Looks like the Rubicon is going to be nice,from what the article says,I hope so for this may cause mighty Polaris to step up and at least take some weight off. As I really like my Sportsman I will keep it. But I hope the new HONDA does well. And as you guys get your Rubicons please keep us informed on how there doing. And if you are ever in my area of North Caroina maybe we can hook up and ride,as I will ride with anybody.

 

I wish they would have given us a clue as to how fast the top end is.

Also they said it felt "doggy" on the take off when trying to lighten the front end (for log hopping etc..) (it may have been the jetting at the altitude though) Thats kind of weird that it felt doggy but still accelerated faster than the 450..
But they didn't say if that was the case in ESP.

Whats the top end in low vs. High range?
Does High range have enough power for snow and mud?
How low does the first gear go in ESP? If I read the review correctly, they said low range automatically selects D2. Does this mean that the low range automatic will have more pulling power than the ESP?

Whats the deal?????

 

Thers another test at offroad.com

 

Tom Burkoski did the best job so far in explaining how it works. I understood his explanation more clearly than anything else I have read. I thought he had a good layout of words and pics. The subjective parts of the article are his observations and ten others may have the same or split feelings. But, it was better than the Off-Road evaluator who kept pulling on the brake trying to shift and running in lo-range .

 

Yes, I was surprised that it felt "soft and lazy" on the low end side. Maybe it was the jetting, also we don't know if there 450 was jetted to the altitude or not. Can the ESP operate in the hi and lo modes ( hi and lo ESP)? ATV CONNECTION had an excellent review, but there is still lots of questions.

 

I noticed that the Drum brakes didnt work so well backwards and the problem throttling over trees may be due to the Hondamatic having to build pressure before it sends it to the rear wheels(like any hydro trans). I have never driven any hydro or belt or car automatic that had 100% low end responce off idle. I am betting that if you Just keep it reved up in low ESP mode then it will pop a wheelie over a tree because the trans will be 99% efficent. Just my eduacted guess 2 cents worth

 

The only question I have is about the reliability of all the sensors.The writer talks about the worry about belts and pulleys etc on other models, but what about the special sensors. Honda's are super reliable machines, but I work with two guys who have the electric shift models (1999 450 es and a 2000 Rancher) both have had problems with the "pod". The 450es is on its fourth one.I know these are probably abberations, but with even more electrical do-dads and sensors I worry about reliability over time, especially in muddy, water soaked conditions. I also want to know what is up with Honda's fear of disc brakes. I know that the drums work ok but I have never had any luck keeping them clean. If these questions are answered to my satisfaction..sign me up cause I definately want one.
Mike

 

OH boy...it beat my 450es...big deal, everything does..anyone spending $7,000 for this...gets what they deserve!!
Better yet...DONT BUY IT...Honda ..we (and you) can do MUCH better!!
Think about it..do your sensors on your trucks work flawlessly?? How about the cpu you'r using right now...work perfect all the time??
Add this to an atv in the mud ...40 miles from no-where ..not a confidence builder for me!
Not untill it runs 50-60 in 2 wheel drive,has hyd. disc brakes (front AND rear)....
Hopefully the 4 wheel drive system works....
How about something simple... LIKE BRAKE LIGHTS!!
Listen closely....others are laughing
LOYAL TO HONDA 450es ...not to this over-priced..over enginnered beast...

 

JRM, I think your probably right about running it in ESP mode. When they talk about operating in D1 or D2 mode " is a little strange at first because regardless of throttle application the engine rpm stays somewhat constant." What does this mean? Is the engine going to be running at a higher rpm than you actually need? Why would you want to run around at X rpm when actually you only need to run at Y rpm? If I give the thing half throttle on the flat in D1 mode is the engine going to run up where it gets peak hp when it really doesn't have to? thats seems to be what I'm reading here, but I just can't understand why it would be that way. Wear and tear, fuel consumption, noise would be high. If anybody can shed some light on this, please speak up.

 

Guys ,was it just me or did there seem to be a little air of disapointment surrounding this test. The testers just didn't seem all that enthusiastic about the machines performance. Hopefully Dirtwheels or another publication will really wring one out soon and give us a good review. This one was great as far as the technical parts go but I really had hoped that they could stretch one out for top speed and acceleration.