will be putting a $1000 to $2000 down. I expect it to last a long time and be reliable.

The tires affect the front differential. It is 4wd with stockers, but never 4wd with good tires when it counts. For your money limits and needs, I personally would choose between the Kodiak 4x4, Big Bear 4x4, Sportsman 400, and 450 S/ES. They all are pretty different.
450: ES option, drum brakes(useless), great ergonomics, good stock power, OHV engine(bad for water), 3wd $6200 retail
Big Bear: foot shift only, disc front/drum rear, poor ergonomics, hunting edition option, 3wd $5200 retail
Kodiak: CVT trans., good power, disc front/drum rear, hunting edition option, poor ergonomics, 3wd $6200 retail
Sportsman 400: good power, discs front and rear, CVT trans., hunting edition option, IRS, good ergonomics, zerk fittings-great for longevity but annoying, good ground clearance, heavy, best puller, composite racks, true 4wd, largest gas tank $6200
The Big Bear is the cheapest
The Sportsman has the most offroad ability
The Kodiak has the best power:weight ratio
If you can afford the Sportsman, go for it. If not, check out the Big Bear. The best thing to do is of course to check them out yourself to see how your dealers are and how you personally enjoy each. If you plan on traveling anywhere besides dirt I would definately invest in some tires like Vampires in 26" or bigger.

owned a sportsman500 h.o. wouldn't do that again, to top heavy if used on off camber terrain, rolled it down a 300 foot sidehill, replaced it with a 400 artic cat. one truly awesome machine, extremely stable good ground clearance and plenty of power.

Have you considered one of these?
http://www.argoatv.com/

I don't know what they cost, but it looks like it would meet your needs.

I looked at the ARGO and it is cool but not what I am looking for. I really like the Honda Rubicon plus that are offering 6.9% financing and $300 of instore credit for purchase of accories. What do you think? :)

Just bought a 2002 400. A.C

love it for the power and versitility. $5900 with winch mounted.

W.B

What would you need for $300 from the dealer? The Rubicon has an awesome transmission, but the Hi/Lo is really no better than the 450's single range power/gearing. PERSONALLY, I would pocket the $600-800 and go for the 450 since you are on a budget.

go with the Honda reliablity. I had a 300ex that was great. I know its not the same quad but Honda does have a great rep for reliablity.