Hey everyone, greetings from SE Louisiana. My wife and I are at that point in our lives where our youngest is almost 20 and we're ready to go out and have some fun. I've always wanted an ATV and it's about time. I have done a lot of research and decided on the following models for us; 2007 Rancher 420ES 4x4 for me and a 2006 Recon 250ES for my petite wife. A few questions come to mind.

1) Are there tires available that are the same size as the factory ones, but with more of a mud type tread?

2) What is the break-in period/procedure?

3) Do most riders wear helmets? Goggles?

4) How much MPG do they get?

5) Do ya'll recommend the factory extended warranty?

6) Can the 250 keep up with the 420?

7) Any feedback on the electric shift system?


I'll probably be purchasing these towards the end of the month and comments and suggestions would be greatly appreciated now so I can make a more sound decision.

 

1) Yes

2) Im not entirely sure so ill let another member answer

3) The wise/smart ones do

4) See #2

5) See #2

6) No on speed. No on terrain. Yes on manuverability(especially in tight places)

7) In my opinion its just another gimmick to go wrong.

-Nathan

 

well the break in procedure is usually in the owners manual that comes with the quads, just ride it easy for short periods of time and then gradually build up the amount of time and roughness......most riders do wear helmets and goggles, your dumb if you dont(my opinion) the mpg on mine is probably 15(not sure) and as for the warrenty, if its real cheap then go ahead but if its alot of $ just forget it and get insurance(get that no matter what) and my quad is able to keep up quite good with the older rancher 350's but im not sure with the 420 as for the ES i wouldnt get it because its all the easier for things to go wrong same with fixing it, its harder to fix an ES than manual shift....oh and i assure you will be sattisfied

 

Im just going to answer one question. Do not get the ES. I have had 3 and had problems so far with 2 of them.
My latest was my 2007 Rancher. I love it but I wish I wouldnt have gotten the ES. Also I would buy 2 Ranchers
and not a Recon. Ranchers ride alot better. I have had a couple of Recons and I am definately more satisfied with
my Ranchers.

 

1. Me and my wife are about the same age and situation. I guarantee you that you won't need mud type tires. The tires on them from the factory are smooth riding and I am absolutely amazed at the traction. We have gone through deep mud, deep snow etc. without any problems whatsoever.
2. Other than riding them reasonably easy at first, there is no break-in procedure.
3.Yes most intelligent riders wear helmets and goggles.
4.The mileage varies greatly. I have gotten 60 miles out of a tank and I have gotten 85 miles out of a tank.
5.I personally choose to save my money on extended warranties and rely on the excellent Honda engineering and my common sense in using and care of the machines.
6. Absolutely not. I have a 06 rancher 350, a 07 rancher 420, and an 07 rincon. Non will keep up with the other, however the 350 is an amazingly powerful machine that will do all you want to do. Also, look at the rear axle of the rancher 350 versus the 420. The 350 has a full tube axle with bearings at the wheel ends.The 420 does not. I personally think the 350 rancher design is much stronger and durable.
7. Much has been said about the ES shift system. I can only tell you my experience. Absolutely no problems whatsoever, and I have had four different hondas with the ES system. I would much rather push a button than shift with my foot.
8. One final point that you didn't ask but I'll say it anyway. I would not recommend the recon because the larger machine you have the smoother the ride, the easier it is to ride over rough terrain etc. I started with a Rancher 350 then went to the 420 and then went to the Rincon. Each time it got much easier to ride. Those of us in our late 40's and early 50's need to think about comfort more so than twenty year olds. I put in 120 miles this weekend of back country riding and feel like I could go 200 more!

 

ranchers are harder to steer than recons and recons are small making it alot easier to handle and manuaver, unless you have selectable 2x4/4x4. if you get the selectable then its probably worthwhile to pay a little bit more for 2 ranchers seeing as it has 4x4

 

Yes you are correct about the recon being easier to steer, but then a unicycle is the absolute easiest to steer on the trails.