My first post. I purchased a new '06 Rancher 4x4 ES last Tuesday and have been loving it since. I live on 5 acres with alot of hills and fields. I already have a track carved out in the pasture. Anyway, I was a little disturbed to learn that the day after I bought my '06, Honda released all the info on the new updated '07 models, and I have to admit I was a little jealous of all the new features not to mention something I really wanted in the camo color scheme. I am trying to comfort myself since I did get my brand new rancher for $1000 under MSRP, which was the only reason I jumped on the deal spur of the moment. I got the olive green color which I really like, but that camo with black wheels just keeps calling my name. I'm thinking in a year or two when all the bugs have been worked out possibly upgrading to either the camo rancher or foreman and giving my current ride to my wife.

Anyway, I've been here reading posts for a week now and am looking foward to chatting with some fellow quad owners. BTW, if there is anyone in the Portland/Vancouver area that would like to get together and ride that would be cool since I dont have any other friends with ATV's...yet.

 

Welcome. Do yourself a favor, and get the Warn 424. It will turn it into a selectable 2wd/4wd.

There is a recall of ES angle sensors going on. Verify whether your vehicle is included or not.

 

Congratulations on your new purchase! I own a 2005 Rancher in the green color only mine is a manual tranny. Like recon stated, a Warn 424 is a worthwhile investment as the Rancher is easier to steer in 2wd and not to mention how much fun it is to drive and be able to swing the back end out in a turn.

I would like to have a new 07 Rancher myself but like you, I'll wait until they get the "bugs" out of it first.

Have fun with your new machine and look into getting a 424 for it. You won't regret it.

 

The 06's have selectable 2wd/4wd stock from Honda (or at least my neighbor's does).

 

Not the Rancher 350. The 400AT does.

 

Congrats on the Rancher 329 4x4 as I call it. 329, just reminds me of the Chevy 327 engine.

You can paint you wheels black for a cool look.

Your quad should be fixed since it's was sold after the recall took place. But if you get worried about it, log onto Honda's site and look for the Honda owners section. When you register it asks for your VIN, from that it will tell you if it has been fixed.

You've bought a quality quad. It will last a long time.

I too am looking at the 07 420. Might have to figure out how to get one and give my Rancher 329 4x4 to my dad.

 

Yes, I have read about the Warn 424 and look foward to adding that as well as a Warn 2.5 winch here in the coming months.

This is something I had thought about doing before I even took delivery of my rancher. I just think the black wheels gives it a whole different look, more rugged. How hard is it to dismount and mount tires on those wheels?

I also ran my VIN # and found no recalls. Thanks for the tips. I can tell this is going to be a good place to hang around!

 

Welcome to the board, forgot to say that in my other post.

I didn't remove the tires. I've got Bear Klaws that fit really snug to the wheel, so I just painted with the tire on the wheel. The overspray has mostly disappeared due to sidewall flex while riding.

I used semi-flat black with a clear coat for a matte black look. I didn't prep as much as I probably should have. If I did it over, I'd use a self etching primer first, then hit it with the other paint. I think I've put about 3 thin coats on each wheel. I used a hair dryer to speed up the process.

Make sure your wheels are clean and dry.

Definitely looks better than with the silver wheels.

 

Doh!

I went back and looked at his yesterday, and he had the Warn switch installed at the dealer when he took delivery...when he mentioned it the day he brought it home new, I had assumed it was from Honda.

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