Rancher vs foreman…

[bigcountry78 104]

Ok guys who’ve owned both, or currently own both. Been thinking about selling the rancher and buying a foreman 450. I feel like I could probably get 3k out of mine, maybe more and then hold out for a clean 450. Mine has the warn 424 kit, so I would hold out for an 02-04 450 with the selectable 4wd. 

So, what are the pros and cons of each? I know the 450 is physically a bigger machine, which I would probably appreciate at 6-1 300 pounds. But, the rancher is comfortable for me too. I know the rancher is probably sportier. So, that’s what I’m looking for, a good comparison. Let me know that yall think.

[jeepwm69 7,744]

Foreman has more power and is bigger.  For someone your size, foreman will be better.

 

Rancher is more nimble and goes through the woods easier.

 

I'd say the 450 engines hold up a little better, but both are great engines.  I've had to replace cranks on 350's I've worked on.  Never had to do a 450 crank.

 

Both can be upgraded to disc brakes easily using Honda parts, and both can be made selectable 4wd (although as you said, if looking for a 450, the 02-04 would be the way to go because it already has selectable 4wd).

 

If I had to have one or the other, I'd get the 450, especially at your size.

[ATC4ever 1,089]

I have a buddy whos' owned both, & Ive ridden them both lots. The Rancher seemed to me like a trail machine where the Foreman a work machine. I doubt the Foreman is faster top end if that matters. Might even have a rougher ride.

[bigcountry78 104]

Good points so far, I do like the sportiness of the rancher. Anyone have any experience with the rubicon 500 vs the 450? Thinking about going auto this time around….

[dadstillsurfs 21]

I went from a 1986 TRX200SX, 2wd only,  (it was free and ran, what the heck) to a 2015 TRX500FM1, that is selectable 4x4 with disc brakes in front and drums on the rear.

I basically use them for transportation out to my duck blind (think mud and muck while overloaded) and a light tractor on my hilly property. I don't go for extended mileage rides / camping with it. I will do some trail riding / hill climbing, but not often.

With all that said, the 200 was adequate to get out to our blind, but grossly underpowered for any work. The 500 has plenty of power and will slog through VERY heavy mud and water and I'm still on the stock tires. The 500 is not geared low enough for any real hauling tasks that require a lot of torque, like a real tractor.

[bigcountry78 104]

I don’t use mine for work, at least not much more than fall yard clean up. Mostly do trail and gravel road riding. My family land down in SC is approximately 450 acres, but it’s mostly farm land and decent trails and that’s where most of my use comes from. That’s what initially drew me back to the rancher, was its trail manners. I had a Yamaha big bear 400, but it was pure utility and I wanted something a little sporty. I do need to lose about 50 pounds, so there’s that. lol.

[jeepwm69 7,744]

21 hours ago, bigcountry78 said:

Good points so far, I do like the sportiness of the rancher. Anyone have any experience with the rubicon 500 vs the 450? Thinking about going auto this time around….

 

If you get a Rubicon, 05-14 only.  The got selectable 4wd, disc brakes up front and Honda sorted out the oil pump problems that plagued the early Rubicons.

 

I was very leery of a Rubicon, but wife wanted an automatic, and didn't like the newer DCT I got her, so she got an 05 Rubicon and I've had to start messing with them now.

 

I think the 450 would be a better long term choice simply for simplicity's sake, but the 05-14 Rubicons are a lot better than I gave them credit for for a long time.  My FIL has 14+K miles on his 06, and BASFNB has about 5K HARD miles on his with no tranmission problems.   His is also an 06.

[bigcountry78 104]

Thanks for the advice so far. I’m still on the fence. I know my Rancher has lead an easy life, I’ve been through most of the mechanical stuff and I know what I have. 
 

But, the allure of a bigger machine is there. At the same time, I don’t wanna go too big and lose that nimbleness, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the foreman 450’s. I’m tempted to post mine up for sale and just see what happens.
 

I do know that whatever I do, I’ll stay with Honda. I strayed once, I won’t make that mistake again.

Edited Monday at 11:57 PM by bigcountry78

[dadstillsurfs 21]

I don't know what year and model of Rancher you have. I found out that 2007 was the first year for the 420 motor, TraxLok was available to select between 2WD and 4WD also. I believe this was the first year that Ranchers got EFI.

This is where I got my info from:

https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/honda/2007-honda-fourtrax-rancher/

[bigcountry78 104]

36 minutes ago, dadstillsurfs said:

I don't know what year and model of Rancher you have. I found out that 2007 was the first year for the 420 motor, TraxLok was available to select between 2WD and 4WD also. I believe this was the first year that Ranchers got EFI.

This is where I got my info from:

https://www.topspeed.com/motorcycles/motorcycle-reviews/honda/2007-honda-fourtrax-rancher/

I currently have a 2001, 4x4 foot shift. 

[bigcountry78 104]

Just casually searching facebook marketplace. I found this one listed for $3800. I probably shouldn’t be shopping, but I’m curious about what I can get for mine vs how much it would take to find a decent replacement. Odd thing is the foreman and rancher are very close in price here, in spite of the differences.

 

[bigcountry78 104]

That’s a 99 model, this is a 2001 with 1600 miles for $3,000. Too bad it’s an ES….

[jeepwm69 7,744]

If shopping for a 450 I'd stick to the 02-04.  Selectable 4wd is almost a must-have for me.

[Chewy11 1]

On 9/23/2024 at 5:56 PM, bigcountry78 said:

Thanks for the advice so far. I’m still on the fence. I know my Rancher has lead an easy life, I’ve been through most of the mechanical stuff and I know what I have. 
 

But, the allure of a bigger machine is there. At the same time, I don’t wanna go too big and lose that nimbleness, but I’ve always had a soft spot for the foreman 450’s. I’m tempted to post mine up for sale and just see what happens.
 

I do know that whatever I do, I’ll stay with Honda. I strayed once, I won’t make that mistake again.

I have a 2008 Rancher 2x4 420 ES,its a hard worker and good trail rider when camping and hunting season comes around, and I'm a big guy at 6'5"  270 lbs.  I go everywhere my buddies go on their 4x4 rides.