[Rider11x]

I am getting ready to buy my first Utility quad after years of XC Racing and trail riding my 400ex, and wanting to get a good quad for casual trail riding, with very good reliability( the reason why I want a Honda).
I need help deciding between the Rancher 4x4 350FM, or the Foreman 500FM. Can the fulltime 4x4 Rancher be ridden on blacktop without damage? Do both have super low first gear? Is one more durable than the other?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Rider11x]

I've been researching the subject more, and like the dual oil coolers on the 500FM, but cringe at the thought of rolling it over ( As I always manage to do) and breaking that headlight pod/ LCD display. That little gem can't be too cheap to replace. In that way I like the bare bones factor of the Rancher, as I want a machine I don't have to worry about alot.

 

[Rider11x]

I got some info from a Rancher owner, that he has a rancher w/ 26" tires on it and it has almost no bottom end power with them........He said that in mud with not much water in it it nearly stalls him out!
So, I guess the 500 will be worth the money to me so I can run decent tires tires on it. I guess the pod is not required, as the 2wd doesn't have it at all. And with the 2wd/ 4wd switch the Warn conversion won't be needed.

On the Rancher subject.......What is the deal with the 24" tires and the 11" wheels? 25" on 12" is almost industry standard!

 

[Rider11x]

The thing that keeps me looking at the Rancher, is the size thing. I do venture out alone at times to go check out stuff, and the Rancher seems more managable if I needed to muscle it around or something. I think Trugrit hit the nail on the head, with saying I'm probably used to smaller bikes from my sport quad days.

 

[Rider11x]

Great idea, but dealers here don't allow any test rides at all.......They claim it is a liability thing. You certainly wouldn't buy a car without a test drive though..........

 

[Rider11x]

Well, went to my local dealer today......Sat on a Rancher and a Foreman 500.......Rancher felt darn good.......Until I sat on the Foreman! I'll have to save a bit longer, but the 500FM will be my choice. Thanks for the replies!

 

[Rider11x]

Yes it does, but I looked at a payment calculator last night, and tried it for financing $5,000 for 2 years @4.99%.............$219 a month! I don't think so.......I'll try to patiently keep saving.