I am looking to buy my first ATV this fall once I have enough money saved up and think I have narrowed it down to two models. The Honda 420 Rancher manual 4WD or the Suzuki 400 King Quad manual 4WD are my two. I have ridden the Suzuki already, but am still working on trying to find time to get on the Rancher. I would like honest unbiased opinions of both. I will be using it for very light work around my farm and my girlfriends farm as well as hunting and trail riding on solid pack, little bit of rock, and a little bit of mud. So as you can tell I am looking for the best all-purpose machine. So far I really like the Low range sub transmission on the KQ and on the Rancher I really like the fuel injection as well as the 420cc to the 376cc of the KQ. The two are priced equivalently as per MSRP. I know the 450KQ would be a better comparison to the Rancher yet it is much higher in price and I want a manual instead of an automatic. Any advice you can give I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks guys for your time.

 

Forget them both and find a manual 500 Vinson. They being replaced by the 450 and can be had for a song.

 

I have the rancher and use it in very similar conditions that you have mentioned, probably even rougher conditions considering Newfoundland terrain and weather. I love the machine. It's fun and powerful. The fuel injection helps great in very cold weather. With Honda your getting a bulletproof engine and good quality. Just look up reviews on the net and I can assure you 90%+ will all be positive. I can't speak for the other option seeing how I never tried one so I can only give my opinion on the rancher.

 

Isn't the 400 KQ is basically the same machine as the Eiger (only restyled)?

Anyhow, of those two, the Suzuki probably has a bit softer ride. The Rancher will likely be significantly snappier, and sportier handling. My choice of those two would be the Rancher, but you need to ride both before you decide.

 

I own the Rancher, I have the ES 4x4. It is the perfect size to for work, and it is small and sporty enough to trail ride. It is never to wide for the trails, and mine keeps up with a Raptor and a 400ex. It has never let me down..

 

I have herd bad things about the first 420 Ranchers sucking in dirt and blowing up.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ATV24/7

I have herd bad things about the first 420 Ranchers sucking in dirt and blowing up.</end quote></div>

Huh?

I just bought the 420 and love it. I have read and hear nothing but positive comments since last year when I started researching to decide what ATV I would buy. Can you be a little more specific with your comments?

 

I've never heard of anything like that, either.

 

I know of a coupe in Kentucky that burnt up and had ro be bored over.

 

But we did have a drought this summer and with all that dust proper maintnaince is a must. I don't mean to hurt your alls feelings.