Honda did some much needed updates to the TRX90, the 250ex, the 450R and some updates to the Rincon. However, they didn't introduce anything new. What do you think? Are you disappointed or do you think this enough for Honda to stay on top?

 

I don't really care who's "on top" but yeah I'm dissapointed. Still, good stuff with the 450R. Fact is, we are really lucky to have so many awesome atvs to choose from the different manufacturers but still... a big bore sport would have been the iceing on the preverbial cake. Anyway, I'm over it. Can't wait for the season to start!

 

i really like the 450R i like what they did.. im still gonna get the kick start one i dont see why u need a eletric start. i like how they upped the compression too and they have more travel in teh suspension. its a nice quad now

 

I like the updates to the R!

As for my TRX90 and 250EX, I wouldn't buy a new one just to get the new updates.

 

I wonder if the kick start R is a "race" version, and the electric starter is a trail ("WR") version???

Sounds like Honda fixed all the things we have suggested that they fix!

 

The 450R in both versions are identical other than the starter related pieces. Same suspension and gear ratios. Either way you look at it though.....the 450R is basically new from the ground up.

The TRX90 got new plastics and electric start...something people have wanted since it's inception in 1993

The TRX250EX got new plastics, suspension, and a clutch similar to a Rekluse in design.....something that is downright a cool feature for the customer this quad is intended for.

The Rincon 700 doesn't look all that spectacular by just looking at the small bump in engine size and the addition of EFI...but officials at the show said that this engine makes over 15% more power than the 2005 version.

Overall, considering that Honda pretty much covered every category......and among the best selling cateogries...I think the new lineup is a success.

For the past 5 years, all I see are negative things posted after the Honda Conventions. Almost always having to do with a 650 sport quad or some new utility capable of towing a CJ5 out of a deep ravine with ease.
I understand their frustration, but to say that Honda failed the consumer in general is a bit much.
Especially when you take into account that each of the ATVs that were shown tonight for 2006 (other than the TRX90) are the best sellers in each of their categories.

 

I agree that there is a lot of negative after Honda unveils their machines. But did you notice that most of the prices stayed the same as last year's model except the 450r electric start and the camo rincon? That is great. Also, they updated the machines in their lineup that matter most. Kaw and Suzuki don't have a large displacement pure sport quad (manual clutch) in their lineup either. Did everyone like what Yamaha unveiled this year? Good in the sport quad market which is their best seller. So why not try to stay ahead in the areas you are doing well or the best in. I think Honda really listened so what the 450R needed and made the revisions for '06. People complained about tall gearing, needed more power to match YFZ, and better handling. They might have taken care of all those areas. rooster

 

Not that I think magazines always get it right but I can't wait to read a shootout with the new 450R and the YFZ

 

Most of the Honda ATV prices stood the same as 2005 because most of their line-up allready has the highest MSRP in its class..

QUOTE*The Rincon 700 doesn't look all that spectacular by just looking at the small bump in engine size and the addition of EFI...but officials at the show said that this engine makes over 15% more power than the 2005 version*END OF QUOTE

Officials also claimed a huge improvement with their new ''torque sensing'' front differential over the limited slip differentials used in their past,BUT,those that owned the new diff,understand that after a few months of use,its not much better,if any,than the old style diff in a Honda..Marketing scheme at its best.

Perhaps the 15% increase in power is just another marketing scheme?