Can someone help me with the differance between the three bikes? I am looking to buy a quality used one but really dont know what to expect between the 3. I know I need the larger size of the 3, but other qualities may make up for size. Shifting will be a major factor for my wife plus easier for my kid to learn and ride. Does an automatic truely mean automatic like a vehical? Any infor will be greatly appreciated!!!

 

The big difference is transmission design!

The Rincon has an automotive style 3-speed torque converter automatic, with no low range and little if any engine braking at low speed (a fatal flaw for me!). Plus, it has an IRS suspension, that gets very good reviews for ride quality in the magazines! It is also fuel injected, as I recall. Even Honda calls it an "SUV", rather than a "utility".

The Rubicon has a weird automatic trans system where an oil pump pushes pistons against an angled plate, and that turns things. It has a low range, and has a surprisingly good reputation for such a complex system. The chassis has a basic SRA rear suspension.

Both the Rincon and Rubicon autos, can be left on full-auto or shifted "manually" (called ESP) by pushbuttons , that override the automatic. Both are also water cooled.

The Foreman is a good old autoclutch manual trans, air cooled machine. It can be had with pushbutton ("ES") shifting, but I recommend shifting with your foot and saving yourself problems that this system seems to be plagued with. It does not need a low range, as 1st gear is ultra low...keeping things nice an simple! Basic SRA rear end on this one as well.

All the models are selectable 2wd/4wd, and have an excellent torque sensing front differential.

In summary, I think the Rincon and Rubicon are needlessly complex solutions to a problem that does not exist! But...Honda's market research indicates that the largely inexperienced American riders want automatics, so they are giving in to market pressure to make some sales. (Back in the day, most quad riders had previous dirt bike experience, so nobody minded shifting....especially the simple autoclutch models.)

Of the three, the Foreman has a reputation as the ultimate work machine. The Rubicon is kind of 50/50, and the Rincon is a pure trail machine providing a comfy ride for aging baby boomers.

 

Also, probably a better option for the wife and kids....don't overlook the Rancher 420. I can be had both in a basic autoclutch manual SRA model, and an IRS model (the 420AT)with a totally unique automatic "dual-clutch" transmission (can also be pushbutton shifted). Fuel injected and water cooled, it rips right off the bottom!

The Ranchers are the "big enough to get the job done, but not a hulking monster either" machine, which fits nicely in between the entry level machines like the Recon, and the big bores. My only complaint is that I wish they were lighter (all utilities for that matter)!

For me, the AT model has the only automatic that I would ever consider owning, and may very well be my next quad purchase. The standard 420 is also available in a pushbutton shifting ES model, for those who insist.

Take a look at the Recon as well, if you don't really need 4wd. It is a simple autoclutch manual like the standard Rancher (ES available also), but much smaller and ligher. Very kid and beginner oriented! And...the 250EX is just a Recon in sport plastic, but a real hefty 50 pounds lighter!

 

Didn't explain what an autoclutch is. It is a manual transmission, but has no left hand clutch lever like most sport quads and dirt bikes. When you pull up or down on the shift lever, it engages the clutch, and when you let go it goes into gear.

Real simple system, with decades of reliable proven technology behind it! I can teach a kid who understands the principle, to shift one like a pro in an hour or so.

 

ReconRanger has done it again. Your explanations are always good and useful. Though I am going to disagree with him on one thing, the plush ride with the Rincon is not only for aging bodies, for I am, only 30yrs old. It just works well for me (plus it can pull the front tires off the ground, lots of fun). I will summarize it more simply

Rincon=Trail/Work
Rubicon=work/trail
Foreman=Work/Trail

First listed is what its best at. My Rincon will be carrying some deer out of the woods this fall. That's about the extent of its expected work load. I plow snow with Foreman and my wife rides it on the trails.

Hope that helps

 

Your help is truely appriciated!!! I have always leand towards the foreman because it is tried and true. New isn't always best! Probley { more than likely } be answering more questions from me in the future!
Great riding and check out some trials in Mississippi!

 

One of the magazines was evaluating the Foreman, and they has a Rancher 420 along at the same time. They said that the Rancher was "more fun"! I'm sure you don't want to have any extra "fun"....right?