My 05 rancher 350 4x4 is headed to the dealer in the morning to have a few things checked out. The oil has a slight smell of gasoline to it and a greenish tint and there is a noticeable (but not great) amount of play in the front wheel bearings. The machine only has 140 miles/24 hrs on it with one service under its belt. Im having it checked out since its under warranty but has anyone else encountered these problems before??????

I was also wondering how much abuse the shocks on these utility atv's can take. The trails I ride include the occasional jump or two and sometimes it will come off the ground a good three to four feet. Should I be worried about damage to shock/springs??? I realize its not a sport quad but sometimes jumps are irresistable.

 

i got 2005es , no problems. ride everything from steep hills, mud,creeks, big ruts, and clay.got 500miles on it in a month of some really hard riding, hell even a few rolls, these hondas are gold. sounds like you just were unlucky.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

 

hmm...green oil? i guess i've never heard of that before. Maybe it's the oil they put in it at the first service? I dunno. Also, the gassy smell might be the carb float seal, make sure you turn the gas off when it sits, otherwise it could drain down into the crankcase. but then again, it might be normal, i dont know. As for the jumps, i would try to avoid them if at all possible, you're right, they arent sport quads and the thought of bending a frame hit's home to me quite well, that's how i totalled my first rancher.