This bike doesn't get much attention, either here or in the magazines. It gets over shadowed by the 4X4s, and the little Recon is cheaper. But, after owning one for a couple of months now, I have to say I love this thing. All the time you see posts asking about the Recon. I can't recall seeing any posts about the 2X4 Rancher. Basically, it is just a big Recon!! The Recon is to small of a bike for most of the people you see out riding them. The Recon is sized for small adults and medium kids. Medium to large adults, and big kids who are considering a Recon, should really be on a Rancher. This bike is more sport than it is utility. It is really a (mild) sport bike with big ground clearance and racks.

 

i have my racks off right now due to i'm getting them sprayed with bed liner but i'm suprised how sporty it looks without them. and after taking a short ride without them it feels like a different bike now.

 

My neighbor has a Rancher 2x4 and your right about it being a big Recon only with an improved design. When my Recon gives out I will look at the 2x4 Rancher, Manual shift model. Chet

 

Yep yzguy, thats the same reason I bought one, after looking at the recon I found it was not as comfortable as the Rancher and powerwise It hasn't let me down yet. Plus the ES feature with full floor boards for an additional $200 was easily worth it. The Rancher easily slides thru the turns and with 9.7" ground clr. isn't too bad going places either (just wish it had selectable 2/4x4). We all want bigger and better but this model suits me just fine. Oh ya plus saving the $800 allowed me to buy my son a 91' KX80 for his birthday.


redrancher350, I agree the machine looks awesome without the racks and mudflaps.


scott

01' Rancher ES
91' KX 80 (race ready)

 

Yep, I work on a Farm that has one and I drive it a lot. It turns better than the 4wd, slides, jumps and wheelies better. I think it is awesome. Also a tad faster on the top end(85km vs 83km)or 1.3 mph difference according to thier speedo. also, my friend has a 4wd rencher and we can;t get it to wheelie past 3rd. the 2wd will hold a wheelie in 4th. Much sportier and a good work machine.(low first gear is good for rounding up cows) I trail ride this machine some so that's how I know. I don't go 53mph in pastures getting cows.