Hi, I'm seriously considering buying one of these machines, a new 2003 model. I've got an out the door price of $3,599. I'll be using it for trailriding in Utah. I currently have a '97 Lakota and a '01 Trailblazer 250. I'd like to hear some feedback from those that own the 350 Rancher and how they like it, also is this a good price, by the way it's from L.A. Honda anyone ever have any dealings with them good or bad, and finally how does this quad compare to the Kawasaki and Polaris? Thanks a lot for any feedback. Haven't owned a Honda since my old '73 CL 125 scrambler.

 

Honda sold 70,000 Ranchers in 02. That should tell you something!! The Rancher is the just big enough, but not so big that it is a hulking beast, machine. We love ours!

OK, TM stands for 2wd and foot shift, right? Not sure what the 3 means (2003???). Where to start? The 2wd is a very capable machine, and will go places you never thought a 2wd could! It is fairly sporty for a ute, and handles well for trail riding. I have actually busted out some pretty big air on this bike (the bike flies level!). I wouldn't go bashing any big desert whoops with it though! Stock, the bike is a bit tipsy because of the balooney back tires. I changed to Holeshot ATR's on ITP12X7" rims, and it is a whole different bike. It is wider and more stable, and has more of a sporty ride. It isn't light by sport bike standards, but it is light enough by ute standards. I would do a K&N with Outerwears and an aftermarket muffler (FMF MegaMax II was my choice). It will perk the motor up quite a bit.

I use the utes in the mountains where high ground clearance is the main requirement. Traction usually isn't the main issue, but more traction never hurts. I bought the 2X4 when the kids were younger, and I didn't anticipate that they would grow up some day and want to go rock crawling. That said, I am now wishing I had another 4X4!! Only you know for sure what type of trail conditions you will be in, but definitely get the 4X4 if you have any thoughts that you might need one some day!! It may be worth the extra $1,000!!

You should expect a real good price on a 2003, because the 2004 is a different body style (although mechanically identical). If that if the real price out the door (bike, tax, liscense, shipping, and setup), I would say it is a good price.

 

Hey reconranger, thanks a lot for your time, great post!

 

I was going to post but after reading reconranger's post whats the point in me saying a word other than
my neighbor has one of the first Ranchers (2wd model) that came out and he beats on it almost daily and it still runs, simply amazing.

Chet

 

I bought a '03 350TM in early Nov. I love it. Best handling and manuvering quad I have ever ridden,
and I have rode a lot over the years. Not at all tippy, which is important to me. Just keep them back
tires pulling and it isn't tippy at all.
It will go almost anywhere you point it if you change the tires to suit the conditions.
Not a sand bike or a hill climber, but it will do everything else.

And that is one h*ll of a price, I paid 3790 OTD.

 

Great buy on the 2003 Rancher, the 04 Recons are going for that much, and they're a 250. I'd say grab the leftover '03 before someone else does. With the '04 you'd have to pay more, that's just the way it is.

 

I don't know if you bought one yet but here goes. I bought a 2004 350 2wd ES about three weeks ago. This is my first ATV and I love it. This was also the first ATV I have ever ridden and it is very easy. It has the electric shift which is a no brainer. I bought a Warn 2500 lb winch for it and installed it last weekend. I have only about five hours on it so far, but I plan to put a whole lot more. I purchased it for $3999 OTD from LA Cycle. They are a no frills shop, but from what I have found they have the best prices on the west coast. I live in Bakersfield, CA (about a two hour drive away from LA Cycle) and nobody here could come close to there prices. Anyway, if you already have your 350, congratulations, if not, you may want to opt for the 2004 with ES for just a little more.