D1 is for maximum performance.D2 is for low traction. And the top speed depends if your getting new tires or not. My rubicon can go 60mph with stock tires but with windshield and passager seat.if you don`t have anything on it and the govornor removed you can go 65-70mph.

 

come again?

 

AC all the way. With the front locker how can you compare (even though Honda is a good machine.) I haven't heard anything until now about the new AC plastics breaking. Rider error??? Anyway, with the added ground clearance, suspension travel, and front locker of the AC, it seems a no brainer. Also, the EBS is an industry leader.

 

70 MPH!?! You're friggen dreamin' my friend. I think your calculator needs new batteries. Even with the so-called governer removed, the gearing on that would have that old tech pushrod motor running at about 12,500 RPM. You'd be lucky to get 60 my friend, most 650's are only running a few clicks over 60.

 

I agree with you there.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img]

 

I love Honda's but come on....70? Not even down hill in a hurricane. Have another drink. lol

 

I used to own a 01 Rubicon and the best I got out of it was 58.

 

As for the Resale Value it is a no brainer, Check NADA and you will see that the AC's have higher Values than Honda's.

The only 2005 AC plastic that I have seen broken was the rear of an 05 AC500 auto that had been rammed from the back by a Honda 450s with no breaks. I have seen many bikes with deep scratches on the outside fenders which leads me to believe they will bend and scratch before breaking, But having a machine with brittle plastic is always possible.

Not going to bash the Rubi in any way but I think the AC is a much better Value. Add the Locker, Lift Kit, 2" reciever, and 2 year warranty to the Rubi and see how the prices compair.

 

Try to get more resale out of an AC than a Honda. I have my doubts its going to work. Unless you're selling a used 04 650 against a used 01 Rancher. AC doesn't have the greatest resale value, and what the NADA guide shows and what somebody is actually going to give you is 2 different things, reguardless of if its atvs, cars, boats, or whatever.

 

A lot depends on what you want. I have owned a Cat 500i for almost three years, and it has been a real workhorse, and a lot of fun. Hauled a lot of firewood with it. My farm is pretty rough - steep hills, lots of limestone boulders, pretty craggy piece of land. The Cat was perfect - clears some pretty big rocks, crawls over downed trees, scrambles up hills, and rides very smooth. If you just want to ride prepared trails, either quad will do just fine - just about any quad can go down a hardpack trail. If you plan on getting off the beaten path, the Cat's high ground clearance, comfy ride with the IRS, and locking diff, are going to give you a distinct advantage.

The plastic on mine is still in pretty decent shape, despite rubbing up against quite a few trees.

Aside from mud riding (which I don't do much of), the locking diff is one of those things you don't use much, but when you need it there's no substitute. I've been thinking about either trading towards a newer Cat, or getting the diff and installing it, because my 02 doesn't have it. Pulling a load of firewood up a rough trail, it would be nice to have.

Don't know about resale value - I bought it to ride, not to sell.

Just my opinion, but Honda has slipped in the last few years. Quality is still top notch, but designs are definitely dated. It says something that they still use drum brakes, and the strongest boast they can make is the... transmisssion... sure it's nice, but will it make that much difference? As opposed to IRS, high ground clearance, diff lock, features that will measurably improve off road capability. To tell the truth, I prefer my Cat's manual transmission anyway.