Just wondering if any one out there has any feedback on a new 420 yet?

 

The IRS one? I talked to a guy at the dealership who rode one and said it is really slick.

The only concerns I'd have are the weight vs displacement, and the somewhat higher 1st gear, but I suspect it will be an excellent machine for many people's purposes and preferences.

Welcome to the forum, and if you get one, tell us about it.

 

So, I've been watching these Ranchers like a hawk...IRS is great, but had talked myself into a straight rear axle until I notice the Brake drum placement...
Why in the world did the tuck the drum so nicely in the ranchers and rubicon prior to 07' or 08', then Stick them right out in the open again! I wonder if they had some old fourtrax or rancher rear ends they needed to use up! If the drum wasn't out in the open like it is, I would buy one tomorrow. Now I'm saving up for the 09' w/ IRS. Seems to be the best of the best.
I heard from a local Honda sales rep, they loose 8% from engine to ground, vs. Rincon that looses 28%.

 

You said "new" 09 so I am assuming that means the IRS 420AT (????). It has a totally unique transmission, and the engine has some features that make it more powerful than the SRA model (needed to haul the extra weight). The quad has gotten good reviews in the magazines, and in the different forums, but seeing that the economy is slow I don't think there are to many of them out there just yet. For me, it's the only option if I ever want an IRS machine, becasue there is no way I am ever going to own one of the rubber band drives.

As for the SRA model, I too have wondered why they went back to the old design (also found on the old 300) with the drum in the middle. That said, I have never really found that it was a big problem. I think folks get hung up on "numbers", when what counts is actual performance out on the trail. Anyway, the SRA model handles as good an many sport quads out there!

 

you will hang up on the engine cradel before you hang up on the brum.

 

I've slid the bottom of the Foreman across quite a few rocks, and smashed in the bash guard in the rear drive housing.

Honda has IMHO the most refined and polished engineering in most everything they make, but every once in a while they do something that seems totally bone headed.

Not having the drum tucked in to the wheel is one of those things (actually I'd prefer they either had a rear disk, or one of the wet clutch pack type brakes encased in the final drive). Along those lines is no low range on the Rincon, no instrument pannel on foot shift Rancher...