RedGoblin, are you going to buy a KQ or did you? IF so How do you like it? I have looked and compared and for the money the KQ is my choice for now, Honda would be the only variable in this well thougt equation. I have a dealership looking for red 05 so I can get the good incentives!
I agree with you and ATV tech Honda is kinda in control of what they want to do, not by its fan base. No matter what they do they will remain on or near the top of the industry. Dependibility goes a long way in the market! I would guess and it is just that a guess, honda will improve the Rinny but not attempt to dominate. Like what ATV tech said some of those simple improvements he listed would save the Rinny. I am like most we buy to ride, not to work on them and ride just to ride. I have that 300 from when I was a kid, like 10 and it is still perfect my wife rides it, I am 26 so its been put through its paces. It makes it hard to compare anything to the 300 fourtrax. Damn you Honda! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

Arcticcop, if I were you I think I'd purchase now. You could spend all your life waiting for a new quad to come out. Although I highly doubt if Honda unveils a completely new big bore, I don't see it being priced higher than the Sportsman 800 as there is a big price gap between that and the Rincon. But if they just give the Rincon some updates they will be hard to get for awhile and they won't be getting much below MSRP for some time. If I were you and you like the King Quad go for it. You can get a good deal on it. It seems like the reverse issue is taken care of, the only thing I would be leary about is the steering problem they seem to have where it jerks the bars when hitting a rock or large obstacle with the front tires. That issue alone would keep me from buying one. rooster

 

After I speak to my banker today, I plan on putting a deposit down on a red KingQuad today. If all goes according to plan, I should pick it up Wednesday. Should I have them throw a winch in? It's already a very good price, although I'm not sure what tax will be as I'm buying out-of-state.

 

Yeah I pretty well decided to get the king. The dealer I have been contacting is searching for a red one now. They said they would give 20% off accessories so I will probably get a winch and bumper. I just started hearing about this steering quirk and that does have me concerned so I don't know what to really do. I want something to ride now I thought patience would come with age, I was wrong[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Yeah, I'm going to ride it first and decide if the steering thing is something I really have a problem with. People are using Z400 stabilizers on them and finding good results.

 

You know I've thought a lot about my Rincon and I've wrote a lot about the Rincon and have openly expressed the faults. But I do enjoy mine for what it is. I think I have realized recently the Rincon is more of a "pleasure" type vehicle. Designed just for that and not extereme riding. I just learned to except it for what it is and that is just that and stop worrying about the short commings. I am gonna get another bike, probabley a p700 for extreme mountain riding here or more power if thats your thing.

I think you better make sure what type of machine and riding you will be doing before getting the Rincon. Its real laid back and I feel its designed that way for a purpose. I don't think they will make major alterations to change that aspect. Its a pleasure cruiser pure and simple for mellow trail rides for folks who just want to enjoy a weekend in the wilderness. And of course the safety factor is 1st with Honda. This is not a performance bike.

I enjoy that subduded style of the Rincon to a degree it adds a uniqueness and I can either like it or leave it. I feel I might require a second bike for very steep terrian here and more extreme situations. You don't know whatca need till ya ride. Even most dealers I have spoken with who were honest told me that openly.

 

You won't be disappointed with the KingQuad[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I like the rest of your am going to purchase a new quad. I am a big person so I
need one with a little gonads, however I do not need the biggest quad out there.
I was considering the kq, until I heard all the bad talk about the reverse gear. I
would also be able to get it for less money that the Honda rubicon, or Griz. I
have also heard rumors that Hondas up to something. If the rumors are wrong
I for one will be disappointed with Honda. Things I want to see Honda give in
a new machine are a locker, engine 650 or larger, IRS. On and off switches like
the Kg, so that the large light in front does not have to be on whenever the two
smaller lights are. I would like to see disc brakes, and maybe the rear in an oil
bath like the P700. I test drove the Kq this spring when snow was still piled
pretty high, and it was really quite impressive. If they get their act cleared up
I believe they will be hard to beat. I would like to see electronic ignition, without
Hondas lousey choke system, and also a double set of adjustable shocks for
the rear. I guess I am asking a lot of Honda. Well we will see in September,
if Honda comes through, I will get one, if not I believe the 2006 Kq will be in
my yard.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-confused.gif[/img]

 

If it's over 600 pounds its not a fourwhealer anymore. it's a small truck lol

 

Arctic cat has fixed most of the problems you decribed above. Like you I am a honda fan and always will be. But on the other hand I like my Arctic Cat just because of all the detail they put into their atvs. Honda IS lacking in the utility dept. by far. No locker,low range to turn big tires,and all the electronic b/s for the AT. Every atv has its probs and the grass isnt always greener on the other side. The Honda rancher and foreman is probably the best atv on the market, but they dont have the IRS. Just my .02 cents.