Got the chance to take the new ruby out for a ride last night at the local dealership and have the following thoughts: First I was suprised by the size of this thing, very similar to the 500 Polaris. Quality seemed very good, typical Honda here. When I started the bike I did notice that the bike took much longer to warm up than say my Rancher does. Just need a lot of choke to keep it from sputtering. Any Rubicon owners out there experiencing this?

Taking off the power is great and this thing feels like no other quad, speaking mostly about the tranny. Incrediably smooth and fairly torquey (if that's a word). Enging braking was great, but I did forget to run it in the esp mode, wish I would have tried. Suspension is a definite upgrade, very similar to the Sportsman but not quite as plush. The quad has a bigger and more comfortable seat also, this probably helps the ride.

Overall, I was very tempted to buy this thing, maybe I'll wait a year and see if any problems need to be worked out. Nice work Honda!

 

Rancheres,

This was a good review. I can't wait to ride one myself.

 

My Rubicon has no cold start problems which you've discribed.....each will probably have their own personality I suppose. The ESP mode feels almost exactly like the ES on your Rancher (rode a few of those also) with the exception that there is no loud tranny "SNICK" when moving from one gear (or swash plate position?) to another......amazing. Totally quite tranny. By the way, I own a Polaris and a Kawasaki too.....I like all three......no bashing here.