Hello guys. I am new to this webpage. I am a 15 year old kid that does alot of looking and other things for my dad. We already have a 98' Foreman 450ES that we use for fixing fence-pulling a cart once in a while. We dont really pull alot of things too often just mainly checking, chasing, and moving cattle around. I have been trying to talk him into getting one with the Auto transmission as well but im not too sure he is too crazy for that or not. I think it would be really nice once in a while when chasing cattle when u have it in the auto mode. You wouldnt have to worry about shifting when slowing down to take off and all that other fun stuff. I've been told that the Rancher 350Es has more low end and pulling power than the Rancher AT. I've also read that people said if you are gonna pull anything that you would wish later on that you would have gotten the Rubicon instead of AT.
The Honda dealer around here is crazy asking for MSRP prices. Ive heard that in Minnesota new 05 Rubicons have been selling for $5800. What do you think is a good price for a new Rancher At, a Rubicon, or a new Rancher ES. Im kinda undecided on them yet and decided to get some feedback before making any major decisions. Any Info is appreciated. Thanks

 

The Rancher AT is not a working bike. It has no low range gears. The Rancher ES is not automatic, and I think it's junk. I don't think the Ranchers motor hold up very well. I've heard of way too many of them start smoking way before they should. I know there's some on here that say they get alot of miles out of them, and that's good, but there's still too many of them with motor problems. The Rubicon is by far the best bike you mentioned. As far as price, the 5800 you mentioned is probably for an 04 model. When the 06's come out in November, the 05's will start to go down in price.

 

My friend bought a 2004 Rubi last fall for $5650.00 . I have a 2002, and we both really like ours for mostly mowing, hunting , food plots, etc. I think the 05 Rubi's sell for about $6600.00 They are a very good machine, and I think for your purpose, would be the best choice.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Thanks guys. Also what do you think abou the new 05 Foreman 500's comparing to the Rubicon. They are plenty cheaper and have been out longer but just dont have the automatic. You guys think the automatic would suit me better and in the long run i'd be more happy with it? My dad is looking to buy one pretty soon and probably wouldnt wait till November for the 06's. Also do you think it would be smarter to get the 05 rubicon if I would decide on a rubicon compared to 04's and maybe even little older. The newer ones suspension has improved i believe and now it has traxlox 2wd/4wd. Has there been any trouble with 01 models to the 05's. If i could find an older good used one i would have to check it out i suppose. New ones are so expensive also. Anything else appreciated. Thanks[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Just my 2 cents worth...you can't beat the Rubi auto tranny, if you want a automatic. I admittedly don't know anything about the Ranchers or Foremant 500's, but I know the Rubi is built like a tank. The new 05's have the 2wd-4wd selectable option. My 02 does not, and I am going to get a Warn 424 kit to install on mine shortly, so I can select 2wd or 4wd . I live in the hill country, and the Rubicon engine braking is simply excellent. I plow as well as hunt, and do food plots, so I get my money's worth out of mine. A used one is less money for sure, just check it over well, and try to get one with low miles. From what I see, a used one is holdingdarn good value, I have seen my 02 for $4000 yet. Good luck![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I have experience with the Rubi, Rancher AT and 350 Rancher. For starters, my Rancher is a 2000 model and has held up well. It is not "junk." Ranchers, or any ATV, will hold up only as well as you ride them and service them. Every ATV has its shortcomings. The 350 Rancher is a work-horse and its low gearing makes it great for work. The Rubi is a great machine and has one of the best auto trannies in the business. Its low gearing will pull just about anything. The Rubi also gives you the option of ESP or auto riding. The price you can get the Rubi for seems awefully low and if I could get it at the $5000 range, that's what I would do. The Rancher AT would be adequate for general use but is not as good at pulling, heavy work, etc. I haven't ridden the Foreman 500 but the Foremans are designed to be work horses as well.

 

I just got my 05 Rubicon a couple of weeks ago and have a little over 100 miles on it. The power surprized me and the tranny is so smooth. I absolutely love having the TraxLok. It makes riding so much more fun. If you decide on an older Rubicon, I would suggest the Warn 424 kit. It have the 424 on my 98 Fourtrax 300 4X4 and it works great. Installation was a breeze as well. Regardless of the year that you buy, the Rubicon is an awesome machine and I know that you will love it.

Good luck!

Cirviver

 

Junk? Smoking? Not heard that myself, seen it, or even read it anywhere. I read several forums and still don't get that info.

Maybe someone can come forward and tell us about bad Rancher motors that have been given normal maintaince.

We ride with lots of Hondas and every time someone sucks water in the intake, sinks it, rolls over in the creek, then gets it restarted, they say; ITS A HONDA! and ride on.

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The rubicon is a great bike for whatever the price. If your dads not crazy about the auto tranny it can still be manualy shifted.