Id say that 2x4 would be fine especially since you are a decent weight (not fat... dont get offended) plus Hondas are great ATVs... BUT you said you live in Louisianna so Im assuming that means lots of mud... sticky, mucky mud! so a 4x4 would be neccesary. good luck on your search.

 

If you ride in mud or snow you need a 4x4 for that extra traction and pulling power. If not those 2 wheels are trying to push the other two through the muck!!

 

Well, it's settled, I'm convinced. I've arranged to buy a new '07 Rancher 4x4ES (TRX420FE) at Brookhaven Honda. I wanted green but they only have camo in that model, I do like the look of the camo with the black rims though. It was a tough sell with the wife, quite a job tryin to slide through the $1,000 or so price increase from what I originally told her (originally considered the 400 carbureted engine, the 420 is fuel-injected/liquid cooled). I've looked at all the reviews I can find, can't find anything negative about this bike. I'll probly pick it up next week. Thanks for the help.

 

Good for you!! I love the ranchers and I think they look great in camo w/ black rims... mean lookin!! I have the silver/gray rims on my recon and they are uuuuugly!! (but Im too cheap to drop a few hundred just on wheels... I may end up painting them)

 

I,m not sure about the electric shift, I,ve heard alot of problems with them. I bought the 420FM manual foot shift. can,t go wrong.

 

The forums are full of posts about problems with the ES but otherwise people say they're great quads. But EFI and liquid cooling is the <u>only</u> choice IMO.

I was stationed at Fort Polk, LA in the army for 2 years. I drove my 4x4 SUV down back roads and tanks trails all the time. The mud on some trails got so bad that tanks and self-propelled howitzers were scraping bottom. I can't believe anyone riding an off road vehicle in Louisiana won't be going in mud and needing 4 wheel drive.

 

I bought the 07 Rancher 420FE, 4x4 w/ES. I live in SE Louisiana. It's exactly what you need, ES or not.

 

congrats on the new machine, I know your going to be happy with your choice. I have no regrets with the 07 I have.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: southwest45

congrats on the new machine, I know your going to be happy with your choice. I have no regrets with the 07 I have.</end quote></div>

Thanks, you guys were right. I've used the 4x4 several times. This machine is perfect for me so far, I couldn't imagine having anything less. The one thing really standing out right now is fuel efficiency, I can go forever on a tank of gas.

 

i have a 2wd and my friend has a 4wd and i can go through all the same stuff he can as long as you got good tires i woulnt worry to much