I agree with everyone. Like Atving and Gregsims always say, that Polaris pushes Honda. I never argued that and most wouldn't. However like someone said before, Honda goes a different direction for their utility quads, Just as Polaris goes a completely different way in their sport quads. Honda has focused on reliability, handling, Stability, Low center of gravity, Not overpowering engines yet finding ways to get more power out of drive terrain by mounting the engine sideways. They simply focus on different areas, of the quad. However there are rumors that a new 600ex is coming and that the IRS is on it's way, but lighter, is this true, who nows, but one thing is for sure I just want to still be riding in 2 to 40 years. VOTE FOR BUSH!!!!!!!

 

Have you written a letter to Honda of N.A. to express your concerns and questions?

 

walexa, to help make sense of Honda try looking at things in a different way. First You said you thought Honda's ES is not reliable think of it this way is the auto trany on a polaris unreliable because the belts can get wet wear out or break? I don't think so whats the difference between a switch getting wet or a belt getting wet or breaking last I herd it was recommended that guy's with auto trany's should carry an extra belt. Clean a switch change a belt like I said what's the difference. its taking the good with the bad every system has a weak link. And you said Honda seems to "avoid a better 4WD system" I think the suretrack so far has proven to be a big improvement not only for traction but steering is a lot lighter. it may not be a true full time 4WD but it sure steers a heck of a lot better it just doesn't out do true full 4WD
it's all in how you look at it and honda just does it thier way. I am sure you have not seen the end of those improvments from honda or polaris or anyone else and thats good it keeps the compitition going which we the consumer
benefit from.

by the way my ES Rancher has worked Flawlessly river crosing after river crossing pouring rain you name it. it's handled it so far and the same goes for the suretrack.

 

my ES and sure trac works as advertised, and flawlessly also. we must have lemons

 

Good posts. I too believe that Honda takes a more conservative approach than Polaris. As far as the ES, I have had zero, not one problem with it. There are others that have.

This is just like Polaris riders trying to tell me they never have seen a belt burn or slip. Well I have seen a belt go out & slip.

It is good that Polaris & Honda push each other that way we all win with better products.

 

I think suspension is what should be developed on these quads more than anything eles.These machines are made for going over the roughest terrain and the suspension is the only thing that will separate the effects of it to the rider.

Look at snowmobile,suspension is what they develope the most.Look at a 80's sled to a late 90's both will go fast but the new sled are a smooth controlable and enjoyable ride and they do not even have to go over as rough of stuff as we have to.
I hope to see the day in the near future were we look at the best riding bike out now and say "Remember those rough riding bain shaking things ,those were not the days" .

 

I feel that Honda has seen the recent trends from the ATV market, and as a result they realize that riders now want more than just a motor and frame attached to four wheels. And these added features will come at a price. Not just in $$$$ but also in reliability at times. I feel that in the last few years Honda is becomming a front runner again with innovative designs and features such as redesigning the engine on their utility quads to give it a better center of gravity and more power with the inline drive shafts, and with the sureloc differential and with the Hondamatic transmission and also with the convience of the electric shift. I have had my Rancher buried wheels up in a hudge mud pit,"not an intentional act" and never had a problem with my electric shift, and on the other hand I hear of directly the opposite from some owners. The bottom line is that Honda is moving with the trends, maybe not as fast as some ATV companies but I'm sure the reason for that is because if you are know as being the maker of the most reliable ATV in the world, you would probably want to make sure it worked before you put it into production.
Bottom line.........Ride Honda.....

 

i dont know why honda doesn't put a 2/4 switch? as far as electrical stuff-honda has built cars with tons of sensors for almost a couple of decades and are still the most reliable car around so whats the worry? and they do have a new diff.-its called the suretrac and you can find it on the ranchers and rubicon and soon to be every other model(400/450)

 

Different manufacturers go in different directions. Honda is still no. 1 in sales so they must be doing something right. We all have different needs and likings when it comes to our ATV's. As for me I used to hate 2x4's. "What's the point of only the rear wheels spinning?" I used to say. But when I ride my Scrambler it is always in 2x4. I find it funner in most situations since the front wheels don't hook up everywhere and it slides around corners better.

Most people (99%) buy an ATV based on brand name, looks and input from family and friends. For example, they havn't a clue to what is true 4-wheel drive and a limited slip or belt drive or hydrolic...

Manufacturers have marketing departments that aim sales at that 99% of the buying population. I think the manufacturers know well in advance what they will come out with and why.

 

Face it people HONDA is obviuosly trying to copy POLARIS with the 2/4wd switch.

RIDE THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!!
2000 POLARIS SCRAMBLER 2X4

SCRAMDADDY400