I just picked up a used 2000 Honda Foreman ES that has what I think is a transmission problem. It will ride in reverse and 2-5 gears, but the 1st gear is not working and it is making a rattle from the gear area when it moves. I haven't picked it up yet, but I am trying to figure out if I can fix it or if I will have to take it to a shop. From what I have been reading it looks like 2001 or 2002 is the start of the Hondamatic transmission and that is something you have to take to the dealer for repair. I'm praying that mine is still one of the ones you can work on. I'm not for sure it is the transmission, but the guy was plowing gravel with it and hit a dip that held him back. I guess he tried to punch through it and that is when the problem started. Any suggestions?