I would like to thank you Sab for that great post. As a Honda employee I read everything that goes on here and very seldom say anything. I never say anthing about the other quads that are out there simply because I don't want to cause any problems with anyone. Hondas have one thing in mind when putting together any product that they sell and that is ((QUALITY FIRST )).

Have a great Day all

John

 

How do u like that job. i think that would be cool.

 

rookie here, BUT, I read and take in EVERYTHING....when I first posted here earlier this summer I explained my entire story...my age (31), why I want an ATV, what I had before, where I would ride and with who, and what I expect to get out of atving...believe or not but at that point I was even torn between a sport vs a utility. I came here heavily leaning towards a 450r for my very first bike......why?....because I am a big athletic guy and felt (and still feel) that I would get the hang of it QUICK and I'm not stupid....I would not be out-doing myself.....2 kids to worry about!!!

With those kids and knowing myself and who I would be riding with and what terrain, I quickly changed to a utility with my first choice a Honda. Again....why? Because when a "rookie" buys there first atv or has interest they usually START the research process with reputation.

I log on here everyday and most will know that the 2nd 1/2 of my 100 posts or so tout the KQ ('06) as my 1st choice but that I def wanted to wait to see what Honda did with the Rincon. I was one of the first to say that my decision just got more difficult and in light of almost everyone somewhat bashing the Rincon on getting the 1 feature they wanted vs being happy that many things were added...

So why would I at 6'5, 250 lbs, 31 yrs old possibly want a MORE expensive Rincon that has a first year EFI (any bugs?), smaller engine than the KQ, BIGGER PRICE, and no locker, and not the best engine braking in the world??? There is one reason.....I listen and pay attn...it doesn't mean they are the best....but I am a white collar by day, blue collar by night and wknd kind of guy......I want to ride not be in the shop. This doesn't mean that I would be in shop with a Suzuki, doesn't mean that AT ALL......it means that Honda has built this reputation over decades.....it wasn't handed to them on a silver platter. It is the same reputation that would lead me to a Honda motorcycle over a Harley. I don't want to hear anything about choosing another countries product over ours either.....I drive an F150 and proudly served in our military fighting for our freedom to choose one product that is little more expensive and not made here.

Whether people want to admit it or not, their reputation was in the making of being earned before most of these people were born.....probably including me.

Between an '06 KQ and an '06 Rincon, I will say it once again.....I have a hard choice! (I could just buy a 450r and a KQ......money, it's always a problem...)

Thanks for putting up with my long post...

 

sab, nice post. I have a Raptor, it is my baby. The Raptor has 70hp and in the dunes I turn them all loose. I also have a Rhino that the family loves. Both my Yamahas are second year models by choice.

I have never hesitated about buying the first model year of a Honda quad, also by choice.

I have to tell you that I spent some time reading the info on the Honda page today for those "updated" quads.

I'm excited about those "updated" quads.

I think that I will probably own another 450r and another one of those TRX90s. I think I will get them both with electric start. I also think that I will get them by New Years!

 

Stocks,
having been an avid 3-4 wheeler since 1983,I too listen alot..I've also OWNED alot of ATVs in this time span..The Michigan based club im involved with has many differant ATVs,90% Utility,because we ride in so many differant terrains here and you need the versatility..

Sounds to me like you buy into the old Honda 'reliability ' theory' for your purchase...I ride with alot of differant brand ATVs here in Michigan.I cannot buy into the Honda reliability BS anymore[and I SOLD Honda's for awhile]..As of 2003,MOST major brand ATVs are of equal dependability IF they ride in the SAME terrain..Thing is,if a Honda rider took his ATV in the SAME terrain as the OTHER 4x4 ATVs,Honda ATVs will have dependability issue's too,and there is nobody that can deny that..Drive another brand 4x4 ATV to church on Sundays,and it'll last as long as the Honda,its that simple..

Im not trying to sway your decision to buy what you want at all,its just that Honda cannot claim reliability anymore for a reason to buy THEIR ATVs..At least not with the ATV club I belong to here in Michigan.With that said,I cannot understand WHY anyone would pay more $$ for a ATV,and get LESS product in the end..

 

muddy4life, thanks for your reply. I am looking forward to hearing how people like the new Rincon after riding it several times on the trails and through various conditions as well as taking a little stock in what the magazines produce in the upcoming months........as far as the 2nd part of my equation goes....well, that is close to being complete because I have read and read about the KQ. I need more ride time on both and want to hear/read/ride about the new Rinny.

What is the atv of your choice just out of curiousity?