How does the Rancher ES steer. The old Honda 300 4X4 were hard to steer running down the road since it was full time 4X4. Since the Rancher ES does not have a 2/4 wheel shift lever, does it have the same problem?

 

The Rancher has a bit of bump steer, on both the 2wd and 4wd models, so you can't blame that on the front drive train. This is most noticeable on hard pack when you land on the back side of a whoop.

If you look at the differential gearing, they gear the back slightly HIGHER than the front. So, the front mostly loafs until the back slips a little. The system works pretty well! I frankly don't notice that much of a difference between the 2wd and 4wd models. In fact, I have learned to use the front drive to PULL me around tight corners (rather than sliding out the back end), and it works well.

I have to say that I bought a Warn 424 (2wd/4wd disconnector), and have never installed it! Can't bring myself to add an extra 15 lbs to the front of an already to heavy bike.

 

i drove a rancher 4x4 manual model on modany and came away very impressed by the ease of steering on a 4x4 machine. it was very nimble and easy to turn. it felt quick for a 4x4. I was pleasantly surpised. I've never driven the 2wd version or an ES.