I was considering purchasing either a rancher es or the kodiak auto 2wd. I use it for work and do a lot of stop and go riding for 8 to 10 hrs. I had polaris 325 magnum that spoiled me with the automatic but someone stole it last week. My biggest concern with the honda is the button shifting. It seems like it would be aggravating vs just hitting the gas. Honda is the only brand I havent used for work and I was wanting to try one. The rubicon is more money than Iwanted to spend. I would appreciate your opinion.

Scott

 

the ES shift equiped quads are great in my opinion. Of course i don't care for belt diriven trannys at all. I don't use my quad for alot of work or stop and go riding so that isn't really an issue for me. I can see were shifting with your hand or your foot could get aggrevating after about 8-10 hours of stop and go riding. If you must have an auto tranny then the one on the Kodiak is about the best choice you have. They are sealed well and the only reason I have ever heard for one slipping is being submerged in water.

For your wants/needs you may be happier with the Kodiak 2wd because it is an auto. Plus the Kodiak will have more torque for working because it is a liquid cooled 399cc opposed to an air coled 329cc.

Basically ride both and make you choice there. Also is there any reason you aren't going back to the Magnum 325? They seem to be very nice quads themselves.
l8r
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The polaris was a good atv. I had 360 hrs on it and I took it back after about 6 months for a leak in the rear end. I didnt like the way it started running. It was idling inconsistantly and was starting to make a lot of engine noise. It never let me down while I was riding. I just prefer to go with a honda. If the rancher was an auto I would of bought it no questions asked. But i am worried about the electric shift. The dealer will not let me ride either one so its hard to make a decision.

 

Being a little old fashioned, really like those gears.

No problems with the ES, so far. You sometimes have to rock the quad back & forth to get it into a gear. This doesn't happen often & only when you shut it down in a gear instead of neutral. I have seen the exact same rocking on a Kodiak to get it out of Part to drive.

 

Greetings,

There's not much to complain about with the ES -- but its not an automatic. So if you know you're really happy with an automatic, I agree with the others here, check out the Kodiak.

One other thing to consider if you are using it for work -- you can't carry anything in your left hand when you have an ES. If you like jumping on and off your quad with a fence stretcher, a clip board, or anything else, you'll probably want to get a rack basket or something similar.

And finally, its amazing that dealers want you to spend $5,000 without a tryout. I can see why they won't let you take off with it for a couple of hours, but they should at least let you run it around the parking lot or the back lot. You can tell a lot about handling characteristics, acceleration, and other basics in just a few minutes. I'd try to find another dealer -- just my opinion.

 

THEY WON'T LET YOU TAKE IT FOR A SPIN AROUND THE LOT?????? Tell them to stick it in ther **** and find a new dealer. If you can.

I have never had a problem with my ES yet. The only problems i've heard about is with sensors...those are normally easy fixes.

good luck
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Ive tried the majority of dealers in south georgia and they dont put oil in them until you purchase it. The yamaha dealer wouldnt even let me sit on the kodiak. Said it was for insurance purpases. Its a load of crap if you ask me. Im going to one more tomorrow to look at the two. I will be buying it tuesday. Ill probably go with the kodiak but still im not a 100% sure. I apprecaite your feedback though.
Thanks

 

your welcome good luck and get a ride on one b-4 you buy it. ya cant go wrong with either.

l8r
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