So I was at my local Honda dealer recently and sat on a newer body style Rancher with the solid rear axle, it feels much nicer than my 2009 Rancher SRA. Out of curiosity I pushed down on the rear rack (to test rear suspension) and the SRA suspension is way more compliant than my Rancher's solid rear axle. Heck my Rancher is still stiff as hell even after about 3000miles and being about 5 years old. It seems the newer Ranchers even with the solid rear axle might be more tuned for comfort then tractor like ride feel. To me this move is a good one. Still I think IRS would be even more compliant. I am not getting any younger and think I need to move up to power steering and IRS in the near future, yet according to Honda's website the new 2015 Honda Rancher AT's are not yet out nor is the MSRP published at this time. Any idea when they will be available?

 

You could adjust your pre load collar down a notch if your after a softer ride.

The new Rancher has a slight increase in suspension travel its now 6.69" vs the old 6.3".
IRS is the way to go. It has a better ride , more ground clearance and has a stronger stopping hydraulic rear disc brake not the SRA mechanical cabled drum brake.

The new Rancher is physically a slightly larger ATV now but still has the small 24" tires stock.

 

I also like the new reverse lever on the new 2015 Ranchers. I talked to one of the guys at the dealer and he said he thinks that the new reverse lever setup can be installed on my 2014 without any problems.

I compared some online parts diagrams for both and it looks like you only have to change out about seven parts. The rest are the same. I ordered the parts and will see if I can make the switch.

Wayne

 

Pics of new lever??

 

I don't have any pictures. I forgot to take a pic of the 15 Rancher at the dealer while I was there. All of my parts are supposed to be in on 9-30 so I will posts some pictures of it when I get it.

Wayne