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NEW 2012 Honda FOREMAN

SAKOstalker

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Jan 1, 2004
101
0
USA
got a new quad
Seriously considered the 420 rancher with PS, and the yamaha grizzly 550 but got a:
2012 Foreman 500 (actually 475cc) 4wd with power steering and manual shift (foot)
I didnt want stock tires so I ordered 26" Maxxis bighorns and added honda aluminum a-arm guards

I didnt want any belts and love honda reliability, i know they arent the most powerful but for hunting and trail riding they work well
FOREMAN THE GOOD:
-Power steering is awesome, effortless
-love the new electronic fuel injection
-EZ starts thus far
-manual shift works smoother than it did on my rancher
-love the gauge, all the information
-powerful engine and smoother operation than the 329cc rancher I had
-seems to run/idle a little smoother, quieter than the rancher
FOREMAN The Bad:
-plastic skid plate? my rancher was metal
-plastic brush guard? mines already scratched up as is my skid plate.
-no option for front Differential LocK although some say lightly pumping the front brake will send power to both front wheels
- plastic on body scratches easily
- dont know how much more "power" i really get over the 420 rancher when I factor in the heavier weight of the Foreman. I know the gearing is a little different but i assume the rancher is quicker
- no IRS option
- drum brakes in the back, not disc

I might add a HONDA aluminum skid plate as I did with the A-Arms

I went on trails mainly and the BH's performed flawless. I crossed a small creek and didnt use 4wd. I did use it climbing a decently steep hill in 1st gear and it did it so much easier and less scary than when i had the rancher...

The BH's are awesome looking. Mine are at 5psi right now and i might lower them. 26" is a sweet spot on the stock rims. I dont feel like the power was really robbed compared to when i rode the stock tires. Nothing i noticed...
ALthough i wouldnt say they are a "MUD" tire, im sure they will go through any mud i do because i dont go "MUDDIN'." I wanted a durable, all around tire...

i love 4wd and alothough i didnt need it yet, i used it in spots that i had more difficulty with my 2wd rancher and it was effortless...

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Re: NEW 2012 Honda FOREMAN

Good decision on not going with the Rancher. I have a 2007 model and have to front/rear differential seals in it regularly. According to some Honda fans, it's a design flaw with the motor mounts.

Might be fixed on the new 420's but I won't be buying another one anytime soon.