Which one would be good for trail riding? Im going for a manual shift. How is the es system ?
Which one would be more reliable?

 

I think I'd go with the Honda. I own an Eiger and it's a great bike - good all around performance, reliable, fast for an under 400cc ute. But I think that Honda got it right with the new Rancher. For a quad that's priced within a few hundred dollars of the Eiger you get water cooling, an extra 50cc's and better guages. For a while there, Honda had some pretty steep prices, plus they insisted on sticking with drum brakes all around. Now that they have changed both those problems I'd say that they have a winner.

Other than the potential first year problems, you are comparing the latest from Honda to a five year old design from Suzuki.

Jaybee

 

The Rancher is a superb little trail machine. Agile and very well suspended. Probably actually fits better in a class with the Wolverine, than it fits in any "utility" class. My only complaint is that I wish it were lighter!

Here is what ATV Action had to say: "The engine is a jewel, and it's fast. We couldn't ask for better suspension and handling from a solid axle machine."

Personally, I have never even considered ES. It's a nice idea, but my foot works just fine so why would I pay $200 for something I just don't need????? In addition, historically it has had some minor reliability issues. The angle sensor is now the subject of a recall, so hopefully that fixes the problem.

 

The 420 looks to be a better buy due to its 44cc larger motor and EFI feature and lower M.S.R.P. The Eiger,s low range, larger 25" tires and higher ground clearance are a nice plus though.

 

You will want to find the April issue of QUAD Magazine. They did a shootout among the quads that are less than $5,999.

The Rancher won, and about the only thing they dissed it for is having fast rebound on the rear suspension. The Eiger (an automatic) came in a close second.

With the Rancher 420, you get more for your dollar than any quad on the planet!