Hey guys,

I'm trying to get some answers on the options for 4x4 available from Honda on the 04-06 Rancher TRX350TM. I'm considering getting one, and maybe selling my Warrior, I'm not really sure. I do like the way the Ranchers look a lot, and they seem like a really solid mid-size utility quad that I can do trail riding with.

Anyway I've been looking at classifieds for them, and I'm seeing all different information on descriptions for 4x4. Some people say it has full time 4wd, some people say it's part time, even ones where the people tell me it's 2wd i'm seeing the stickers for 4x4 on the bike. I'm just wondering what were the options for 4x4 on this bike? I'm assuming it's 2wd or 4x4 operated by a switch? I don't think full time 4x4 was offered on this bike, but I'm not sure, hence why I consult with the Honda gurus, I couldn't find anything when searching google.

I'm also wondering how reliable these bikes are? I've been impressed with Honda for a while, I have my Acura, my mom's Accord and sister's Civic in the driveway needless to say. Everyone raves about their ATVs as being the best.

I'm not a huge fan of full-time 4x4 at all, that's why I ask. Also while we are on Ranchers, I'm wondering if it would be worth it for me to get the next generation Rancher that's 420 fuel injected? How much better is it than the model I'm looking at?

Any information/feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

btw here is a picture of TRX350TM so you know what model I'm referring to...

 

Since High Lifter sells a 424 kit for a 00-05 350 Rancher for $309 High Lifter ATV Products & Accessories - WARN 424 Select - Honda 350 Rancher (00-05) I would say the 350 never got the selectable option as early as the Foreman did in 03 or 04 I think.

I ride with a guy with a 02 350 Rancher,it very reliable a little slow on the long gravel roads though cant hit 50 mph but he has larger 25" tires on his.

 

I had a 2005 Rancher with the manual tranny and installed a Warn 424 as well as a front disc brake kit. It was full time 4wd and the 424 sure turned it into a different machine when in 2wd! A lot more fun to drive for sure! But I didn't take mine into mud or water. It was strictly driven in open fields and through old roadways in the woods on my mother-in-laws land. I also used it around the place in work chores.

I traded it in on a 07 Rubicon in the camo finish with just under 150 miles on it and it looked brand new. The previous owner traded it for a Big Red and never ever had the Rubicon in the woods or mud. I gave them my Rancher plus 2 grand cash and never looked back. The dealer sold that Rancher two days later.

I almost bought a new Rancher but the deal on the Rubicon was too good to pass up. Had they not had that Rubi...I would have bought a new Rancher.

 

High quality dead solid reliable machines! Great trail quads! Good choice if you want to do mostly trail riding and maybe some light/medium work. Low center of gravity, so it is nice and stable. Honda makes the most of short travel suspension. But...if you want a monster mud machine or want to do a lift or put huge tires on it or other silly mods, all you will do is ruin its sweet trail handling. I you need a machine to feed your ego, look for something else....

Best to avoid the ES push button shifting option if possible! It has a history of problems, and does not live up to Honda's reputation for reliability.

The 350 4X4 is full-time 4wd. Best mod you can do, is a Warn 424 which will turn it into a selectable 2wd/4wd! Not a powerhouse, but it will get the job done. My 350 is now 10 years old, and I have never had to do one thing to it besides routine maintenance. Runs as good as the day it was new!!!

The 350 is sweet, and the 420 is even sweeter!!! Same excellent handling and improved suspension, larger engine, selectable 2wd/4wd, water cooled, FUEL INJECTED...the power rips right off the bottom. Best value for your $$$$ of any quad on the planet. I wouldn't trade my 420 for anything else, even if they gave me something else for FREE! Get a 420 if you can!

Both the 350 and 420 are available in 2wd. If you can get away with 2wd, these handle better than some sport quads (like the Warrior). I had a 2wd 350 at one time, and it would go everywhere the 4X4 went, except in the snow or very serious rock crawling.

There is also the new Rancher 420AT which has IRS and a new gear-on-gear automatic transmission. Check it out, but it is heavier and the price is steep.