Hi Yall

I done all the research and have decided to go with the Honda Fourtrax Rancher (329cc). Combination of features, price and I have always owned/rode Honda motorcycles and have not had any problems with them in the past (when I was a kid).

Going with 2WD because I'll normally go around mud than through it [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Other that I like the longitudinally mounted engine and think the driveshaft will not require maintenance like a belt or chain.
Cost is 4 grand even and it seems to be the best deal I can find. I have not tried to deal with out local Honda dealer but I don't think I can get too much off MSRP but I'll give it a try this weekend.

Thanks 4 letting me sound off.

 

Well, I hope you can get your local dealer to "deal"[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] I have ridden with Ranchers before, and they seem to be pretty solid quads. Personally, if I were in the market for a ute, I would only consider 4x4. It has been a pretty dry winter up here, but there were still some significant mudholes on the trails last weekend. For a little extra cash you get a lot of extra utility.

 

Hi,

Was actually considering 4x4 (only about $1,000 more for the Rancher) but some friends of mine who ride have 2wd.

Their opinion was the 2wd cost less, less to break/maintain and something about the 2wd having a tighter turning radius.
On the 2wd Rancher the radius is 8.5' and on the 4wd it is 10.8'. I don't know if that is such a big deal but just something they pointed out. But for me I will just be mostly riding on solid ground & trails.

The only thing I have to pull is a chain link fence drag that I use to drag the road to my home whis is about 800'. The contraption weighs less that 100 lbs. So maybe the 2wd will work for me.

One other thing. I might have a chance to get a 2nd hand Yamaha 400 Big Bear 2wd. My boss at work has one that is pratically brand new that he does not use. It the price is right do you know any negatives about that machine??? Either way I am ready to purchase because I'm ready to ride!

Btw my son has a Polaris Youth 90

Regards

 

I don't know much about the Big Bear, but in general Yamaha makes decent quads. You can negotiate mud with a 2wd, just about every sport rider has to do it. My philosophy is if it has to be a ute, it should have 4x4. Of course, living in the snow belt I feel the same way about trucks. It aint a pickup truck unless it can provide power to the front and rear axle.

 

CodeJockey, i understand money is an issue, but i BEG you to REALLY reconsider getting 4x4. I know friends can be really persuasive, but still, you'll definatly stand out if you get a 4x4 and you'll make your friends a little jealous too. Another thing, are you going to be getting the footshift, ES, or AT??? I would get the ES out of the three, or possibly the S. Anyway, i got the Rancher 350 2wd ES and many times i rode with one of my good friends who had the EXACT same ATV as me, just 4wd. ANd wow what a difference. Honda's last long, so i assume you will have your Rancher for a decent amount of time. In that time YOU DEFINATLY will come to an encounter where you have to go through some mud. It happened to me MANY times. Its a whole new world with 4 wheels turning instead of 2. Even if you just ride solid ground and trails. But as i said, if money's an issue, you'll still be very happy with the very snappy Rancher. Just consider it. Its that important.
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2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 (Green)
'27 ITP 589 M/S Tires
on ITP Type 5 Wheels
3000 lb. Warn Winch
3-Way Headlight Mod
High Lifter Lift Kit

2004 Polaris Sportsman 500 Mossy Oak - STOLEN
2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Winch
Sold

 

scooter86 & jjonjon

thank you for all the feedback. this is a very informative forum and is helping me to get some pratical information before i make my purchase. i will actually get a chance to ride both 4 & 2 wd this weekend and this will help me decide. will follow up with a post when i decide. my boss is having the Yamana BB serviced and i will be able to see it hopefully this weekend. I like the Hondas but if the Big Bear is in excellent condition and priced right I'll buy his.

regards

 

I also would consider 4x4. Your friends are just trying to push you toward 2x4 because they dont have a 4x4! Jealousy. JK I dont know what i wouldve done in a couple situations i was in without 4x4, You wouldnt regret it

 

Mr Code Jockey, Please don't buy the Honda Rancher I know a guy that has the 2wd one and when he's out riding with us we have to stop and wait up cause hes sooo far behind. Have you looked at a Suzuki Eiger? Got mine, 4x4 brand new for $4399 OTD and Yamaha makes the Big Bear around that price too.

 

Compare the models and buy the one you like best. You're getting some good advice, if you are going to work with it, get the 4x4.

 

The 4x4 will come in handy when he gets 14 inches of snow in North Carolina, and if a hurricane rips thru, the 4x4 will climb over the downed trees all over the roads, get the 4x4! The way President Bush is causing more and more global warming, severe weather, a 4x4 ATV could be your lifeline. Think of this? If the people in New Orleans owned 4x4 ATV's they could have got out of the city. Buy the 4x4.