I just purchased (last weekend) a new 2008 Honda Rancher 4X4 ES and have a question about electronic gear shifting. When I rode it for the first time, and after it sits for a day or so, I noticed that it didn't immediately shift from 1st to 2nd and from 3rd to 4th. I would push the button and would get no response until I pushed it again or in some cases maybe a third time. However, in all cases, after this happened after the initial startup, I had no problems switching gears (even if I turned the machine off for a few minutes). Should I be concerned? Or is there a gear "warm-up" phase on these types of machines? Please let me know if you have an explanation.

Thanks

 

How cold is it where you are. I am no expert by any stretch, but I would think that once the machine/oil gets warmed up it would allow for easier shifting.

I know my Foreman ES shifts much smoother once you have been running it for a while (10-15 minutes).

Congratulations on the new purchase as well.

 

i have a 2007 420 rancher es, pretty normal, sometimes you have to rock the bike back and forth, but i have alot less of it sticking now that the quad is broke in.

 

Should have gone with the un-beatable foot shifter. Never ever ever hear of any issues with these. The ESP is (im sorry to say) plagued with problems from angle sensors and all the electronics that get wet and muddy. Honda will have you seeing red.

DISCLAIMER: wether you accept what i say or do not,
this is not intended to bash or create an argument. Just simple
observation that leads me to beleive that the EPS isnt all
it's cracked up to be.

 

My '07 Rancher does the same thing. I usually just start in 2nd, and by the time I've gone 100 yds or so, it changes fine.

 

The newer ES systems seem to be greatly improved. Hitting all the connectors with some diaelectric grease will prevent some of the gremlins.

Anyway, my foot shift foreman was kind of hard to get through the gears after the first start in the morning.

It seemed to improve as it broke in, and when I did the clutch adjustment at the break-in service.

I'd say get some miles on it, and check the clutch adjustment before you get concerned.

 

My new 08 foot shift Rancher is extremely stiff shifting from reverse to neutral right after startup. In fact I have to reach down and lift the lever by hand. It's a fast idle thing, once the engine warms up enough for the idle to drop back it shifts fine.
Stan

 

I remember in 07 when I bought my 420 I test drove both the ES and the FM model. The first thing I notice right away was how NOT responsive the ES thumb switch was. I would be in 2nd and press the switch nothing happened, pressed it twice then it shifted to 3rd. I was like screw this crap and got the dependable foot shift manual (FM.)

 

i would have bought the fm if honda would have put a digital gauge pod on the fm. hope they do in the 2010. but i have had zero problems with my 2007 es, i think a factory gauge pod gives you better resale value in the future.

 

Yeah, I also hope they put the dash in the foot shift. A person could always run a GPS, but still...

Idle speed too high might also cause it to be difficult to shift.