The wife and I are thinking of getting 2 new quads. One being the 250EX and the other being a Rubicon or Rancher. Which would you choose?? Is the Rubicon worth the extra, what $1,600??? It will be used for playing only....no work. Some mud and lots of fast, tight trails. Is the ES on the Rancher pretty easy to get the hang of??? This will be her quad while we're riding together, but mine when I'm out with the boys. I guess I really want to know if it's (Rubicon) worth it. Thanks, Drew.

 

Rubicon.

 

For trail and play, go with the Honda Rancher.
The Honda Rubicon is a grait atv for trail riding but for that money I wouldn't buy it just for trail riding.

P.S. The Honda Rancher will really save your money when it comes to getting gas.

 

The rubicon would be the choice if your wife
doesn't want to think about shifting all the
time.Power wise I haven't ridden a rancher in
the woods,but I did borrow my brothers 450es
foreman and after riding it and the Rubicon
there is a big difference in power and the ease
of riding and not worrying about what gear to
be in for a given obstacle.The lights are better
and the electronic display is great.The seat is
larger on the Rubicon and the alum. wheels look killer .

 

I own both of them. Who will be riding the Rancher/Rubicon most of the time? The automatic is much easier to ride over the shifting of the Rancher. The Rancher 4x4 is much tougher to steer than the Rubicon is. The Rubicon rides and steers like a caddy when compared to the Rancher. My wife lives to ride the Rubicon but doesnt like riding the Rancher. I like the Rubicon better in every aspect. I am actually thinking of selling the Rancher to get her something automatic.

 

I own a Rancher & have ridden the Rubicon. I do believe the Rubicon is worth the extra money. The ES is nice but full automatic is better. In addition to the tranny you get the extra power.

 

We own them both and I would say you can't go wrong with either. If your trail riding you will notice a huge difference with the gas mileage. The Rubicon is thirsty compared to the Rancher. However the power and tranny options more than make up for the mileage. The power is also a huge difference. It's just to bad they haven't come out with a Rancher with a sub tranny and Hondamatic tranny for it yet. That would be the perfect bike in my option. Due to wieght, size, and price. For now though, the Rubicon is more than worth the extra 1600 I felt.

 

Alaskaweasel,

Maybe some off the Honda engineers will read your post. I think its a great idea to put the Hondamatic tranny on the Rancher.

 

Is the extra weight of the Rubicon noticable (handling, steering etc.??) Which would you say is the more 'sporty' of the two?? My dealer does not allow test drives, so I guess I have to go by what's said on here. Thanks, Drew

 

Hey PADAZZ, the Honda Rubicon is very sporty and I even think it's lighter than my dads Honda 450,not sure but it feels that way.