Does anyone know if there were any improvements, or changes made from 2008-2009 on the Honda Rancher 4x4? I noticed the 09 is 2lbs lighter and am just curious if any improvements have been made, and why the difference in weight.

 

Dunno, but in the Rancher Line which as of last year consisted of a 420cc fuel injected Manual Shift & Electric Shift, they have added for 2009 a Rancher 420 AT which has a new 5 speed automatic tranny (we predict is signifantly different then the auto tranny in the old Rancher 400at, or the Rubicon, or the Rincon), and independant rear suspension.

As for the S & ES, I believe they are largely unchanged, I think they moved the Rear Drum brake from in the wheel to next to the rear differential.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>As for the S & ES, I believe they are largely unchanged, I think they moved the Rear Drum brake from in the wheel to next to the rear differential. </end quote></div>

The 420 always had the large drum housing out in the open on the rear axel next to the differential housing which was stupid.

I would think tucking the drum housing inside the wheel rim and out of harms way (like on the Foreman) where most all drum housing are located would be a improvement.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>As for the S & ES, I believe they are largely unchanged, I think they moved the Rear Drum brake from in the wheel to next to the rear differential. </end quote></div>



The 420 always had the large drum housing out in the open on the rear axel next to the differential housing which was stupid.



I would think tucking the drum housing inside the wheel rim and out of harms way (like on the Foreman) where most all drum housing are located would be a improvement.</end quote></div>

That seems to be the only complaint I have heard about the rancher.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>As for the S & ES, I believe they are largely unchanged, I think they moved the Rear Drum brake from in the wheel to next to the rear differential. </end quote></div>



The 420 always had the large drum housing out in the open on the rear axel next to the differential housing which was stupid.



I would think tucking the drum housing inside the wheel rim and out of harms way (like on the Foreman) where most all drum housing are located would be a improvement.</end quote></div>


Thanks for clearing that up, I remember tid bits from reading it here.

 

There have not been any changes that are readily appearent from 07-09. If you can find a leftover 07 or 08 at a better price, get one!

As for the brake housing (which is what makes the ground clearance only 6.5"), the old Honda 300 had this same setup. The Rancher 350 had it tucked into the wheel well, and why Honda went back to putting it in the middle is a mystery. Perhaps, they had some good reason from a design standpoint.....

 

Perhaps this is one modification.
http://www.marketwatch.com/new...B5F-8ABA-2FCE06C7B90C}

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>rubber constant velocity boots that can puncture or tear, binding joints in the vehicle, which could cause a lose of control,</end quote></div>

LOL when Honda or any other company can make a CV boot that will not tear or puncture they will get a noble prize for science.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: TLC

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>rubber constant velocity boots that can puncture or tear, binding joints in the vehicle, which could cause a lose of control,</end quote></div>



LOL when Honda or any other company can make a CV boot that will not tear or puncture they will get a noble prize for science.</end quote></div>

TLC...you need to just go away!!! I don't come over to the Polarass forum and point out all the times I towed my buddies 2001 SP 500 H.O. home (seriously!), or about the time he rolled it and almost got killed because the thing was so unstable.....

Worthwhile comments are welcome, but you buddy are completely worthless!

 

hacktorious-Whatever you decide to buy, see us BEFORE you ever ride it!!! Don't even ride it around the block. If it is not broken in properly, it will always be down on power.

The break-in precedure isn't anything like the dealer will tell you:

http://www.mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm