A few so my knowledge is more useful to me:

1. Do you consider the Hondas to be "bulletproof"? I want reliability more than the latest and greatest. Who else makes a "bulletproof" ATV?

2. What's the difference between the Rubicon and Rancher?

3. Have you found that a straight axle is more limiting than an independent rear setup, or does the average joe not really need an IRS anyway?


I want to use the ATV for fun and hunting; I want something around a 500, 4x4, reliable as heck, and as light as possible. Suggestions?

Thanks from a newbie...

 

Hi pos I just came in from a ride on my RANCHER, was out riding with a Rubicon which I do quite often. The Rubicon is bigger and heavier with very little extra ooomphhh. My rancher with electic shift has been real great never even as much as adjusted the brakes in 6000+ kilometers. The rubicon is just like a big 350 in my opinion. He has not gone anywhere I couldn't, the rancher is about 85 lbs lighter and much more maneverable in the tight trails. In my opinion and even of the Rubicon owner for the extra bit of power it is not worth all the extra dollars, except if you insist on an automatic. He still likes to trades quads quite often. One more thing also for the trails the rancher is much much easier on gas, which is nice cause you rarly have to carry extra gas for those long day trips.


TerryM.

 

<< A few so my knowledge is more useful to me:

1. Do you consider the Hondas to be &quot;bulletproof&quot;? I want reliability more than the latest and greatest. Who else makes a &quot;bulletproof&quot; ATV? Hondas are the most reliable quads on the market.

2. What's the difference between the Rubicon and Rancher?Weight, size, power, tranny, everything.

3. Have you found that a straight axle is more limiting than an independent rear setup, or does the average joe not really need an IRS anyway?IRS is good for very rough trails but it adds alot of weight and you don't need it.


I want to use the ATV for fun and hunting; I want something around a 500, 4x4, reliable as heck, and as light as possible. Suggestions?I would suggest the RANCHER or the foreman 450

Thanks from a newbie... >>

 

1. Do you consider the Hondas to be &quot;bulletproof&quot;? I want reliability more than the latest and greatest. Who else makes a &quot;bulletproof&quot; ATV?
---Certainly no bike is perfect, but Honda has made some exceptional bikes over the years. They have set the bar in the past, but with so many new models and new features time will tell if their current lineup is a great as past lineups. Some of the other manufacturers have started putting out good quality also, I personnaly like the new Suzuki's...Well, after the Honda's

2. What's the difference between the Rubicon and Rancher?
Mainly the rubicon transmission is an automatic vs a 5 speed on the Rancher - 2nd...the Rubicon has a larger motor, but the auto tranny will probably eat some of that extra power. 3rd...The Rubicon is more expensive

3. Have you found that a straight axle is more limiting than an independent rear setup, or does the average joe not really need an IRS anyway?
No personal experience wit IRS, but I have a Rancher with a solid axle and I think the ride could be better if it had IRS


I have owned the following quads:
86 Suzuki 185
87 Suzuki 230 quadsport
95 Yamaha 250 Timberwolf
99 Yamaha Badger

I currently own a 00 Rancher and love it, but if I were to go out a make a purchase right now it would be the Honda Foreman 450 ES with selectable 2-4wd.

Good Luck!

 

hondas are the best their is, point blank!

 

HI POS,

ALL POSTS ON THIS SUBJECT ARE CORRECT ,BUT TERRY M ,PERSONALLY I COULD NOT HAVE SAID IT ANY BETTER.... KUDO'S TO YOU

 

POS,

I cannot speak for the Rancher as I have never ridden one. But I did just trade from a Foreman400 to a Rubicon. I can say this for the Rubicon: It is a big, plush, comfortable ride with a transmission that I think is more versitile than anything out there. It is an amazing bike and a pleasure to ride.

It does suck gas. 23 MPG or so. Probably not so bad compared to other machines of similar displacement.

I have never had any mechanical problems with any of the 6 Hondas I've owned over the years. I hope the Rubicon continues that tradition.

I think you would be pleased with either bike. Good luck.

 

I've had Polaris (2), Suzy, Kaw, several Yammy's, and my 98 Honda 450 S Foreman is the best I've used. The new ones have 2/4wd and locking differential. Good power, waaaaay reliable, lighter than Rubi, and simpler. This forum has witnessed several problems of Rubis, especially with the electronics and the auto trans. Foreman rear suspension is solid axle with a shock on each corner. Independent is heavier, much more complicated, higher maintenance, and some are prone to rolling a wheel underneath when turned sharp at high speed. Independent is smoother and more plush. Rancher is only a 350 engine, noticeably weaker than the 450. Ride both, you'll see. The S model 450 is foot shifted, while the ES is electrically shifted with thumb. No electrics to fail on the S shifting model. I suggest riding a Foreman before you buy something else. I sure like mine, and I've been on lots of ATVs. Yamaha is 2nd in reliability to Honda, in my view. If you ever decide to sell it, Honda has the best reputation and therefore, the best resale value. A used Polaris with over 1000 miles often needs work, but Hondas are just broke in at that mileage.

 

Welcome;
I currently have 2 Hondas, a 300 4x4 and a Rancher 4x4. As well, most people I ride with own Honda's. Bulletproof is the word I use in describing them. The ride, well in my opinion, they're crap. I will purchase the new Honda Rincon with IRS as soon as it is available, but I'm keeping the other two. By the way, my back is not great and I'm not getting any younger, but the straight axle is simpler, lighter, easier to maintain and probably part of the reason Honda's have an overall great reputation. In my opinion, if you buy a Honda you cannot go wrong. Good quading.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

unless they've changed for '03 the foreman450 DOES NOT have a locking differential.......nor any other factory Honda. They are awesome quads though. The other manufacturers seen to be catching up on the reliability issue and passing in the creature feature part. I personally don't care for the IRS setups. they seem too tippy to me, but ride like butter.