2012 honda foreman 500

[travishale84]

Im looking into getting a new 2012 foreman 500, without power steering, and without ES. Just bare bones foot shift model. This is one of the few 500-650 machines im interested in.

Im curious if anyone has one and how it compares to the "older" 500 that is air/oil cooled with a carb? I know my 07 rancher 420 would flat out smoke the 350 rancher.

My other choices are, renegade 500, grizzly 550, brute force 650i, suzuki 500 or 750 (cheapest big bore), and of course the foreman 500 which is the lowest price 4x4 I have listed which is more appealing, and well its a HONDA!

I ride a lot of rocky trails, dirt roads, snow, mud, a little sand. I wanted a sport quad, but then i though about how much pushing through the mud, and bottoming out on my favorite trails.

Let me know what everyone thinks about the new 500 with EFI, and all the other wheelers listed

[kroorda]

The Foreman is a GREAT all-purpose machine. (I've previously owned a Foreman). It is also very reliable.
EFI is very nice - on any machine. No jetting worries; especially if you might be riding in different altitudes, and no carbureator to deal with. However, Honda's carbs are rock solid. But, if you want the best, do get EFI.

[luvthemud]

I have the 2012 Foreman and it has everything i was looking for. Lots of power and handles great. We mud ride a lot so I put 28" 9.50 Outlwas and I can stand the bike strait up(not that I do much just tried and had no problem).

[RancherRider420]

The 2012 Foreman's are pretty stout. I saw one spinning 29.5's stock with little hesitation and it still went 51 mph top speed. Im really looking into buying one but just have to find the money.

[falconblack]

I bought the 2009 Rubicon because they did not have any 500 manuals left,but am very happy with it as well.What can I say it is a honda

[Kevron]

Got one last year and have had no problem. Fuel injection is nice when its cold, two pushes on the starter and it cranks, no choking!

[travishale84]

The fact that its a Honda is the main reason I like it. I just dont want to be disappointed in performance. I have ridden a BF 750, king quad 700, sportsman 850. While being content with my rancher 420 until i put 25" kenda executioners and ITP delta steel wheels, which robbed a lot of HP and TQ. so i swapped them out for some ITP SS 212 with mud lites A/T (.75") tread. my everything gear went from 2nd gear, to 3rd gear. Shortly after those nice aluminum wheels and nice light mud tires I traded my rancher for a 09 polaris RZR.

while the RZR is great for riding double, where as the rancher is rather small for that, I would like to get another 4x4 ATV that is slightly larger than the Rancher, still having EFI.

Thank you for all the replies

[jake72]

I would take a good look at the 550 grizzly. efi, diff lock, and good power.

[travishale84]

I plan on looking at all the 500-650 class machines when the time comes to get a new 4by. one that really has my interest other than the honda foreman, is the can-am renegade 500. it has the best of both worlds. long suspension travel 11+ inches of GC, EFI, 4wd, visco locker, hi-lo. speedo. the only machines in the 500-650 class im writing off are the sportsman models. dont get me wrong I really like my RZR, but i dont know if i could have two polaris ATVs in my lineup...

I also have an 07 300ex that i like to take out and ride wheelies, but i get bored with it very quickly. I really want something thats going to have my complete attention while im riding it. something with torque, and decent take off.