I rode one of the new '04 Rancher AT's today. I was going by my local Honda dealer and saw one out front and had to turn around and go check it out. I didn't think they'd be in Canada for a while. I was pretty impressed with it. I've heard a few poeple say that it was just going to be a smaller Rubicon. It has the same style tranny as the Rubi buts thats the only similair thing. It's quite a bit smaller than the Rubi and has ALOT sportier feeling when riding in either 2wd or 4wd and seems to soak up the bumps better aswell. In auto mode it was very smooth and consistant and ESP mode was great for exact power control. There is quite a bit more power than the 350 Rancher but nowhere near as much as the Rubi. As far as comparing it to a 450 that wouldn't be right because they are 2 VERY different machines. In a drag race the AT would beat a 450 but in a pull the 450 would win hands down. I only rode it for about 15-20 min around the dealers lot and some small hills, but first impression put it as a machine that would make an awsome trial machine that with some good tires would handle most mud situations that you'd throw at it. I don't know if it's a machine I'd want to make into a pure mug buggy though but to tell for sure I'd need some more time in the seat. I had 3 minor disapponments with it. #1) No H/L range on the tranny like the Rubi but it did pull strong right from the get go. #) Has a 12" front rim and still an 11" rim. Not a big deal but when looking at aftermarket tires it cuts down on your selections. A 12" rear rim would be nice. #3) The Olive colour machine has some very ugly black rims. I think it would look much better with the grey like the rest. This is just a personal thing though. The list price on it was $8299 Canadian. I'll be interested to see what they acually sell for. Has anyone else in Ontario or Canada been price shopping for these quads yet? I'd really like to pick one up for a second machine for the wife (at least that what she thinks!!!).

 

I'm here in Halifax, Nova Scotia and I will be picking my 400AT up this Thursday. I can hardly wait. Down here in the halifax area they are going for $8300 to $8900 plus tax. But there is a small dealer about an hour and a hafl outside halifax called MacKay Brothers in Tatamagouhe which are selling them for $8500 taxes in. They have a very good reputation for having the best prices and swinging great deals with their customers. That is why I went with them. Like I said I'm picking mine up Thursday so I will let you know how it is after the weekend.

 

There is a site advertising the 04 Rancher 400 AT for $5199.99 US. It doesn't mention any other fees like tax, filing, etc...