I plan to buy a 2006 350FM Rancher this coming spring, and had some questions.

1. Being it is full time 4WD, will I hurt it or can I expect any lurching when I ride on a paved private road to access trails? I wasn't sure how it would react to pavement (Would it act like a 4WD truck on dry pavement when turning?)

2. Does anyone run 25" tires on theirs? I plan to change to 25's ASAP. Does it hurt the power much?

3. Are they very reliable? Are they known for any certain problems?

 

Hi I dont thing 25" tires would make a dif. and I have a lot of friends that have them and they just love them great atv and I dont think they turn that bad on pavement not like a truck. good luck on your new atv this spring.

 

You absolutely will want to get a Warn 424, which will allow you to select between 2wd/4wd! That solves the issues you mentioned in question #1 for you.
I run 25" Holeshot ATR's on light ITP wheels. No noticeable loss of low end power, but again the tires and rims are light which really helps.

Absolutely one of the most reliable machines there is! If the machine gets soaked then it freezes, the choke cable can get frozen.

Overall, I like the fact that the Rancher is more mid size, and not a huge, heavy, hulking beast like so many utilities. Honda does need to add selectable 2wd/4wd. It's no powerhouse or mud monster, but it will do the job.

 

I have a 2005 Rancher 4x4 with a manual tranny and on pavement, it handles pretty well. Just don't make sudden manuvers at speed. Of course, that would apply to any atv on dry pavement at high speeds.
I plan on installing a Warn 424 on mine sometime in the next two weeks. I have no idea how it will handle in two wheel drive but right now in 4x4, it handles great. It's really not that hard to steer compared to the 95 Kodiak I used to own.
I like it's size also.
It is one sweet machine.

 

yeah ranchers rock. i've had 2 of them, and i love them. it's small enough for a couple guys to pick it up and move it around if you get it stuck, it's not like getting a tank stuck. you might notice a little drop in power with 25" tires, but it has so much low end power anyways that it really wont matter much. Have fun!!

 

I was just concerned about doing damage to a new machine, but apparently it is ok. I really appreciate the posts! Thanks![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

i agree with all of the guys who suggest the warn 424. it'll make it ride like a completely different quad