At least one person has one: http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/506648.cfm

Anybody else??????

 

I got my '07 420 RancherES 6 days ago and I am very happy with it. I am a formerly experienced atv rider, (work, not really racing or mudding or anything), but haven't really ridden one for years. I don't have the discriminating eye of a seasoned rider but I'm not a total newbie. I live in northern Minnesota so the ground is pretty hard about now. Not much snow and certainly no mud.

This isn't a comprehensive report on the Rancher 420 by any means but with 16 miles on the odometer a few things occur to me:

I don't know the specifics but I think this machine has a very favorable power-to-weight ratio. 560 pounds/420 c.c.s.

This is a very nimble utility quad. A lot of driving with your body, a lot like a snowmobile. I really wanted a machine that I drive, not one that once I hit the gas, I'm not sure where it wants to go. I got it.

Been doing some hill climbing on fairly steep, curvy, snow covered trails....more than enough low end snort to pretty much get up the grade at any speed and enough traction to not have a problem with snow and loose rocks.

I'll add to this thread as I learn new things about my wheeler. For now I'll just be adding to the odometer a few miles at a time.

 

Thanks for the post!

The riding I do on a ute is all in the mountains. The approaches from the valley can be fast fire roads and sandy canyons where bug horsepower is nice, but once you are up there it is rocky stuff where the going is slow. I'm looking for something with snappy low end throtle response, and I am hopeing that will be this new Rancher.

Nice to be water cooled too, because I often start out a ride in 90+ degree temperatures in the valley (but later in the day I can end up riding in snow).

 

I studied one closely at the Honda dealer last week.

How do you guys feel about the coolant resevoir being located under the right rear fender so exposed?

Comon sence tells me a stick may flip-up and crack it? Then what?

I forgot to look for the battery. Where is it and how easy/difficult is it to access?

How accurate is the fuel gauge?

I like the EFI!

Deadbleepingalien what color did you get? I'm looking for the red. The dealer said he won't have one until March. (The 420 they had was green)

~MT

 

it would have to be a pretty big and sharp stick or rock, thrown forward and sideways from the back tire. My Rubicon has it tucked up there to. Haven't seen anyone complain about it yet. Sure is easy to get to and keep an eye on (better than having to unscrew a cover), but I guess anything can happen.

You are giving up a little on the HP to weight ratio, but when that extra 40 lbs of say the Rubicon is too much then advantage Racher

One thing that hasn't been answered yet is the 4wd shift. Does it work like any other mechanical shifter? (shift at any reasonable speed as long as you unload it first?)

 

with reference to the 4X4 question above If I remember correctly you flick a switch and the 4X4 icon shows on the digital dash.

I compared the overflow tank to the Rincon when I was at the dealer. The Rincon's tank is tucked a little tighter into the frame. The 420 sticks-out more possibly leaving it vulnerable. You guys that have seen the 420 tank you tell me.

I like almost everything about the 420. In fact, if the dealer had it in red I more than likely would own one right now.


BTW, good storage in the rear!

~MT

 

Reconranger,

I just put about 12 miles of trail riding on my 420 ,and I am very impressed with it.

Never a lack of power ,and yes it does have very snappy throtle response ,and I took your advice and road it like I stole it!

I havent done any real mudding yet ,but I will try to get to Broad River Atv park soon ,and I will post another follow up.

As I said power is excellent, but with only 18 miles on it, do you think it may get better as it breaks in more?

 

abmobil
what color did u get?

 

I got the red. (Resale Red is what the sales guy called it)

I did notice that the coolant tank is sort of exposed. I think it would take more than a smaller stick though to puncture it. I imagine a rock could do the job but I think it would have to be in the cold weather unless it hit it very hard.

As far as the 2wd/4wd shifter, you can do it under power but the dealer said you need to be going less than 8 mph.

Took mine out on a straight stretch today and pinned the gas....topped out at about 44 mph. Plenty for me...I'll be puttering around the property and trail riding.

 

you only got it to 44?
Ive had mine to 50 and it still had more but i ran out of road ,but as i get more time to ride ill try to go to a longer stretch and max it out.