I've been reading a lot of the reviews of the Rincon lately including the 650 "shootout" in atvnews; and, as a new owner of a Rincon, I agree with most of the assessments- the "luxury car" ride, great seat, seemless power (without being overpowering), good stability, reasonable ground clearance, etc. But, I can't go along with the "excellent engine braking" assessment in the afore-mentioned 650 shootout. If there is engine braking on steep downhills, there is precious little of it. I realize you have to be going above 8 m.p.h. for the Rincon's system to kick in, but even then I have to use the brakes quite a bit. I'm not really complaining cause overall I love the machine, just stating an observation.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

I AGREE WITH YOU THE ENGINE BRACKING IS NOT GREAT, BUT THEN AGAIN THE ONLY TIME I THINK I WOULD WISH IT HAD MORE WOULD BE GOING DOWNA VERY STEEP INCLINE. BUT HOW LONG IS THE INCLINE IS USING THE BREAKS GONNA RUIN THEM? I THINK THAT ALL BEING SAID THE RINCON IS A GREAT MACHINE AND THAT ITS MADE BY HONDA IS A PLUS. LIKE IVE SAID BEFORE ALL THE TOP QUADS ARE GOOD YUO HAVE TO TAILOR YOUR STYLE AND NEEDS TO THE MACHINE. ITS ALL PREFERENCE SURE THE DEBATE OF WHATS THE BEST WILL ALWAYS GO ON BUT AS LONG AS YOUR RIDING FREE OUT ON THE TRAILS THATS GOOD ENOUGH FOR ME.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Hello 04Rincon, yes I’ve heard that report from other Rincon owners as well. BTW for engine braking to be more efficient you must have the machine in 4WD (so in a situation where you want it most such as a steep downhill be sure to select 4WD mode and be sure you are in low gear). A friend of mine who rides a Rubicon wanted to upgrade to a Rincon but changed her mind when she found out that bit of information (about the engine braking) as she got it first hand from another rider who went to a Rincon from a Rubicon (she has been spoiled by the Rubicon's awesome engine braking). However that is something one can get used to (like I have done with my V-Force).

Beyond that though the Rincon is a great machine to spend days on the trails with because of its superior handling traits and the comfort of its ride (although I believe I’ve heard it vibrates more than others). Besides engine braking the only other downside may be its inability to crawl over obstacles as efficiently as other big bores simply because of less versatility it has with its three speed transmission (it may require more momentum than some to get the job done). Once you are in the engine / tranny’s sweet spot though (probably anything above a crawl) you have a pretty good package to work with.

 

The reason the engine breaking isn't so great is because of the high 1st gear. If it was lower, the engine breaking could be just as good as a manual quad. And it can crawl(creep) over rocks and trees easily at slow speeds. Doesn't really take much momentum for me.

 

OK, I stand corrected on the “crawl” issue, I’ve never driven one and have not read or heard of any complaints in that area. That was just a hypothesis based upon seeing one have difficulties turning its tires after it was mired down in the mud. In hindsight I have seen the Rubicon in situations where it can’t turn the tires (trying to pull something beyond its capabilities), yet it can crawl over anything (i.e. rocks, logs) with ease in a trail situation. I reckon it all depends on the circumstances.