i am now looking into getting a rancher. i know the 420s are suppost to be nice. How much better are they then the 350s, speed, power, etc.

 

I have both. The 420 is better in every way (speed, power, suspension, a bit more sporty, etc.). Only thing I don't like is that it is a bit heavier. Is the 420 a magic carpet? No, but it is a great little trail machine.

If you are looking for a monster mud bogger, get something bigger. A lot of folks get a Rancher then want to put huge tires on it and turn it into something it was never intended to be, and I thing that is a mistake.

There are lots of 420 posts on the board, with lots of rider reviews and info........

 

Owning both an '06 350 4x4 and an '07 420 4x4 I also agree the 420 is better in every way FOR ME. For someone else maybe not. The 350 could possibly be a better beginner bike. My dad now rides the 350, I might worry about him on the 420. It really is that much different power wise.

 

We had 26" mudlite xl's on offset rims on our 01 350 and it was a blast to ride. Enough low end grunt to turn the tires through anything we'd find on a normal trail in a bad season and enough power in the middle to keep you excited. I also loved the ESP, but I remember a few opponents of it.

Anyway I'm taking away from your comments and those from other members that the 420 is just as rugged and simplistic with more power and switchable 4wd. My question is, how much more power? I mean, is it dramatic or just noticeable? Has top speed or ease of crusing through trails gotten better? I don't need to top it out ever, just looking at capability. And does it still have the very low range 1st gear that allowed me to crawl all over everything?

 

I don't think low on the 420 is quite as low as the 350, but either is plenty low enough to get the job done. I think they went for a bit more of a sporty feel with the 420, where the 350 shows a little of its work quad heritage.

My own seat of the pants guess if that the 420 (remember the "350" is really only a 329) is 15% more powerful than the 350. The 420 is certainly way more snappy off the bottom end, and the extra power lets me climb hills with a little more authority. When I am topped out in 5th gear on the 420, I am always looking for a 6th.

Looking at the 420, it is hard to figure out why it is 35 pounds heavier. I would like to see a lightened and stripped down version of the 420 that could compete with the Wolverine.

 

Well I just bought the 420 I dont think there is any comparison to the 350, power, susp etc. Also ur getting EFI on the 420 big seller. The other thing is that there is front discs on 420.

 

It seems like every atv magazine out there in the last month and even some on the shelves now have reviews of the 420 and all have praised it so far.

 

Yea I've read maybe 4 or 5 mag reviews and all have praised the new 420. Especially the engine. But they all like the handling too which was one of my concerns given the shocks are non-adjustable.And all the mags say they can't wait to get it in a shoot-out against the other quads in this class.Of coarse it seems every mag that has a rancher 420 first ride also has a suzuki KQ450 first ride review and their lovin' it too.I don't care,even though the KQ will probably win the upcoming 450 shoot-outs running away(its also at least $1k more),I think I'm gonna get the 420es 4x4.

 

id stay away from the es models...some may have it and love it but ive heard more unfavarable reprots about it than good ones. it just seems pointless on a quad, imo.

 

u guys are aware this thing only 6.5 inches of ground clearance and a solid rear axle. all utes should have 10 at min. but hey if u guys like hiting things on ur bottom thats fine with me.