Had the chance to take my new Rincon out on a break in ride today. Went to a place called the Clay Pits near Oroville CA, small place about 250 acres mostly flat and kind of bowl shaped, a few small hills and dry creek washouts.

There was enough rough terrain to really get a feel for the ride and all reports are accurate. This quad really takes the roughness out of the trail. I went over some pretty rough stuff fairly fast and it handled great.

The automatic is a little different to get used to but didn't even notice after a little bit of driving. I got it up to 60, didn't hit the rev limiter so guess it probably has a little more in it when fully broken in. The thing I noticed the most is that it doesn't feel like a 600lb machine and doesn't handle like one either. It's wheel base is a few inches more narrow then I'm used to so cornering was a little different but easy to get used to.

It seems like a fun quad to ride with lots of smooth power. You don't get that jerk back feeling when accelerating but I could easly lift the front end off the ground when taking off. It sure seemed to take no time to go from 0-50.

I only really trail ride so I wasn't too concerned with engine braking or low gear but the few hills I did try today were no problem and going down really wasn't either. I see in 4WD any brake lever applies all 4 brakes? I figure this would help going downhill in 4wd?? Anyway, minor concerns for me overall. I actually felt like I could easily jump with this quad. I noticed the engine sits back further then my Outlander, I wonder if this factors into the lighter feel??

 

im pretty sure the brakes are independant, just remeber in 4x4 the axles are connect togeother , so if you lock up the rear tires, you in effect will lock the front since they are connected

 

Out of curiousity what abouts did you pay for your Rincon? I was wondering because you probably got a pretty good deal with everyone waiting one more month to see what they are releasing for the '06.

 

I paid $6800 OTD, $6299 plus tax. Considering they list for $7799 I don't think I did too bad. I kinda stayed away from Honda cause of the high retail and most dealers here won't budge on their prices. I have a hunch they are really trying to clear out the 05's because maybe Honda is introducing something new next mont.

 

Find a long, nasty, technical downhill that requires a slow speed descent, and give us your opinions about the machines lack of engine-braking.

 

Find a long, nasty, technical downhill that requires a slow speed descent, and give us your opinions about the machines lack of engine-braking.
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I'm curious why you felt the need to post this twice on two different threads?

 

Too make sure he got an answer. I want one too. I rode a polaris downhill once and it scared the sh** out of me. I will never ride a machine without engine braking again.

He could say the same thing and ask why you made 2 threads?

 

Too make sure he got an answer. I want one too. I rode a polaris downhill once and it scared the sh** out of me. I will never ride a machine without engine braking again.

He could say the same thing and ask why you made 2 threads?
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An answer to what? His opinon? It HAS engine braking just not as strong under 10 MPH as other quads.

FYI, two threads about two different subjects. One after I bought it and before I rode it, the second was regarding my first ride impressoins. Is that clear enough for you or should I type a little S-L-O-W-E-R??

 

I'm going to take a wild guess here and say that Reconranger hates the Rincon. He basically bashes the thing every chance he gets. I would too if I owned a powerhouse Recon and a mighty Rancher...

 

For most downhills that is unacceptable. How often, especially on steep or technical downhills, are you going over 10mph when you actually NEED engine-braking? I really hope Big Red drops the Hondamatic into the new Rincon this fall.