Been shopping for an ATV and it looks like I'm leaning toward the 350-400 class. I narrowed it down to the Suzuki Eiger 4x2 5sp or the Honda Rancher ES. I want to get your opinions (pro and con)and any other info. This machine will be used primarily for trail riding with an occasional need for utility work. Thanks for your help!

 

I bought an Eiger 4x4 2 weeks ago and have 71 miles on it so far no problems the hi low shifter was a little tight but it starting to losen up now dont know much about the honda es except the prices are to high for a smaller cc machine the Eiger's have lots of power more ground clearence and a decent ride and very nible feel at slow speeds as well has high speeds.I have been suprised on what it will go through in 2 wheel drive

 

Hello newbie....a friend i ride with often has the eiger, and i have the rancher....his bike is faster and performs better than my machine....you could never change his mind about the eiger, he loves it....but i would take the rancher over the eiger...based only on honda's reputation for reliability...i've owned honda's before and one suzuki....i am not saying his bike is not reliable because from all reports the eiger is an exceptional machine, and we have seen zero problems with his machine (except for the shifter problem mentioned in the previous post)..the shifter is still tight....you mentioned 4x2...i didn't know the eiger had a 4x2 model..unless you mean switchable 4x2, 4x4...but if they do make just a 4x2 model, i would suggest you get the 4x4...you'll be wishing you had...so i guess what i'm saying is that the eiger is a GREAT fun bike, great utility and fast...faster than my bike and my bike does almost 50 mph...i don't think you can go wrong with either....i do think the eiger is a better performer.

 

I had the same choice between the Rancher and Eiger. Both are good bikes. In most areas, the Eiger is just a tad better. Little faster, little more suspension and ground clearance, leans just a little more towards sport while the Rancher goes towards utility. As for reliability, this is my 2nd 'zuki. My old one always got me home. I think Suzuki's reliability is a good as Honda's.

BTW - The Eiger comes in 4 models - 5-speed and automatic in 2wd and the same two choices in 4wd. 4wd is switchable into 2wd.

Jaybee

 

I'm going to mix it up a little....

I was ready to buy the Eiger. But the dealer couldn't get one for 3+ weeks. The Suzuki plant that made them was moving from Japan to US. After doing some research I found the Arctic Cat 375 has the same engine as the Suzuki. But the only draw back is the fact they only come in automatics. But I love riding mine!

SargentHP

 

Well...... have you looked at the Yamaha's???? I ride a Kodiak and LOVE it. I got started and hooked on riding when I borrowed a friends Honda 300 it was nice but the Kodiak seems more stable and has more features I think. If I had to choose between the 2 I'd say HONDA!!!! My husband swears by them and has always rode Honda's.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Sorry by the way the Kodiak is pushbutton 4X4 and automatic w/ high and low.

 

Ya I did... And they are pricey. The electronics is just something else to get wet and fail. I had created a spreadsheet of all ATV's in the size I wanted. Arctic Cat had the features/specs that I wanted.

Don't get me wrong the Yamaha's are great machines. But for the money and features I couldn't turn down the Cat.

 

Yea they are pretty pricey!!!! I seen some "cats" at the ATV Jamboree doing the mudd bogg and they did pretty dang good!!! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]