Da*m Straight!

RANCHER ES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

I have a Rancher ES, my wife has the Sportsman 335. They are very different! If ride is number 1 go with the Polaris it is like a cadilac. I like the the Rancher for power, speed, handling, gas milage, smaller foorprint for off-roading, ect. The ES is fine 300 miles so far. Both machine have under 500 miles, the Polaris has been to the shop twice, none for the Honda. The brakes on the Rancher are pretty weak for the rear set. They are fine if you apply both. Thought the brakes on my 300 were better, brakes are the weak point!! Both machines fit their purpose, hard for me to compare in the same class based upon use.

 

Me personally I dont want an electric shift b/c i do a lot of mud riding and crossing creeks and stuff and if the electric shift thing gets wet it will mess up and i am used to the manual shift and it would be hard to get used to the electric...
but thank's for helping me with my problem..

'00 300 Fourtrax (gnb Dirtdevils)
'97 CR125
Soon to have '00 Rancher

 

The Sportsman 500 might kick butt but its little brother doesn't. I have ridden the SP335 on the trails & the Rancher is better. Its not nearly as heavy & handles better.

The SP335 might have IRS but when I put my big butt 200+ pounds on it the IRS shrank down an inch or two.

You won't find a better mid-size quad than the Rancher!

 

Get the ES definitely. Either the Rancher or the Foreman are excellent machines. I have the 450ES and love it. I wanted the extra power cuz I'm that kind of guy.(Want bigger tires and lift eventually) I have not had any problems with the ES when in water, mud, upside down, wheor wherever. For the $200 bucks and the stuff you get, ES is the only way to go. I like it because when I go into the mud or water, I don't have to put my feet down into the muck to shift. A touch of the thumb and I can have whatever gear I want. Some people might have problems but they are the few exceptions. Everyone I ride with have ES and no complaints. Either machine you will come out a winner. Honda all the way!

 

Get the Rancher!
I have over 200 miles on mine, with no problems at all. The ES works when wet, as do the brakes (you will have to adjust the rear brake a time or two... the factory setting is loose), the power is great for me, I'm 57, it handles like a dream, will blow the doors off the 335 in a race, is lighter, and the suspension is great for normal trail riding and pulling light to mid weight implements.
All ATV's have some problems, Honda just has less than everyone else!

lablover
Rancher ES 4x4, green

 

get the rancher s cause i know what type of riding u do so i should know that the es wouldnt do good for u cause i see everything u go through and half the time pullin u out get the s u can pop better wheelies probably

 

I just bought one. I've sank it, floated it, and flipped it. Not even a sputter. and for the extra $200 its well worth it to get full floorboards electronic console and the ES system is rock solid.

 

deadeye is right. The only problem I have with the ES is trying to remember where the shifter is. I stomped the floorboard loose almost. Hehe not really.... I have to switch back and forth between manual clutch, manual shift and ES.
I have a lot of fun on the Rancher. The best thing is to watch my wife on it. She can now keep up with rest of the clan.
Don't listen to any numb nut advice to but a Polaris.

 

I havent had a problem yet. The Rancher 4x4 ES rocks!