Hey guys I was hoping for some opinions on what I should do. I'm currently looking a purchasing a Honda Foreman 500. I'm trying to decide which one I should get. 1 is a 2014 Honda Foreman 500 4x4 Blue in color it's has after market wheels and tires. It's a foot shift non power steering with diff lock. It has 320hrs and 1997 miles. It looks to be cared for. He is asking $4000 The 2nd one is a 2013 Honda Foreman 500 4x4 Green in color all stock with foot shift and power steering. It has 9.9hrs with 33 miles. It looks to be in show room shape. He is ask $4500.
2013 or 2014 Honda Foreman 500
1 - 20 of 39 Posts
Yeah the 2012-2013 were a 2 year only design. Basically a big 420 Rancher with a pod light and a tubed rear axle.
Get the 2014. The diff lock is a game changer and that 14 looks like it had very easy miles on it. Parts will be much easier to find for it going forwards.
I see people all the time looking for 2012-2013 parts. Just not a lot of them out there.
Get the 2014. The diff lock is a game changer and that 14 looks like it had very easy miles on it. Parts will be much easier to find for it going forwards.
I see people all the time looking for 2012-2013 parts. Just not a lot of them out there.
Joined
·
5,072 Posts
Apologies for my lack of knowledge on this model Darklight, generally speaking it would be the wiser choice to opt for the lower mileage ATV. After seeing what Jeep said I would follow his advice, parts availability is something you need to be able to rely on.
The 14 doesn't look abused, quite a tidy machine IMO.
The answer to your above post.... Yes, check everything that moves when you buy a used ATV, steering arm joints, wheel bearings, swing arm bearings etc etc.. Make sure you test ride it too, you'll feel if anything isn't right.
To check for shot bushes and bearings, put a finger on a joint and shake/bounce/turn the ATV, you can usually feel if their worn, especially if they're badly worn.
Take your time and be thorough, of the guy is a genuine seller he'll let you go around it as much as many times as you like. If he's rushing you, BE CAUTIOUS!
The 14 doesn't look abused, quite a tidy machine IMO.
The answer to your above post.... Yes, check everything that moves when you buy a used ATV, steering arm joints, wheel bearings, swing arm bearings etc etc.. Make sure you test ride it too, you'll feel if anything isn't right.
To check for shot bushes and bearings, put a finger on a joint and shake/bounce/turn the ATV, you can usually feel if their worn, especially if they're badly worn.
Take your time and be thorough, of the guy is a genuine seller he'll let you go around it as much as many times as you like. If he's rushing you, BE CAUTIOUS!
Joined
·
5,072 Posts
By 'shot bushes' I mean worn out rubber bushes. Such as front suspension bushes.
As for price, I can't really say as I'm in England, UK. The USA is a lot cheaper than here for used and new ATV's. As for hours, personally it doesn't bother me, what bothers me is the overall condition of the machine. If it's good and not worn out or been sunk that's good enough for me.
As for price, I can't really say as I'm in England, UK. The USA is a lot cheaper than here for used and new ATV's. As for hours, personally it doesn't bother me, what bothers me is the overall condition of the machine. If it's good and not worn out or been sunk that's good enough for me.
Joined
·
38,589 Posts
wellllllllllll..i'm no expert on new atvs ?, but If I had a choice here, and cash ?, I would go with the 2014 as jeep said ^^. kinda odd the new foremans have only one shock on the rear axle ?..wow !. my '05 trx500 has two, better support if ya ask me. I had mine for sale, but, I had to yank it down, stupid 1st gear horror story for sure !. that's in the build section which I will update here shortly.
Joined
·
38,589 Posts
about 710 hours, '05 trx500fm, was a basket case when I got it, like a brand new atv, and it's sad to say, I'VE GOT TO TEAR THE MOTOR BACK DOWN !..LOL. gotta replace first gear after all..aghhhhhh !!..lol. ( and I had it listed for forum members at 3000 cash !.
Attachments
Joined
·
38,589 Posts
lol, it should be !, I replaced all body work with brand new from Honda. I would say it's a 9 out of 10 for sure !.
Joined
·
1,775 Posts
To many miles and hours for what he wants for that 2014. If you do not need diff lock the the 2013 is a better deal.. YOU CAN BUY ANY PART YOU WANT FOR THEM!! Better yet go buy a new one for another 1500!! I think that 14 has seen some mud.. It looks like it has been acid washed and DuPont overhauled to me!! Verns Honda of Antigo Wisconsin has brand new 2017 formans for 5999 no set up or dealer fees only tax and registration!! They are on craigslist Northern Wisconsin if you don't believe me lol... They are the lowest priced Honda dealer pretty much in the state!!
1 - 20 of 39 Posts
