The engine braking
dual shock set up on rear not single like the kodiak
the totally sealed transmission (mud and water use)
the most unique tranny on the market today with multi torque settings d1 and d2. and auto or shift if you like.
and the honda name. That is what they are gonna tell you at the honda dealer.

Get this months mag atv action and they have a real nice 4 page story on the rubicon. it will help you dearly.

as far as the high price? that is up to you and your dealing skills. I landed a honda because at the time it was the biggest they had and they offered me the most for my Bike when i traded my Vstar in.

Look into arctic cat, they had my attention a while back and they have a good warrenty.

also remember what I said about mine, its a 2002 full time 4wd. Its not a racer... if a racer is what your after your not ever gonna be happy. If you want a work horse or have a farm to tend to or do much land work... the rubicon with its liquid cooled motor and multi function tranny is the ticket. In my opinion.

Remember Im not trying to sell you the rubicon. only stating my likes and dislikes. but it has done me true and lasted 4 years now with no major issues. to me thats a plus.

 

See, I know all about Honda's reliability. The problem I have is, does say Suzuki have the same reliability. 'cause if they do, I can get a King Quad with IRS, diff Lock, 700cc of power and
EFi for the same price has a Honda Rubicon which has none of that. I guess I have to do more research.

 

for what its worth I can send you to my dealer www.stjoehonda.com

and you can get a 2005 trx 500 fa for 6500

a 2005 rincon trx650fa for 5999

or a 2005 trx 500tm foreman for 4299.

check out the web site and youll see a dealer that will actually deal!
tell him big john sent ya

and yes all other major brands are just a good, the king quad is the real deal also. I am in no way brand loyal. I got a good deal on my rubicon and I have no payments. Its doing me just fine. You do some more research and good luck on your decision. enjoy your riding

 

kodiaks arn't all that cheap.....like $6700 out the door for mine....no winch included

 

Well, I checked out the ATV Action Mag. and for the month of April, there isn't anything about thr Rubicon in it. With regards to the dealer info, I live in Canada and if I buy a Honda I'll be buying the Canadian Trail Edtion. It has a better suspendtion system then the regular Rubicon. Also, here in Canada, dealers don't move on their price for Hondas. I can't even get a free winch on a 06. With regards to the suspend on a Kodac 450 it is IRS which is more then dual shocks. I can also get a Grizzly, Brute Force,King Quad or a 700Sportman for the price of a Rubicon. Something isn't right with this picture.

 

There is not another ATV on the market that has the same trans (with high and low range) as the Rubicon. I don't like the way belts feel when you drive them, I like the ESP mode and selec the "gear" I want.

Even with all the new ATVs out there if I were to buy a new ATV today, I would buy another Rubicon, another Red one.

When we reach 10,000 miles I will probably buy our second Rubicon.

 

You need to take the time to read all the post on the other brands. Sure you can buy a faster quad, with better ride and more options. But they are going to be higher maintainance. For me it came down to "Pay now or Pay Later" . It's your choice, pick the one you like and have fun.

 

I do understand what your saying. I don't want to find out that there are other brands out there with compariable reliability and also more options

 

The atv action mag I was talking about I just got in the mail 2 days ago. Ill see if its the may issue im sure it is.
Also the Kodiak I was refering to was also a 2002 like mine. I have not kept up with them since my date of purchase.
Sorry about that. I just have not kept up with the latest and greatest.

As this post continues I think you have answered the question you started with about owning a rubicon... sounds to me that you have made the choice that it is not worth the cost. that is a good choice and the whole purpose of this conversation.

I have found my self from time to time wishing I had the most powerfull atv on the street also.

But my rubicon is kinda like my old gmc, payed for and has never let me down when in a jam.

Good luck sounds to me you need to look in other forums and ask these same good questions you asked on this honda site. What just happend here on this post is the exact reason we are all here. To have a good honest conversation without a pissing contest. Nice to visit like adults.

 

I have a 2005 Rubicon, and I absolutly love it. I put 1500km on it last year, and the only problems I had with it was the angle sensor. Honda replaced it a couple of times. I am writing that off to a bad mechanic, I switched dealers and haven't had any trouble since. Up untill I put a set of 27" Kenda Bearclaws on it I never had to use low range it will just climb forever it seems. 27x10x12 front, and 27x12 x12 on the rear. I only have to use low range in the real thick mud! It'll still throw muskeg 15ft on the air! If your looking for a good all around bike that will last you for years go with the Rubicon. I don't really see a difference with the IRS, my buddy has a 500 Polaris, and I think my Rubcon rides much better, the stability and feel in my opinion is much better.

Thats my two cents!
If you want a picture of the Rubicon with the 27's mounted let me know, and I'll emil you a picture.