Hi, I'm new on this site and pretty impressed with everyones knowledge of ATV's. I just purchased a Honda 350 Rancher FM. My questions are. When oil change time comes what type/weight of oil should I use? Is synthetic ok? Any particular brands better than others? Also I have read here that there is a Warn kit that allows the front wheel drive to be disconnected allowing two wheel drive only until 4X4 is needed. Is this a good option and if so where could I purchase one? Thanks in advance for all responses.

 

the 4x2 switch is called a 424 selecter by warn, you could probly pick one up on ebay cheap. (the best mod by far!)as far as the oil you can use synthetic, which is what i buy, but tired of 20$$ oil changes every three or four weeks so i think ill just start using honda oil, which isnt cheap, so make up your own mind, neither will hurt just make sure it isnt energy conserving, that will cause the clutch to slip. the only reason i change mine so much is cause i ride in alot in mud and deep water.

 

A good oil article to start out with: http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm

Your safest bet is a motorcycle specific oil that is API SG/JASO MA. Beyond that, the synthetics have advantages over plain old petroleum oil, and the ester synthetics have advantages over the other two types of synthetics. Best to just avoid all the car/diesel oils IMO.

My personal choice is Maxima Extra, an ester synthetic which I run in everything, including the Rancher which is now 7 years old: http://www.maximausa.com/products/4s...synthextra.asp

Some facts on synthetics: http://www.maximausa.com/technical/l...beNews2002.pdf

As for weights, I run 10W40 in our relatively mild So. Calif. winters, and 15W50 in our VERY hot summers. If I lived in the forzen north, I would probably run 5W30 in winter and 10W40 in summer.

I highly recommend the Warn 424! It is the best mod you can do on your Rancher.

 

Thanks guys for all your help. It is appreciated.

 

Just noticed that this is an NEW quad.......

Some break-in advice: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

Stick with a petroleum based oil during break in (this is a controversial issue!). I change the engine oil and filter, and the differential oil after 1 hour of riding. This gets out any metal shavings left over from machining. I change engine oil again at 5 and 10 hours.....then I switch to synthetic.