Hey guys,

I got a question regarding Honda's ESP (Electronic Shift Pattern). My question is do every Honda quad with ESP have the option of shifting manually (buttons) or to be it full automatic? I drove a nicer Rubicon a week ago, and although didn't like the bike (too big and floaty for the trails) I liked the fact that I can pop it in full auto with the click of a dial, or switch the gears manually with the buttons. I'm now looking at Ranchers, and think I'd get it with ESP just for when my GF or someone else not new to quads and shifting gears uses it if it has full auto.

So do all Honda ESP bikes have the option of full auto or manual shift, or are there different types of ESPs?

Thanks in advance!

 

There are several types of transmissions that have the push to shift buttons.

The Foreman and the solid rear axle Rancher have a 5 speed geared transmission with auto clutch. They come in traditional foot shift, or optional electric push buttons. These transmissions do not operate in automatic mode.

The Rubicon uses a hydrostatic drive that is infinately variable between it's highest and lowest ratio. It is very well suited for high torque tasks like heavy towing and plowing. It can emulate a geared transmission by letting the operator select between 5 preset ratios with the push buttons, or it can run in full auto mode. The Rubicon and the old 400 Rancher auto are the only ATV's I can think of with a hydrostatic transmission.

The Rincon has a transmission like no other ATV. It is a three speed auto very similar to the automatic transmissions seen in pickups and cars, complete with a little torque converter. It also can operate in full auto mode, or the operator can elect to control when and where the transmission shifts with push buttons. The Rincon is a fast quad on rough trails that is known for reliability, but it is high geared (no low range). It can tow and do other work occasionally, and the high gears mostly manifest in lack of engine braking at low speeds and in the need for modification in order to spini tires larger than 27" in thick mud.

Lastly, there is the 420 Rancher Auto. It uses a 5 speed geared transmission double clutch system. These are the cutting edge of automatic transmissions, offering automatic shifting without the loss in power/fuel effiency that comes from a typical automatic. They can run in auto mode, or the user can select from the 5 speeds by push button if desired.


Probably more info than you wanted, but in a nutshell, the Rincon, Rubicon, and Rancher 420 auto have ES buttons but can run in automatic.

The ES Foreman, and ES Rancher and the other ES machines must be shifted.

 

JeffinTD: Thanks, thats a great explanation of the Honda lineup. Unfortunately I can't find much information on these bikes other then specs when I search. Thanks for a detailed response though, looks like a rancher is the way to go, I think a Foreman and Rubicon aren't really needed for what I do.

 

The Rancher would be a very nice choice. Compared to the Rubicon they are a bit physically smaller and lower, resulting in very agile handling. The engine is quite snappy and responsive.

The independent rear suspension of the Rancher Auto would also provide a much smoother ride over rough terrain compaired to a solid axle, like the Rubicon.

Let us know what you decide, and how you like it.

 

just bought a 2001 rubicon 500, seems to be stuck between 2 gears, looks like the shift motor was replaced already, i replaced angle sensor and stil no luck, when i put in reverse it seems like it wants to go back but seems like brakes are lock, any help

 

Tons of low-end torque on the Ranchers, too, thanks to the ultra-low first gear on them. It helps make up for the lack of a low range.
My 2010 AT has gobs of grunt in 1st..

 

You might pull the shift motor and see if you can turn the gear in there. It may have run to the end of it's travel and hung up. Also there is an initialization process that must be done when angle sensor is replaced.