Just signed 12/24/06 for new 06 foreman es. Now having major second thoughts that i should have gone with man. Told new ES models are having few if any shift problems. Two friends havn't experienced any problems with theirs either (04 05). Just can't get over thinking i could have eliminated any electrical probs due to water or battery by going with manual. Plan on taking back in morning to see about exchange. Any thoughts on late model es? This may all be a mute point being as dealer may tell me to "take a hike". If they do thats o.k. i'll make good with my decision on es. Right now second thoughts are eatin me up. Used strictly to hunt with @ duck/goose lease.

 

I bet you will enjoy it. I would keep it. I have two es's. Stop worrying.

 

I would never have one.......why would I want to pay $200 extra for something I neither need or want, and may have problems some day?

There was an absolute flood of ES problem posts in here for quite a while.....like a couple every week! Honda currently has a recall on the angle sensors, so that was no doubt most folks problem. That part has presumably been replaced on the newer models (???????).

On the other hand, you will find posts from those who will claim that ES is the greatest thing since sex........

I say try to get it exchanged if they are willing.

 

Your Fine, ES wont be a problem at all. If it is, you will never get stuck out somwhere because of the lever honda gives you just in case. Most of the time the es is a cheap fix. I know many with the es and none of them have ever had a problem. Reconranger is just a paranoid person with that stuff.

 

I didnt want ES on my 07 rancher either just because I feel it is something more that can break, but in the 24 miles Ive had this thing I dont have any complaints.

I kinda like it!
Get a extended warranty ,and forget about it.

 

that's just what the poor guy needs to hear reconranger. you've got how much ownership experience? I think there are more reconranger es bash posts than people looking for information on how to fix the little occasional issues there can be with the ES. Of course there are going to be a few posts asking advice on how to fix something that is not well understood by newbies.

Of course you can eliminate es problems by avoiding it. you can avoid ATV problems if you walk too. take what he says with a grain of salt on this issue and enjoy your new ATV. Laugh at your pal that had to shift when his shifter was under water and his boot is soaked.

 

Stay with the ES.
There a couple years ago Honda sourced the angle sensors, the part that 'tells' the electronics which gear it is in, from Mexico. That mexican angle sensor was unreliable. Now, with Japanese ones the quality control is good - so fewer problems --- and even if it does go it is only a cheap 20 minute home fix with 3 tools.
My tip is to ask the dealer , or yourself , to spray grease around the new angle sensor from new, and that will almost guarantee no problems.
With the ES , like with any gearbox really, don't force it - let it change in its own sweet time. The shift motors are very reliable, the handlebar switch is well waterproofed . Keep the battery terminals tight and the battery in good condition. The ES is good to use. We use them on forestry work where they shift hundreds of times a day

 

I feel just the opposite were most people dont like it or thinks it brakes easy, I love it when i can stand on top of my seat in 3 or 4 feet of water and change gears with out getting wet!!! Like always rider said you have a manual shift lever in the rear box! Just put di-electrical grease in all connectors to double up on protection!! Good luck with the foreman!

 

I have a 2000 Foreman S and I would take a ES in a heartbeat! If it was as likely to brake as some people think, Honda would not bother with making them. Don't second guess it. I ride a 680 Rincon. It's one of the most technically advanced ATVs on the planet and I don't think twice about something breaking on it. You know why? Because its a Honda!

 

Took back this morning and told them to give me the S. They were willing to make the exchange. Went to re-do the paperwork, looked at it one more time and told the guy forget it, I'm going home with my ES. I'm sure he thought I was a real pain in the @#$% but I feel great about owning my ES. Thanks for all the replies to this thread. Really makes me have a lot of confidence in the ES. Off to the lease in the a.m. Thanks!