I was looking at a 03 rancher es 4x4 for my wife. NEED some imput please. I was wondering about how hard are they to steer because of full time 4wd . I own a 03 rancher es 2wd and she likes that setup. But i thought 4x4 would be a little better for her for the hills.

 

The rancher does steer fairly light for a 4x4! It steers lighter than my prairie in 2wd! If you want a light steering 4x4, the wolverine wins hands down

 

The problem is that I've nothing to compare it with. I think the steering is fine on mine.

 

I don't think there is enough difference between the two to even worry about. If she likes the 2-wd she will like the 4-wd. We own a 4-wd and have rented 2-wd and I don't think my daughters could tell the difference. That is why Honda has the style of front differential they do is so the 4-wd does not effect the steering.

 

The front end of the 4X4 will fight you a little on some surfaces (hardpack). On other surfaces, I don't even notice it. One observation I have made, is that the 2X4 front end also tends to "hunt" sometimes too. So, it may be something inherent to the front end geometry of the bike, and not necessarily the 4X4 front end itself. And, Honda gears its rear ends a little higher than the front, so the front won't be tugging at you unless the rear is slipping. I think they built the bike for low speed agility, so it gets a little out of sorts at high speed.

 

Thanks for the feed back. I think the 4x4 will be the best choice for her. Thanks again,Midget