I just bought an 08 Honda Rancher 420 4x4 ES. I was wondering when do I need to change the oil, oil filter, air filter... You know all the routine stuff. Also, what accessories make a big difference on this machine tires, skid plates, winch??

 

The air filter is cleanable, so you shouldn't have to buy a new for quite awhile. However the factory says to do the first oil/filter change at 20 hours. However, I did mine at about 10. You will need to do a valve adjustment at around 20, if you arn't familar with doing that, it needs to go back to the dealer. Also do a silencer cleaning.....tells you how in the owners manual and a clutch adjustment, also in the owners manual. After that you are good to go to up 100 hours according to the factory, however I have been changing oil and filter about ever 20-25 hours, depending on useage.
The best improvement I have made so far is stiffer shock springs from hi-lifter. A snow plow on the front or a rider on the rear seems to sag the stock springs pretty fast. Also added a winch and hand guards (I'm in the brush alot and helps some in the winter cold.)

 

Hey tramp, is yours a 420 also. If so, was "high lifter" the site where you got the springs. I couldn't find a "hi-lifter" atv website. I would love to have stronger rear springs for my 07 420.


Congrats by the way, Kimberly-Bowling. It's a great atv, isn't it?

 

Oh my gosh.. I love it!! I was totally surprised by the power.

 

Redphone 106
Yea it is a 420. Got them from high lifter. Think the kit with 3 springs and the tool to change them was around 150.00. But later found them some where on another web site for around 130.00 with tool. Just google high lifter springs. Some of the sites don't show them yet, but they are avalible. Put mine on about 2 months ago. Really helped the sag, you get about 1" of lift. Easy to change out with the tool.

 

Cool. I found them on atvoutfitters.net. I think I will give them a try. Do I really need the tool? Is there something around the house that will work instead?

 

redphone106
Remembered that web site.
www.atvoutfitters.net
The part number for the spring set and tool is #SPRTKIT-H420 and is $139.95

 

redphone106
Yea you really need the tool. Other wise if you aren't carfull and one slips, you may windup with a hole in the garage wall. Just be careful when removing the old spring that you are careful not to break the plastic mud shield. Learn by experience, didn't really matter for me cause I use shock covers anyway, for the snow and ice I am running in. When you compress the spring, you will see a rubber bumper and the metal cone on the top pulls up slighty and then slides off the shock ram thru and grove in it. Need any other help let me know. Once you get one the others are a piece of cake. Only hard shock to remove is the rea one. That top bolt is kinda hide up under the tool box. Jack the atv up so the tires are just barely off the ground and remove the shock bolts and out they come. No problem!

 

I see nothing wrong with the stock suspension on my Rancher(07). I actually like the feel of it, even after riding all summer

 

Yeah, I hear you. It is a really smooth ride; much improved from the older machines. I don't know about tramp, but I am 6.0' tall and 250lbs. and it seems to drag a bit when hitting jumps and turning while accelerating really hard. Sometimes it feels like a waverunner raising up. It would just be nice to have something a little stiffer.

It would be great if Honda put adjustable shocks on the back.