Hey ForemanDan,

Is RinconRiders.com down. I tried to look at the site and could not view any of the forums.

 

IRS isn't the hot setup for a work quad. If the Rancher goes IRS, doesn't that leave a gap in the Honda lineup for a light "work" machine????

 

I'd like to see a FI Rancher 350, but that would probably raise the price too much for the class it is in. But I can dream. A FI, water-cooled, front disc brake Rancher 350. I think it would own the class if it were not to EXPENSIVE. But then these mods would make a nice simple to maintain quad, a not so simple to maintain quad. But with Honda's reliability, it probably wouldn't be too bad.

I too would rather see the Rancher stay SRA, keeps the suspension simple and almost bullet proof.

 

would like to see them turn the whole Rancher lineup into lightweight hybrid sport 4wd machines to compete with the Wolverine (which is selling VERY well from what I am seeing out on the trail!). But, Honda is usually very conservative, so I'm not holding my breath on that one.
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I agree, the Wolverine has been a great seller for Yamaha for years. I THINK this is the next untapped market and there would probably be a great demand. I think Yamaha missed a bit on the new Wolverine as it looks to be a Kodiak 450 with different plastic.

The trick is keeping the weight down with 4x4, IRS and the Auto....Only so much you can save with tires/wheels racks/frames. That Wolverine weighs more then my DS650.

 

Still, I am sure their marketing research tells the manufacturers that automatics are what the unwashed masses want. After all, any inexperienced idiot can operate one. And people who are use to riding a 700 pound Polaris or something, think 500 pounds is "light".
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Ad me to this list. Most of the riding I enjoy is mountain climbing, moderate to difficult trails with a lot of creek crossings etc. I simply prefer the Automatic, yes, I understand the performance sacrifices but at the end of a 3-4 hour ride I appreciate that automatic more then you may know. We found a new staging area to Stonyford in the Mendocino mountains, the only "problem" is that there is only one ATV access trail and it's two miles straight up and of course on the way back straight down. I just discovered this staging area and this access trail is prob. why it's not very popular, I don't mind the ride out but man, after riding all day that two mile downhill trek just takes everything you have left to finish.

 

While I do like a left hand lever manual for pure sport riding, I do prefer an "autoclutch" (which the current Rancher 350 has)for more slow technical work, as it doesn't require the clutch slipping that is necessary with a full manual and you aren't going to stall it if you don't get it exactly right.

I don't mind the IDEA of an automatic, but I just can't warm up to a belt drive, and the Honda autos are complex and expensive, so I'm not much interested in them either.

 

Yoda, its working. I was just there.

 

I think the reason so many people see lots of wolverines and ranchers is because it's the smallest (and cheapest) 4x4 of both manufacturers. People want the 4x4 to be able to hang with the big guys, but light enough so it doesnt handle like crap. They dont need a workhorse since it's just for riding, and 2wd wont cut it. Both machines fall into that "just right" category. That's probably why ranchers hold their resale value very well.

We'll have to wait and see. I'm wondering about that engine upgrade that somebody mentioned, the combustion chamber or whatever.

 

I have an 05 Rancher AT and a 07 Rincon. The Auto transmissions are vastly different. Only common aspects are they are "auto" and don have belts.

Rancher AT tranny has much better engine braking. Rincon only brakes and holds down to 10MPH. Below that, it's brakes all the way. My Rancher AT will hold all the way down to 1-2MPH. In fact, I have to give it gas to down many steeper inclines.

Nope, the Rincon transmission is much different than the Rancher. Rincon has unbelievable ride and handling. Love mine so far....

 

would you get off of that? It's complex because you haven't taken the time to educate yourself about it. It's no more complex than a manual transmission, just some aspects of it are not traditional, like the EMIDs and sensors. However, they flat out work better. The 400AT "problem" is not a problem if you are using it as intended. It is not a work horse.

break a gear (and sometimes an engine case when that happens) and see what it costs. If the hydro lasts as long as the engine, who cares what it costs to replace, by that time the ATV isn't worth saving..