I came into some money quicker than I thought
I sold my 99 yamaha R6 for top $ and am going to
buy a 4X4 with the cash. Im thinking Rancher ES
but have heard some people having problems with it. Any of you guys have had problems with it. In canada im looking at 7600 tax incl for the es and
7200 for the standard shift. The dealer also said that the orange color is the best because it doesnt scratch and fade like red and green. After
looking at the orange one i think ill go with red
anyone have experience with this. Also what mods have you guys done does the High lifter performance kit a wise investment

Thanks
John T

 

dobeman, I think your making a good choice I have a Rancher 4X4 ES and love it. They may not be the fastest or most powerfull 4X4 out thier but for reliability and features its hard to beat.

As far as problems I havent had one I have over 300 miles on mine and it continues run and perform like a fine swiss watch, the claims there is a problem with the electric shift is a bunch of bunk in my opinion. The Rancher is a rock solid machine
For a 350 its got some spunk I can stay within 1 to 2 lenghts of a forman 450 in a drag race so they can definitely run with the big boy's. And as far as scratches go all I can say is "If it doesn't get scratched it isn't getting riden right". After blazing a few trails through thick brush your bound to get scratches. I consider them battle wounds that add character.
For mods all I have added is a 6" rear atv bag and I just got done adding "A" arms and under belly skid plates both I highly recommend. Go for the Rancher you won't be sorry

 

you should get a modded 400ex with that cash.

 

He wants a 4x4, so don't change his mind for him.
(just had to give my 2 sense worth)

 

I have 400 miles on my Rancher 4X4 ES and no problems with the ES or anything else. Its a great bike. As far as those saying the Rancher has problems, the only problems I have had is that the steering squeaked once until I had it greased, it keeps getting muddy and the air filter gets dirty.
I have the green one. I wish that I had the Orange for looks but, I don't know if there is any truth to the Orange holding up better or not.
The Rancher is not the fastest, most powerful or best handling quad. I use my quad for pleasure riding, work and hunting. It does all very well and even after the 5 months that I've had it, I am still happy with my decision to buy it. No buyer's remorse here. Good luck with whatever you buy.

 

I also have a Rancher with 500 miles, no problems from the quad. I did have to re-align the tires after "kissing" a few stumps, but that was do to operator error. I have red, don't really know if the color will hold up any better than the others. The Rancher is a great mid-level quad. Its not the fastest as others have mentioned but it will top out at 50-51 mph which is plenty fast for me. If I needed more speed then I would have purchased a sport bike.

I would recommend it with no hesitation.

Good luck on your choice.

 

ranchers rule!!!!! nothing much else that i can add

 

Its important to remember that the ES is the same as the foot shift model, except you're having a gizmo shift for you. Its the gizmo on 3 out of 10 that gives the problems, not the quad itself.

 

If I were you, I go for the Polaris Explorer. True 4x4, and the fastest 4x4 you can buy. Wish I could aford one.

Bruce L. Hall
99 Sport 400

 

I don't mean to throw a wrench in your thoughts, but did you give any other machines a thought. I know the Rancher is a nice quad, but at least take a look at a Kodiak. A few months ago I was making the choice between Honda, Yamaha, and Polaris. I went with the Kodiak, and will never look back.