ES all the way. It will be hardr to wheelie, but for the 2 bills, it is well worth the money. Problems? What Problems? None here or with the people I ride with. A few problems and suddenly it gets a bad rap. If you get a flat, does that mean that You no longer want inflatable tires? Stop Bashing the ES! It is an excellent option, and I wouldn't be without it in a Honda. (PERIOD)

 

I have heard alot of good things about the ES and everyone seems to like it (who has one) and they say they have had few problems with it..My main concern is the electric shift...Will it tear up if it gets wet....Will it break off if i flip over....thats few of the many questions i have...

'00 300 honda - gnb DirtDevils
'97 CR125
'80 something 185 S
Go-Kart--185 motor, 22" wooly bugers

 

I have had the Rancher on several stream/river crossings up to cover of the ESP. She didn't sputter, cough or anything. NO problems.

Will it tear up? I don't know. I have 400 miles no problems. Now I haven't flipped mine over, yet (knocking on wood) so I can't answer that question.

If you are that concerned then get the extended warrenty.

Have you ridden a Rancher yet? If not go try the ES.

 

just replaced a part in our 450es...cause it start to play silly buggers.......bike was 7mths old.....took day and a half to work out exact problem....cost $1000NZD for the part (big black box with heaps of wires going in and out of it under the front fender)! is that about $460 US? food for thought.....if you buy it for mud holes and water (hang on ...r u guys going soft! haha)......remember gumboots (wellingtons)....what ever you call them are cheap...leggings are cheap and so is duck tape....after seeing what happened to ours i was glad it happened under warranty!.....i personally wouldn't buy another es.....cost is little in the short term but longterm reliability i would question