If this is in fact a 2000 Rancher, the shift plate located inside the front engine crankcase is probably broken. There was a recall for these models in which the original plate was to be replaced with a heavier duty one. This was an official recall and was obviously to be performed free of charge. It's possible that the recall wasn't performed on your Rancher, did you buy it new? I'm not saying this is the problem, but it would make perfect sense. Look into it...

 

It says it's a 2000 on my registration. I bought the bike used about 4 months ago. Like I said before, I called Honda Canada and got them to run a recall check on my "VIN". He told me there was a recall on the A-arm and a warranty update on the shifter. He also told me that the update would only be covered if it were still under warranty, but he told me to have the dealer to call him and he would see what he could do.

 

I just got off the phone with the dealer, it was the shifter plate. The sweet thing is that it's covered under warranty and the only thing I have to pay for is the new oil they put in it. The bike should be ready tomorrow, they were just finishing the work on the A-arms as there was a recall on something in the A-arms as well. I must say I'm impressed, I droped the bike off Friday afternoon and it will be ready Wednesday! Woooo Hooooo I'm getting my bike back...lol

 

Now, apologize to the Honda gods for doubting Honda's reliability. If you don't apologize, you will surely suffer serious problems with your ATV in the future...

Seriously though, I had a feeling this was the problem. I'm just curious as to why the recalls were never performed on your machine.

You also have to remember that all first year models experience some problems. The nice thing with Honda is that when a problem does arise, they take care of it ASAP instead of ignoring it. I'm happy you're getting your ATV back, have fun.

 

There's a good chance the recall wasn't done because the previous owner was too busy driving it to pay any attention to the notice that arrived in the mail. Or, they may have just said," Let the next owner worry about that, it's working fine now..."

 

Glad for you my friend. sounds like problem solved! Also looks like your dealer is better than mine in the service dept. It took 8 days and a threat of getting another atv to get a c.v.boot put on at my local dealer. Then the boot was back off again in less than 10 hours! Repaired it myself the last time and so far its been great. Good luck and hope you get it back when they promised.