[Northshore]

Hello, might be buying a four wheeler.

I am going to look at a 1997 Honda foreman 400 in a day or so and I dont know alot about them. If any one can help I would like to know what sort of things to look for? Was this model knowen for any inherent problems? Etc. Thanks to all who respond. Northshore.

 

[Helmut]

Hello, might be buying a four wheeler.

I am going to look at a 1997 Honda foreman 400 in a day or so and I dont know alot about them. If any one can help I would like to know what sort of things to look for? Was this model knowen for any inherent problems? Etc. Thanks to all who respond. Northshore.

Those are pretty much bulletproof. About the only major thing that I've ever seen happen to one is that the front driveshaft splines where the driveshaft goes into the front differential can get stripped off. But that's usually only if someone treats them real bad. Other than that, just look for the normal wear, such as worn brakes, wheel bearings, ball joints, and tie rod ends. But these are things that normally wear on all ATVs. Since they have full time 4X4, they usually don't drive as good as one that you can take out of 4 wheel drive, but you'll get used to the way it drives after a while. Top speed is about 45 MPH. The 400 Foremans, like all Foremans, are good ATVs.

 

[shadetree]

if it's anything like my 89 trx350d foreman...it's one heck of a bike !..as long as it's not elec shift..it's good as gold !!..as for what to look for..first off..crank it up..does it smoke ?..does it start up easy ?..if not..you know it's gonna need a carb over haul...does it show any sign's of any oil leaks ?..see any after you crank it up..and test ride it ?..does it have any top end nosie comming from the top ?..< this could be bad rocker's..or timming chain..or valves need to be adjusted >..not to be confused with a bad piston...do you hear any noise comming from the front and rear diff's ??..this is a sign to over haul the front and rear diff bearings..seals...and yes..they are not cheap, if you hear clanking comming from the front or rear diff..as in..kinda loud gear grinding..this is really a bad sign..your ring and pinion gears could be near death...lol..those are veryyyyyyy high dollar to replace...as helmut stated..all atv's are going to have normal wear an tear...what i pointed out here..is the main things to watch out for..if any of these come into play..look else where..your looking at a money pit..if it all checks out ok..then go 4 it...just keep in mind..some things can be replaced pretty cheap..while others are going to set you back a bit..good luck.

 

[elmerkit]

Good choice and yes they are bulletproof post some pic after buying it.

 

[caterham09]

I belive that year foreman was a 450 but they may have had other models. They are extremely relaible. my grandpa has 3 of them and the only problem hes had was with a piece of dirt stuck in the carb jet and that wasnt the bikes fault so is definately going to be a good bike

 

[Helmut]

I belive that year foreman was a 450 but they may have had other models.

No, that year was a 400. They didn't start making the 450 Foreman until 1998, but they still made the 400s too.