I am considering buying either the Honda Rancher 4 x 4 ES or the manual shifting version of the same ATV. Are there any advantages of the ES over the manual shifting version? Is the ES model just as reliable as the manual version? Any help would be appriecated.

 

I've had my ES for 6 months, and have had no problems at all. I like it because of the full floorboards. You can also wear heavy boots in cold weather and not worry about getting your foot under the shift lever. You can also raise your feet in deep water, and still shift. There are other threads on this subject, if you want to check them out.

 

It is an awesome machine I got mine in I think 2000 (its not really mine its my mom's but ive put most of the miles on it [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]) It is really nice. You can always see what gear your in and its really easy, I love it. Get the ES

 

I have seen my friend take their rancherES through deep water and it's never had a problem. I have a 2003 manual that has never rboken down. What can I say honda builds machines that can go thru hell and back.

 

Rancher AT with switchable 4x4/2x4 is the only way to go. I use the feature all the time !

Spud

2004 Rancher AT

 

I think which one has the advantage is up to you. Some people love to shift with their foot and some don't. We have been happy with our ES, our daughters liked it over the S model. They both have advantages and dis-advantages. I do believe you are less likely to have a problem twith the S over the ES. I would still take the ES over the S personally.

 

The manual shift model is going to be more reliable, hands down. I don't have a lot of faith in things electronic around water and mud, and over time. Having said that, the ES is a lot more convenient to shift, I just don't like the added risk of problems. If you do go for the ES, shell out a few more bucks for the extended warranty while you're at it.

 

the ES is better and way easier!

 

Sometimes my friends gets stuck in gear and wont shift down so we got to push him off when that happens. Once you get experienced you will know what gear your in anyways. Plus when I drove the ES it seems that it puts more strain on the tranny when you shift down. The speedo is a great feature but not very accurate compared to a cars anyways. Just my 2 cents

 

I have seen a few threads over time about problems with a ES system. I have never seen someone post a problem with a foot shift.They might exist but I haven't seen them.