First of all I am going to say that what Honda gives us is the most reliable machines with the best resale. However, what they don't give us is the latest technology with much innovation. They did introduce on board GPS which I like, but they have yet to introduce a ATV with EFI, or differential lock, or a Side by Side, or a V-Twin engine. They were the last with a Big Bore Sport Utility and it has really fallen behind now in power and lack of low range. I am not trying to bash Honda, I just wish they would do what they are capable of and lead the way instead of follow.

 

im sure that honda will come up with sumthin ya know they are the best

 

Yep, Honda is at the end of the technology rope for many models. I think many Honda owners (like me) are getting ready to upgrade and it isn't looking good for Honda. I am waiting for the announcements at the dealer show. If I don't see anything like a 450r with e-start or a solid 650ex that is lightweight, I will be heading back to another manufacturer and Honda will have to wait another 3-4 years to try to win me back. I am looking for a solid XC quad. I am hoping Suzuki offers 2 model of the anticipated z450. I think Cannondale was on the mark trying to build the same bike 3 ways. Hopefully it inspired the other manufacturers.

/Jon

 

I totally agree with you.

I started out with Honda 3 wheelers back in the mid 80s..Owned some of their 4 wheelers too,my most recent one was the 2003 Rincon..A nice machine BUT,it sure does lack in the feature department when compared to other ATVs in its class..No front disk brakes,no front locker,no adjustable suspensions,no low range,no EFI,and the highest MSRP in its class..

The Rincon could do most of the things my buddies were doing with their ATVs,BUT,not NEARLY as easy..This got to be a real bore after 2 yrs and I went and bought a KQ..I dont regret my purchase for a second.The KQ does most everything easier/better than the Rincon,and at the end of a mud filled ride,I dont loose my front brakes because of contamination from mud/water entering into my brake drums.

And the story of Honda's reputation for reliability is not a reason to buy a Honda anymore..In fact,I've had LESS issues with my KQ than I did with my Rincon.Most of the major brand ATVs made today are pretty reliable.Honda cant live with that reputation anymore.

Honda=pay more and get less!

 

My beef with technology, especially electronics is that it will always fail at some point in time....likely at a very in-oppourtune time.

I like my forman becuase of its simplicity. The manual gearbox is proven and nearly bullet proof unlike any of the belt drives, and even the troubles of Honda's electric shift. I installed a warn 424 which follows the simplistic mechanical theme, if it fails, it will lock into 4wd, hense not leaving me stranded god knows where. The worst thing that could happen is that the fancy LCD display could fail and I wond know how fast I'm going.

I'm glad that there's a manafacturer out there listening to its customers and offering a few machines designed for the most rugged abusive conditiions in remote locations. These are the places that you need a rugged dependable machine, rather than a fancy good riding machine.

Would you take your Caddilac Escelade into the backwoods through mud pits and such, or would you rather be in a 60's Bronco or an old jeep.


With regards to technology the GPS thing is handy and unique as is the Honda Matic tranny on the rubicon. That's more advanced than any feature on ANY OTHER QUAD out there. Honda has stepped up to the plate with disc brakes on 3 new models. The new torque sensing differential gives you locked up power up to 80% of the time, if you need it more than that there are better aftermarket alternatives out there that are better solutions than that offered by other manafacturers. Like mentioned earlier, EFI is just another problem waiting to leave you stranded, fine for a trail machine not a good situation for a back woods rider. Side by sides are kinda ugly and not my thing..I'm sure honda will probably make one anyway depending on market demand.

Power is still a confusing argument. Is it measuered by speed, towing ability or mudding ability. I've seen the Rincn go through just as much mud as anything else. Its not as good a tower, but it tows what a quad should safely tow pretty good. Speed is a matter of where you ride. Technical riding requires little speed compared to open trails so I guess its a matter of what you want the manchine to do.

 

Maybe Honda is playing it smart by not playing the big bore utility game? I think we are going to see a backlash from safety issues (similar to the backlash against the 3-wheeled ATC's) as the other manufacturers seek to build the biggest, HEAVIEST, and largest, big bore utilities. Folks cant' help but get hurt on these beasts, and the entire industry is going to ultimately pay a heavy price. These things are lawsuits waiting to happen.

Doesn't matter how good a rider you are, everybody is going to make a mistake someday. Tell me I'm wrong when you are laying under a top heavy 800 pound Polaris that you rolled on top of yourself!

 

As far as being alone in an abusive backwoods situation with a simple and rugged ATV?Well,thats one of the reasons why I wont buy a Honda..Its simplistic approach and shortcomings of features that you may need to conquer this type of rugged terrain has not gone unnoticed by the long and experienced riders in my neck of the woods.These extra features like higher ground clearnace and front lockers,incorporated with disk brakes will make your abusive backwoods adventure much more pleasant when compared to the ancient thinking of Honda's,'less is better approach'..

Honda's poor ground clearance,the lack of a front locker[torque sensing is a marketing sceme and another fancy word for 3wd],and ancient drum style brakes,can all add up to a miserable afternoon in the woods,especially IF your alone.I AM glad there are other manufactures out there that ARE listeneing to their customers wants/needs to address these types of terrains..In fact,they are listening to us SO well,that currently,Honda is the ONLY major manufacture that does not have these backwood features as stock items on their ATVs.

Get with the program Honda!