Well, I finally got to test ride the latest and greatest 06 rincon yesterday. I've been anxiously awaiting the new flagship from Honda with all the changes supposed to be a nice improvement over the 2004 Rincon I sold about a year ago. I must say I was disappointed.

Upon starting up the machine, the handlebars and the entire chasisis vibrated worse than the Harley Davidson I used to own. I let it warm up a few minutes hoping the vibration would settle down; it did , marginally. I jumped on the bike and started off and yes the throttle response was a little better than the 04 Rincon I used to have, but it was a subtle
improvement. The power was marginally better but I guess it is only 25cc more. I couldn't really notice a difference in ride but it is difficult to tell after a twenty minute test ride.

I am not trying to bash the new bike, I've always liked the rincon and Honda products, in fact I have an 1800 Gold Wing. I just think Honda is capable of more. The automatic transmission,
excellent suspension, and overall feel of the Rincon is very appealing. I just wish they could have improved the engine braking and smoothed out that big single cylinder. I think Honda could take some lessons from the Suzuki King quad.

Where I live, there is only $500.00 difference between the 06 rincon with winch and Maxxis Big Horns and the new 2006 800 OutlanderXT that comes with upgraded radial tires, winch , front and rear bumpers, handguards and a three year warranty.

I realize the new rincon is a nice bike, but I think bang for the buck, the outty is a better deal.
To each their own.....

 

you mentioned the KQ and that Honda could take lessons on how smooth their single is.......are you (or did you)considering the '06 KQ as well? Just curious since it is a lot cheaper and you had mentioned it.

 

Just looking at the Spec sheet you can see that the new Rincon isnt leaps and bounds ahead of the old....its evolutionary at best.

I think if they had that engine (especially the fuel injected version) mated to the tranny in the Rubicon (or at least the same technology) Honda would have a winner for sure. Maybe a bigger engine would make it even better, but how much more power do you really need??? That tranny has to go, everything else is pretty damn good for sure.

 

Thanks for the review, I have always said Honda should of used the Hondamatic tranny in the rincon, what a great quad that would have been. Lets hope it happens eventually, until then I don't think I will trade up anytime soon.