Hi everyone.

I would appreicate your thoughts. I am considering purchasing a Honda Rancher ES and would like to buy the two wheel drive version.
I plan to ride on logging roads and fire roads. I don't plan to do mud with it.

The reasons I would like the 2-wheel drive are:

Cheaper than 4x4
Simplier -- less to go wrong with no front differential
More sporty handling

I plan to get a winch, so if I get stuck I can get myself out.

Dealers keep saying things like "90% of the time you could operate in 2 wheel drive." I am not sure I want the 4x4 for the possible 10% it might be needed.

Rancher owners, please give me your thoughts.

Thanks
LPP

 

Never owned one, but i put more seat time on my dads then he did so I think this should count. 4WD ranches are excelent in mud and snow. People around here say they can go about anywhere with their 2WD that the 4WD's can, as long as they have a little speed. I liked my dads 4WD but you really need it up here because of the snow and junk. For logging roads you probly dont need 4WD because you will all ways be able to get a run at what ever is in your way. Either way, both are stone reliable quads. Hope this helps

 

My neighbor has the shift model, two drive wheel drive Rancher and he just loves it. You wouldn't believe where he goes with that machine. If your getting a winch to go with the rancher I see know problem you going anywhere.

If you want almost zero problems I would go with the shift model though and its cheaper yet.

I would use the search feature here on the forums to see what are some of the problems ES Rancher owners have had in the past.

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We have both. The 2X4 is a very capable machine, but more and more, I am wishing I had another 4X4. We do a lot of technical trail riding (like bolder strewn old mining roads), and the extra security of the 4X4 is nice. What is particularly nice, is the 4-wheel engine braking during tough techincal descents.

 

The only time I could have used 4x4 was in the deeper slushy snow. I rode on alot of snowmobile trails last winter. Sometimes I was the one breaking new tracks. You just have to stay on the packed down snow or you'll sink down and get stuck. I've seen a few 4x4 quads stuck in the snow too.

I like the simplicity of the foot shift.

I've never been stuck in the mud where I had to use my winch. I usually ride with people that have 4x4 and I go every where they go. So far. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

But, Coyotechasers Recon is 200 lbs. lighter than the average 4X4!!!

 

If I were you, I would get the 4x4. More than likely, you will eventually want it, and it will be a longer road trading off or something. The 4x4 still steers fine, and there's a big difference in what you can and can't do with a 2wd. Try going down a slick hill, then backing up it with a 2wd. You will spin yourself around sideways where as the 4x4 will back right up. I've seen 4x4 ranchers advertised for as low as $4350 during the honda bonus bucks promo, and the difference in price between that and a 2wd version is worth the extra cash. Only way I would buy a 2wd bike is if it was a sport. 4wd is one of those things that is better to have and not need than to need and not have.

 

I have to vote the 4x4 for atv's with racks period. The rancher front diff, doesn't really have anything to "go wrong" with it... it's bulletproff. It never gets in the way, and is always there if that makes any sense. The cost for atv's 4wd is quite low and there is no insurance penalty(contrary to pick-ups etc.) Lastly in all honesty you will tear out a CV boot on accasion if you use your ride for brush hogging. THhey are a minor pain to replace (I do my own in short order total of two torn on my rancher in 2900 miles)

 

I would go with the 2wd. If you don't plan on doing alot of mudding then the 2wd is the better choice. Its alot more fun to drive then a full time 4x4 and is also lighter. I have had my recon through some pretty nasty mud and have only wished for a 4x4 a few times but most of that was in snow.

 

I'm not sure what your point is, but the Wolverine is only 85lbs more. The Rancher 4x4S is 98lbs.more.
I'm not sure what my point is because as I said, I'm not sure what your point was.
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