Ok guys I have a 400ex right now and was thinking of how I never raced or anything, I should just sell it and get a utility! I ride trails and would like something that is very hard to tip over, sideways or backwards. I live in Alabama and there is a lot of very steep hills, so I don't want to tip it over. I'm 13, but can handle everything. I've driven every fourwheeler known to man, so I can handle anything. What would be best for my style? And yes, price is a major issue and I don't mind buying used. Any transmission is fine, I'm used to em all from clutch driven to ES. So, what do you guys think? BTW The bigger the better it just has to be within a reasonable price. I would prefer 4x4

 

Well, there isn't such a thing as a utility that is hard to tip over.

From what you've described, you might look for a foot shift Rancher 420. They are snappy and sporty, and their low center of gravity makes them fairly stable. They are a bit physically smaller than the rest of Honda's utilities, and even some of the other 400 class machines from other brands.

 

What year?

 

07-present rancher 420 4x4 is what you would be looking for. get the foot shift though...not the es. cheepest 4x4 in the 400 class, last i checked. also comes in an auto with IRS suspention. i do believe its also the only one in the 400 class with fuel injection as well

 

In nasty terrain, I ride circles around my friends who are on their big, tall, heavy, mushy suspended big bore belt drive autos. One guy says that I make it look so "easy". Well it is easy on a light stable little machine like the Rancher!!!

The Rancher 420 is a superb little machine! Honda keeps the center of gravity low, and the water cooled, fuel injected engine can scream. Best to shift with your foot, and avoid the ES shifting option!

There is a new Rancher 420AT, which has IRS and a totally unique transmission, in case you feel like you would benefit from IRS.

 

thanks for all the help, guys. sounds good.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: 2003 400ex rider 911911

Ok guys I have a 400ex right now and was thinking of how I never raced or anything, I should just sell it and get a utility! I ride trails and would like something that is very hard to tip over, sideways or backwards. I live in Alabama and there is a lot of very steep hills, so I don't want to tip it over. I'm 13, but can handle everything. I've driven every fourwheeler known to man, so I can handle anything. What would be best for my style? And yes, price is a major issue and I don't mind buying used. Any transmission is fine, I'm used to em all from clutch driven to ES. So, what do you guys think? BTW The bigger the better it just has to be within a reasonable price. I would prefer 4x4</end quote></div>

No offense, but when you think you "can handle anything" you are looking to bust your butt or get seriously injured; always be careful and never over confident as any motorized vehicle can hurt you. As someone else has stated, no ATV is particularly hard to turn over, so ALWAYS keep that in mind. I agree with a previous poster that it would be right to stay with a mid sized machine and some people have already made good suggestions. I ride a 700 only because the smaller machines did not offer the features I wanted. I would also advise to get a 4WD if you can afford it and while I prefer an "automatic", you will probably be best served by a foot shift model. With the market being what it is, you should be able to find a good used bike to fit your needs. Good luck and enjoy your new ride.

 

yeah i would suggest a 420 4x4 rancher without a dout.. in my oppinion they look better and seem to be slightlly bigger in size than the 350..
im 15 and the recon is to small for me i think and i despiratly need a 4x4...just in the swamps of south GA.. but i put some swamplites on their and that made a world of a diference..