Hey JSG......I am getting ready to take out the new Recon right now. I will post the pics when I get home this evening.

I was going after a Recon at firs too. I simply talked myself into a Rancher because it seemed like the better value. 420cc vs 229cc. I am a big guy too, I tip the scale about 270 so I thought it would haul my fat *** a little better so I talked myself right into a slightly bigger Rancher. But oh well, it seems like most people think I will have a blast on the Recon......so we shall see today!

 

Here is the picture of my new 2007 Recon in my truck:

 

here's another one:

 

Man, it looks beautiful! I can't wait to hear your review.

 

Just got back from my first ride. Here's a better picture of it.

 

Here's 2 pictures of it on the trail.

 

JSG here is my quick review:

I rode just a shade over 15 miles today and I took it fairly easy on the machine. The manual called for a 15 mile break in period where I should refrain from full-throttle starts, rapid acceleration and constant RPM operation. I did find it hard to adhere to this because this little 4 wheeler is a blast to ride! I can already tell this will be a wheelie and donut machine from hell.

It was about 54 degrees here today so I had to choke it a little to get it to start. No biggie, I put the choke back down to half and rev her up a little and the engine warmed right up. For it to only be 229cc and not fuel injected, this little machine does have some zip. I know it will be a breeze to wheelie in first gear.

As for the manual shift. It took only a few minutes to get use to it. Coming from an Outlander 800 where everything is get on and push throttle, it was a little different. But thanks to Honda the cluthcless shifting is very simple. I know there's alot of people who love the ES but I am sooooo glad I got manual shifting. After about 2 minutes I knew I had made the right choice. All you do is let off the throttle and use your foot shifter and you shift gears. I grew up on motorcycles so this was a welcomed and familiar feeling after riding auto everything the past few years on ATV's I've owned. Having an automatic clutch sees a little weird but the manual shift is a breeze and very smooth. VERY HAPPY with choosing this feature over the ES. Maybe longer rides I will have wished for the ES but I can tough it out ;-)

Handling is very different from the big Can Am and Polaris I've owned. This thing is very nimble and I can already tell on some tight trails this is a HUGE advantage over my Outlander 800. I was able to slide easily around some curves today and never felt like I was going to separate myself from the machine! One negative on the handling is the bumpy ride I got today. Shew, the swingarm single shock gave me a rough ride today.

As for the engine, I didn't really try to stretch it's legs today. I took it easy and will wait to see what kind of top speed I can hit.

Now, as for which machine would be better JSG, I would have to say as a big guy, I weigh right at 270, I know the 420 Rancher would be the better fit. For us bigger fellas, I kinda have the elephant on a **** ant feel while riding my little Recon.....haha. So i am sure I would not have this feeling on the bigger Rancher. But in no way does even my larger size stop me from having a blast on this thing. It fills the bill for exactly what I was looking for.

That's about all I can think about now. If ya have any specific questions JSG let me know and I will try to answer them.

 

Best to break it in hard, to seat the rings properly. Probably to late for your Recon already, if you have been babying it: http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm


Best to do a very early oil change, like after the first hour. This will get any metal shavings out of the engine right away. This is especially true for the Recon which has no oil filter. (It does have a screen and a very effective centrifugal oil cleaner...see your owner's manual about when to clean those.) Run a petroleum based oil (like Honda GN4 or Maxima Premium) during break-in (~10 hours), then you can switch to a synthetic if you like. A good read on oil for you quads: http://www.thumperfaq.com/oil.htm

I would also change out the gear oil in the rear final drive, for the same reason.

Absolutely do not neglect to do a valve adjustment at 20 hours!!!

There is some hop up potential in this engine, when you are ready. A UNI air filter, enlarge the vent hole on the snorkle (or vent the airbox lid), and an aftermarket muffler will wake the little engine up some.

 

The Reacon looks great! That was a great review as well. I have heard that the Reacon can have a little bit of a rough ride. Today should be the day for me. I am going to go by and get the Rancher (though won't be bringing it home until later in the week). I'll post some pics as well.

 

Thanks JSG.....I hope the info helped ya. I can't wait to see the pics of your Rancher. Plus, I will be anxiously awaiting your first ride and review.

Hey thanks Recon Ranger. I rode it a little today and probably have a little over an hour on it. I will change the engine oil in it tomorrow. I had heard that from somebody but didn't think much about it. I will definetly put the good Honda oil in it. As for synthetic, I have never used that stuff in any of my off road toys or regular autos for that matter. Guess I have always been stuck in my old traditional ways.

Wished I had known about running it hard.......too late now.

Thanks for everything guys!