looking at a rancher and don't know which is better manual or electric

 

Also with the ES's you get that nice digital LCD display. This is a nice feature because it shows your gear position, the time of day, speed, and others. Also when you're going through water and you want to shift, on the ES you don't have to get your feet wet because you shift with the buttons on the handlebar. Also, the ES is faster than the manual. Hope this gives you a few pointers.

 

I have 46 miles in two outings on my Rancher ES. I was a little concerned at first, the ES sounded so loud and jerked the bike on each shift...Now that I have learned to use it correctly, I can shift about 80% of the time with little or no notice in anything exept more speed.
The key seems to be shifting just as you let off the gas...do not wait for the rpm's to come down too much.
I don't know about the dependability yet, but I sure do like full running boards and being able to shift while up to my seat in water without getting wet is great!
The display? well, I thought it was just bells and whistles at first...Why the rest of the atv world doesn't do this for every bike is byond me...everyone that has ridden this thing comments on the LCD functionality.

[This message has been edited by gohl (edited 11-29-1999).]

 

Gohl, I know exactly what you mean about the shifting tips you gave. On my dad's Foreman ES, you leave off the gas slightly, shift, and get on the gas again. If you want to shift really fast with it, like in a drag race, let off the gas, shift, and right when you hit the upshift button be hitting the gas, cause by the time the engine speeds up, the shift will be completed. Once you've practiced with one of the electric shift machines, you can shift it really well and with no jerks or loud noises. I had a lot of people comment also on the LCD display. Usually their response is they didn't know that technology made it to quads yet.

 

I think that if you use ES that makes you a whimp. Anbody who uses ES just can't handle the stumps on their feet. I perfer the manual because I ain't no sissy like these other "guys."

[This message has been edited by Nightmare (edited 12-03-1999).]

 

Nightmare,
"I know how you feel!"
...a few years back I wouldn't even buy a bike with racks...Why have racks carry what I could carry myself...

Even before that I wouldn't buy an ATV with a winch...Why buy something to pull me out when I could just push it out myself...

Prior to that I would not consider a snow plow since a shovel would do just fine...

Before that it was "Reverse"...I could just get off and push it backwards, why pay for something I did not need...

Prior to that I wouldn't even buy a Quad...Why have something take me somewhere when I could walk...

I guess what has happened to me is I've gotten older...So again I say to you Nightmare, "I know how you feel"! When I was quite a bit younger I thought just as you do...But don't worry Nightmare, even you will get older.


[This message has been edited by gohl (edited 11-30-1999).]

 

I am one of the few that had problems with my 450ES.Problem being the ES.Once disabled,I wished I had purchased the S model.I thought I would never trust the ES again as it was in the shop a few times before it was finally fixed.(Problem with the speedo sensor which defaulted the ES)That uneasy feeling sat with me for a while until I rode with the ES without a problem.I am glad I have it now.The full floor boards offer added protection and in sticky (ie. tippy) situations,you have extra room for your footing/leverage.In technical steep climbs and descents, footing is essential.There have been times that I was glad I had my feet firmly planted and didn't need to worry about shifting.The ES is something I now wouldn't be without.Also knowing what gear you're in at all times is a plus.Love that rider display.Do try out both.Unfortunately you'll probably not get the best idea at a dealership as the ones I visited didn't let you take it out for aggressive riding.Good luck.

2000 450ES Red.

 

Nicely put, gohl.

 

Hey D.Page looks like they took those fonny topics you put on there with my username and password off I hope they don't let you do that anymore. All I wanted to do was to make some friends and talk to guys about their Hondas.