Based on your request for a better and more stable ride, you want IRS, and with Honda, the Rincon is the only model that has that right now. There are some good deals to be had on new 05 models, under 6 grand.

 

Southern Honda has the 05 Rincon for $5588 right now. It is very stable up to 63 mph. Awesome handling and comfort.

 

Here's my opinion based on many years of experience with ATVs.......

Do your wife a favour and buy an IRS machine - the difference is significant.

Solid axles are great for work, but riding offroad requires a IRS. And the IRS machines can work as well as the others.

There are lots of good machines to choose from. Yamaha has a great selection of medium to large sized IRS machines. So do Arctic Cat and Polaris. The Rincon is a great choice, but expensive.

Good luck![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Tass, I have not doubt the Rubicon is a great atv. Unfortunately it's a little pricey for occassional riding. Thanks for the info though.

Wannabe, I have been considering the Prairie 360 4wd. It's not too large or heavy and it's 4wd. There is a local dealer here and I think I will have here test ride it. I just wish there was a local dealer that had an area other than a parking lot to test ride it on. Liability plays a big factor I'm sure.

ddrumman2004, No doubt about it the Rancher is a great little quad. It is a great atv to navigate. Unfortunately after a full day on the trail IMO it can wear you down.

jd3020 & ForemanDan, I have been checking out the prices a southernhonda online and have been agonizing over a Rincon for myself...if it only had a low grunt gear and larger racks.

ebel, I agree there is no substitute for IRS. Yamaha does have the 450 IRS atv that is medium sized. It is a possibility.
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Foreman owners can you give me some input also?

 

Yeah Goose, put her on it. That's the only way to know. If you were closer I would have you come and she could take mine for a spin at the hunting land. Like I said, the speed is comparable to a Rancher with the Prairie being a tad bit slower once you get up to speed. The size and ride, in my opinion, is better though. Good luck and let us all know what you get.

 

 

I jumped from a Honda 300cc to the 500cc Rubicon. I am a woman with a petite build; and I have no problems handling the bigger ATv. It will also get you out of any mudhole just by putting it into low gear and creeping slow. However, on extremely hard surfaces it is a bit stiffer to steer.

 

i 2nd & 3rd the rubicon. 3000 or so miles now, runs like a top. just as good as when it was new. actually a very simple atv to ride, very user friendly, giving you more of a chance to enjoy the outdoors and not worry about what the atv was doing.

 

"jd3020 & ForemanDan, I have been checking out the prices a southernhonda online and have been agonizing over a Rincon for myself...if it only had a low grunt gear and larger racks."

Hey now, this thread started off as something for your wife, not you[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] The rincon has your wifes intentions written all over it![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img] Then you could always borrow it.

The low gear issue is the main reason I didn't jump at some excellent prices in my area as well. Even at the good prices, I really didn't want to spend that much on my first quads.

 

I will be getting an 06 Rincon soon. My buddy has on 05. I just rode it last weekend. What do you mean "lack of low grunt". It had enough to pull the front wheels 3 feet off the ground! My Foreman wont do that. It also blasted through mud that another buddies Vinson had trouble with. Ride it before you judge it.