Im looking at buying an '05 Rincon.. I know all the details about it.. and i already own a 2004 Polaris Sportsman 700 and a Rancher ES (which im about to sell). I have ridden Grizzlys Praires and all of the above.. but Im choosing Honda because i Love the ESP and reliability. Well, all you Rincon owners, what do you think of your machines? Thanks for the help.



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2004 Polaris Sprotsman 700
ITP '27 589 M/S Tires

2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Warn 2.5 Winch

 

Hello:

I just bought a 2005 Rincon less than two week ago. So far my only complaint is that there absolutely no engine brake for down hill speed control other than the brakes. I plan to add a set of High Lift disc brakes up front, in place of the stock drums. Out here in California and the west, we have a lot trails that have some steep portions on them with no engine braking I don’t feel as comfortable as I did on my 2003 Foreman 450S. This has made me consider selling the Rincon and getting the 2005 Foreman 500ES. I hope this helps.

 

Thanks Thawk



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2004 Polaris Sprotsman 700
ITP '27 589 M/S Tires

2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Warn 2.5 Winch

 

Still wanting replys.



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2004 Polaris Sprotsman 700
ITP '27 589 M/S Tires

2001 Honda Rancher ES 350
Warn 2.5 Winch

 

Well, I think it's all about what you're looking for in your ATV. I love this machine, plain and simple. Yes, there is no low range gear, but the Rincon has proved to have more than enough power to accommodate such a design. I believe the engineers at Honda made the right decision. This machine is simply one of the best in terms of ergonomics and stability. I have full aluminum armor and 27" mudzillas weighing it down and can still ride a wheelie with the best of the sport machines. When it comes to the mud, I have had to yank the Polaris 800 EFI out of the thick plenty of times when the Rincon went right through it. Don't get me wrong, a lot of it can be due to timing, tires, conditions, rider error, etc, but it has not let me down.

Also, it takes a couple of rides to get used to the gearing and the EBS. Contrary to most posts, the Rincon does have an active EBS. It doesn't do much before 6 or 8 mph, and I know that most steep decents take place below this speed. Once again, it takes some getting used to. The full auto/esp mode is a delight too. You want some control over the gearing, just flip the switch. I like the versatility, even if it is only 3 speeds. Know that it's designed that way for a reason, and you find yourself wanting more gears only because it's what you're used to. It is just not a necessity, for me anyway. As for reliability, well, that's an easy one; it's unmatched, and believe me, I've had most big bore machines.

Overall, it's the undisputed comfort and stability machine out there. Plenty of power and precise handling. I have owned and currently do own other makes/models of 4x4 utilities, and this has proven itself to be one of the best among the best. Just a great all around machine, but hey, most of them are.

Hope this helps you.

 

I can't add much to the other posts. I agree with what they say. If I lived out West or somewhere else with lots of tricky technical down hills on the edge of a mountain I would consider something else. I rode my Rincon in Utah last year and negotiating down hill switchbacks on a narrow trail was very scary.

Here with the smaller mountains of Arkansas it is not a big deal I just go slow when I have to. Still on the original front brake shoes; don't mind the drums at all.

Otherwise I love it and have had no problems in 3600 hard miles. Most of the time I shift it myself and consider the lack of strong engine braking a plus for general trail riding. When you let off the throttle it just smoothly coasts along like an auto does.

I have ridden a 800 EFI and would consider that the only quad that could take the place of my Rincon.

For the most complete Rincon info go to the Rincon Owners Site:

http://rincon.atvowners.com/index.cfm?action=forum

 

I bought a new 2003 Rincon and rode it for a little over two years before it bored me..

I suppose I got tired of having the most expensive ATV in its class and not having the features that the other manufactures have as stock on their less expensive ATVs.The front drum brakes will leak and you will have to pull apart your drums and do a good cleaning/adjustment of the drum style brakes IF you do ride in the mud moderately.Stay out of the mud most of the time,and this will not be an issue.

Downhill engine braking is the worst of all the big bores on the market.This was not really a huge issue with me until I bought my 2005 King Quad,which has excellant downhill engine braking.I guess the old saying stands,you dont know what you miss until you have it.

No adjustable suspension.Again,not a real big issue to me on the Rincon.It rides nicely,but it is a nice feature to have.

No EFI.The Rincon is one of the BEST starting big bore ATVs I've ever owned.Not a big deal.

Cold weather and tranny issues?Use the PROPER 0w-30 Honda oil,and this wont be much of an issue for you in the winter months.This tranny could certainly use another gear,3 speeds just do not give me the low range I look for in a ATV.I was pretty displeased with this.

No locking front differential?Again,not a real big deal UNTIL you start trying to play in the serious mud pits or rock climbs with the ATVs that do have lockers.

All in All??I had a good time with the Rincon,but after owning the new 700cc EFI King Quad for about 6 months now,I dont miss much anything about the Rincon and would not buy one again for MY use with the ATVs they presently have on todays market.

Ride em all,than make your choice.

 

I really think what Honda intended to build here is a "cruiser couch" to appeal to a certain segment of the market........senior citizen types who want comfort at the expense of performance. Thus, we have the "SUV" designation. This market segment isn't going to go out looking for terrifying terrain. They want an automatic transmission and a plush ride.

My buddy was considering one of these for his wife, who now rides a vintage Honda 300 4X4. I set him straight, real quick! She would kill herself! She wants more power, to keep up with her girlfriends who are on their husbands hand-me-down sport bikes. (We guys leave the 400EX's, etc. to our wives and kids, and move on to better things!) She is small and light, and doesn't mind an autoclutch, so I suggested the Honda 250EX for her.