[wolfpile]

Hello,
I am 5'8 180lbs and am looking at buying either a rancher (base model 2wd foot shifter) it is fuel injected. I was also looking at the foreman which only comes in 4wd and is much more expensive, it is not fuel injected. I will mostly use it for trail riding and some light yard work, mostly trail riding. The guy at the stealer kept pushing the foreman, this made me suspious of his motives seeing how the foreman is much more expensive. Saying the rancher lacked power for trail riding etc etc. So I am asking people with experience with the models. Which is the better long term purchase? I am assuming the 4wd is more useful for heavy hauling/towing? Any feedback would be great.
I had a Moto 4 back in the day and never really needed 4wd. the times I did get it stuck I was able to pull it out with the come-along.

 

[submarine 300]

Hello and welcome to the forums. The foreman is a more powerful versitile quad but I personaly would stay away from the automatic trans. They have been plagued with problems from day one. the foot shift is the way to go. Also the rancher can be outfitted with the right tires and and a pipe air filter and jet kit and go just about anywhere a 4x4 will. Let us know what you get!

 

[wolfpile]

Hello and welcome to the forums. The foreman is a more powerful versitile quad but I personaly would stay away from the automatic trans. They have been plagued with problems from day one. the foot shift is the way to go. Also the rancher can be outfitted with the right tires and and a pipe air filter and jet kit and go just about anywhere a 4x4 will. Let us know what you get!

Thanks, for the reply. a question. jet kit? The rancher I am looking at is fuel injected....? it would be a remap of the fuel injector?

 

[Helmut]

In my opinion, the Foreman is a better choice. I think they hold up a little better. For any kind of work, the Foreman would be better. If you're trying to save money and you aren't planning on riding in extremely muddy and steep places, the Rancher would be fine. If you're looking for power, dependability, and versatility, then go with the Foreman.

Also, unless you want problems down the road, stay away from the electric shift and auto tranny models.

 

[wolfpile]

In my opinion, the Foreman is a better choice. I think they hold up a little better. For any kind of work, the Foreman would be better. If you're trying to save money and you aren't planning on riding in extremely muddy and steep places, the Rancher would be fine. If you're looking for power, dependability, and versatility, then go with the Foreman.

Also, unless you want problems down the road, stay away from the electric shift and auto tranny models.

thanks, another question. does the 4wd option on the rancher have a significant impact on performance? I am going to look much closer at the foreman now.

 

[Helmut]

In my opinion, the Foreman is a better choice. I think they hold up a little better. For any kind of work, the Foreman would be better. If you're trying to save money and you aren't planning on riding in extremely muddy and steep places, the Rancher would be fine. If you're looking for power, dependability, and versatility, then go with the Foreman.

Also, unless you want problems down the road, stay away from the electric shift and auto tranny models.

thanks, another question. does the 4wd option on the rancher have a significant impact on performance? I am going to look much closer at the foreman now.

I don't really think it hurts performance too much, because Honda's have the Traxlock feature, now, that lets you take them in and out of 4 wheel drive with a push of a button. 4 wheel drive comes in real handy.

 

[Josefled08]

The first key change is a fully independent suspension front and now rear as well. Also added to the Rancher package are Electric Power Steering (EPS) and some new grippy disc brake shoes.

 

[Pain]

Isn't the rear IRS only on the automatic rancher?

 

[wolfpile]

Isn't the rear IRS only on the automatic rancher?

Yes IRS is only available on the AT model as well as rear disc breaks. I ended up getting the 2wd base model rancher. I have been riding it for about 2 weeks and am overall pleased with the performance. been through some pretty deep mud/water holes and have not had a problem yet.

 

[Fourtrax]

Congrats on your purchase, I think you'll be pleased with it for many years.

 

[ahdblo7]

I have an 07 rancher with foot shiter and I have ridden it hard buried it a few time filled it with water all sorts of stuff and it still goes love it great bike but hey lets face it its a HONDA of course it is!!!

 

[jeanlee411]

In my opinion, the Foreman is a better choice. I think they hold up a little better. For any kind of work, the Foreman would be better. If you're trying to save money and you aren't planning on riding in extremely muddy and steep places, the Rancher would be fine. If you're looking for power, dependability, and versatility, then go with the Foreman.

Also, unless you want problems down the road, stay away from the electric shift and auto tranny models.

thanks, another question. does the 4wd option on the rancher have a significant impact on performance? I am going to look much closer at the foreman now.

I don't really think it hurts performance too much, because Honda's have the Traxlock feature, now, that lets you take them in and out of 4 wheel drive with a push of a button. 4 wheel drive comes in real handy.

The first key change is a fully independent suspension front and now rear as well. Also added to the Rancher package are Electric Power Steering (EPS) and some new grippy disc brake shoes.

 

[Helmut]

The first key change is a fully independent suspension front and now rear as well. Also added to the Rancher package are Electric Power Steering (EPS) and some new grippy disc brake shoes.

This same exact paragraph has been posted twice, word for word, in this thread by two different people. Wonder what's up with that? The first time on the previous page by Josefled08.

 

[Pain]

This same exact paragraph has been posted twice, word for word, in this thread by two different people. Wonder what's up with that? The first time on the previous page by Josefled08.

Might be something to do with the signature links. It's guerilla marketing.....and I'd also avoid clicking the links unless you have a really good anti-virus program installed

 

[dubsd]

I was also very concerned when I bought are ranchers, I am 6' 3" and 215 lbs but I can not tell you how pleased and impressed I am with the rancher, good ride, comfortable and has gone everywhere my buddies polaris 800 has gone, just a bit, lol, slower or as I say in more control!

 

[Helmut]

This same exact paragraph has been posted twice, word for word, in this thread by two different people. Wonder what's up with that? The first time on the previous page by Josefled08.

Might be something to do with the signature links. It's guerilla marketing.....and I'd also avoid clicking the links unless you have a really good anti-virus program installed

Yeah, I saw the links and figured the same thing. I have Eset Smart Security 4, but I'm not interested in the links anyway.