Looking for a rubicon in Western Canada and finding a few from the US for sale.Owners purchased from US when dollar was at par and now are passing some savings onto purchaser. Question is though what are the differences?? Local dealers say to avoid because there are engine difference due to emmission standards and alot of body parts are different. Of course if there are any warranty issues you are on your own. Can't be;eive what you hear so amlooking for some facts.

 

I have never heard of any differences. Depending on how much your saving, it may not be worth the hassle. If your talking a $1000 or more I would take the chance on warranty issues.

It's Honda, they don't break down[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

There is a special edition Canadian trail machine that has some differences...

http://www.totalmotorcycle.com...ailEditionRubicon.htm


It looks like the bodywork and most other suff is the same (except the one photo of a Rancher, that I'm sure was an error).

 

Thanks for the info. Looks like the only major differences is the shocks and a carb heater. My old big bear has never had a carb so cannot see that being a issue. As for the shocks on long trips may prove to be money well spent but may be able to buy second hand ones if the ride gets to rough and the price is right.

 

Being a solid rear axle machine, there's only so much better shocks can do. Actually I think the spring rate and dampening are pretty dialed in on the regular Rubicon.

Also, I think the carb heater is standard on the US Rubicon, too. My Foreman also has one.

 

Carb heater on US models? Good to know. Sounds like the battery for Canadian models is listed as heavy duty. Aftermaket Parts lists decipher between Can models for front, rear racks and some winch setups. Nothing a cutting torch and welder cannot fix as long as the honda reliability is there. Agree on the solid axle for ride. If the wife was not riding occasionally would go for a IRS model but the solid axle hondas are pretty solid on their feet.

 

I didn't mean to imply that there was anything wrong with solid rear axles. They have a more planted and solid feel, they give you better feedback on what the tires are doing, they power slide better, and they don't squat under the hitch weight of a trailer when towing.

Ride over rough stuff at speed, though, is where IRS really shines.

 

When did they start putting the carb heaters on the Foremans? Just an interesting feature for the cold blooded Honda's.

Jeffin thank you for showing the Canadian version of the Rubicon. I had never heard of that. Seems kinda like a sales ploy though!! All of the stuff that's featured are either standard or an option on the "American" style.

I have put some quality seat time on my buddy 04 Rubicon and think they are great.

 

Yeah I think we get hosed up here on alot of things. Jeffin can you post the American Rubicon features. Just kinda curious on what is standard compared to the Canuck version.

 

Here's the spec sheet for the standard Rubicon.

http://powersports.honda.com/2...on/specifications.aspx

It looks like they both have the same fuel capacity. For some reason I though the Canadian version held more.