450s or 500s?

4367 Views 13 Replies 7 Participants Last post by john, Nov 9, 2005

mack63

Discussion Starter · Nov 8, 2005

O.K. guys I'm new here and I have a few questions. I have a 03 foreman 450s that is stock except for holeshot atr tires. I do mostly trial riding and a little muding. The new tires made a big improvement in handling and ride but I still wish it was a little smoother when I'm going fast on the trials. My question is would the new foreman 500s give me a noticeably better ride or handling? Also is there much difference in power between the two? I stopped by a honda dealer tonight and he is making me a good deal on an 06 foreman 500s and I dont want to buy it if there is not a noticeable difference. What do you guys think about the rincon, I can get an 05 rincon for the same price as the 06 500s but from my reading it seems to be lacking low range power plus I tend to like solid rear axles for fast trial riding due to bettter stability. Oh yeah, I like a manual shift but how do you guys feel about the rubicon vs. the 500s? Does the rubicon have a better ride, handling or performance? Thanks for any opinions.

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Robb

· #2 · Nov 8, 2005

Well the 500 is a nice step up from the 450. The ride is 100% better, and the power is there. Its worth it for sure. The 500 is better then the 450 in every way imaginable, my $.02
Dont much about the Rincon, but the Rubicon is nice as well.

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john

· #3 · Nov 8, 2005

for what you do the rincon would be perfect. i dont think that the high gear ratio issue would affect u much if you mostly trail ride, this only really hurts when you put on big heavy tires(27 or greater)and get in tough pulling situations. yes there is a much noticeable power difference in the 500 foreman and the foreman 450...as for the rubicon...I would not recommend it..many people that I know have them and they have lots of trouble with them

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birel33

· #4 · Nov 8, 2005

Both bikes are nice. I have an 02 450 and a 05 500. I like the 500 just a little more then the 450. The disc brakes and brake lights made all the dirrence to me. The power is better too.

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Phil

· #5 · Nov 8, 2005

the rubicon has about 50 more ccs then the 450 and about 25 more then the 500 and for what it sounds like is that the rubicno would be perfect for you, you have the automatic on the trail and the ES in the mud

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mack63

Discussion Starter · #6 · Nov 8, 2005

Thanks for the input guys. I think I'm going to do it I just want to be sure it is an improvement from what I have. Robb when you say the ride is 100% better are you refering to the handling or suspension or both? Mine handles good now with the new tires but the ride is a little stiff. birel33 I too like the disc brakes and the brake lights.

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Robb

· #7 · Nov 8, 2005

I would say handeling is very similar, but the ride quality is where the 500 shines. it is very smooth compared to the 450.
450 = DumpTruck, 500 = Cadillac

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mack63

Discussion Starter · #8 · Nov 8, 2005

Thats what I wanted to hear. You have them both so you should know. I need a reason to justify taking a loss on a perfectly good 03 450 and a better ride is reason enough. Thanks again for your replies .

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eurobro

· #9 · Nov 8, 2005

QUOTE ("Robb":1ojo7uay)

I would say handeling is very similar, but the ride quality is where the 500 shines. it is very smooth compared to the 450.
450 = DumpTruck, 500 = Cadillac

A dump truck would be a step up on ride quality compared to my 450. There is a reason I only have 2 PSI in my tires

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AkATVHunter

· #10 · Nov 8, 2005

Why would the new 500 Foreman ride smoother than the older 450 if they are both SRA? Are the shocks and springs different? I can see if it was IRS but it isn't so I am kinda curious about this.

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Robb

· #11 · Nov 9, 2005

they are both SRA, and im not sure what makes the 500 ride so much better, cause be looking at them both, they appear the same, but there is a major difference in ride quality, maybe its just cause its new??

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eurobro

· #12 · Nov 9, 2005

I know the stuts are different. The new 500's use KYB's. Not sure what the 450's have. Also the springs on the 500 are a lot softer compared to the 450's. If my buddy has a passenger that weighs anything over 100lbs he tucks his 27's.

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john

· #13 · Nov 9, 2005

QUOTE ("Phil":3a8blsta)

the rubicon has about 50 more ccs then the 450 and about 25 more then the 500 and for what it sounds like is that the rubicno would be perfect for you, you have the automatic on the trail and the ES in the mud

actually the rubi has closer to 65cc more than the 450

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john

· #14 · Nov 9, 2005

QUOTE ("Robb":2n0q4v0c)

they are both SRA, and im not sure what makes the 500 ride so much better, cause be looking at them both, they appear the same, but there is a major difference in ride quality, maybe its just cause its new??

the new 500s has the same suspension as the new and old rubicons I think also the new 500s are longer so maybe that has something to do with the ride quality, kinda like if you were to add a perfex kit on a 450. the way the shocks are mounted seems a little different to me as well.

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