just got my new 2004 rancher ES originally wanted a manual shift , but for an extra $150 why not get the ES?
easier resale, digital dash, easier to shift when standing on the pegs hauling a**.




pros:

superb maneuverability
sharp turning radius
I like the new body style and the added storage pocket on the right front side
rear break light are nice (new for 2004 ?) it lets riders behind you know that they are about to slam in to you. :-)
it has a carb heater just like the rubicon
huge cooling fan , good size oil cooler
feels light ( after my rubicon )
good power for a 329 cc engine
digital dash is nice
comes with a small lever (in the storage comp. --to shift the trans in case the electronic shift motor take a dive, nice touch from honda.
full floor boards for 2004 on standard floorshift and the ES always had it.


cons: ( these are minor things I can live with )
crappy tires , goodyear ?
got to get used to the reverse procedure
got to get used to the shifting (after the rubicon )
rough suspension , I wish it would have rider select spring preload
grease fitting would be nice for the front rear control arms.
front break lever should have a cam style adjuster for people with smaller hand (ladies)
oil filter location is much better than the rubicon , rancher has it on the right side, but I do not like the way the filter cover is held on with small bolts, reason is :
small steel bolts going in to an aluminum housing repeatedly is asking for trouble.
suzuki has a better idea , they use 3 studs(locked in the aluminum housing ) , the oil filter cover slides over it and 3 cap style nuts to secure it.
that is how I will set up mine after the first oil change.


I already got stuck in mud ( dried up pond bed it seemed dry on the surface but it was soupy under it real bad), but i don't think a 4x4 could have got me out of it. managed to get my self out of it but had to call it a day I was so exhausted and cover in stinky mud.
But hey, that is fun about being outdoor.

 

How much are they in your neck of the woods? I had to pay 5799.00 to get the Rancher AT 396 with select 4 wheel drive. Just wondering if you do not mind letting us know.

 

rancher 2x4 ES = $3650 +tax
rancher AT = $5299 +tax

also I edited the cons: list .... in my original post

 

Tires are my only complaint. I don't particularly like the stock tires on either the 4X4 or 2X4. Replaced them with Holeshot ATR's on (light!) ITP 12X7" rims. It is a different bike! About 4" wider, so it is more stable, and the ride is way more sporty.

And, the engine perks up pretty well with a K&N and aftermarket pipe.

 

reconranger,

What kind of pipe did you use? I have aan AT and want to add a pipe but don't want anything to loud. I actually am happy with the stock sound.
Also, have you tried your ATR's in any snow or mud? I have heard a few comments that they are not the best in these conditions. I was thinking about buying a set but wanted to hear some other peoples opinion.
Thanks

 

My pipe is the FMF MegaMax II, with 6 discs. Nice balance between power and noise (but certainly louder than stock).

I'm the wrong guy to ask about mud and snow, seeing I live in the desert. Actually, we get quite a bit of snow in my local mountains, and my experiences in snow so far have been very positive!! The one place the ATR's aren't so great is on hardpack.

 

Zsebi:

Sounds like a very good bargin for the rancher es. Could you post the dealership info?

Thanks

 

there you have it:

http://www.bartlesvillecyclesports.c...t.asp#HondaATV

 

thank you!

 

boy o boy you guys paid quite a bit, i went to a dealer about 20 miles from my house and got one for $4989.99 that was including tax and licensing too