I too wanted the gauges but the simplicity of the manual shift was a higher priority so I bought the FM model. In order to keep track of service intervals I purchased and installed an hour meter. I would have liked to have had a speedometer but I really doubt that speed will ever be an issue unless I was to exceed the posted limit in town.
Stan

 

Why Honda doesn't take advantage of both the foot shift along with the digital speedo is a mystery to me.

 

I too choose the ES model for the Digital Dash info . For only$200 more on the ES , one got alot.

I too noticed the Es shifter is lazy when the engine is cold. It could be the temp, or due to the faster running idle speed (I noticed this on my manual shift honda 400 foreman)

 

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

I too wanted the gauges but the simplicity of the manual shift was a higher priority so I bought the FM model. In order to keep track of service intervals I purchased and installed an hour meter. I would have liked to have had a speedometer but I really doubt that speed will ever be an issue unless I was to exceed the posted limit in town.

Stan</end quote></div>

You might consider running a bar mounted GPS. That would give you speed/distance and is also a nice navigational aid. I've got an old Magellan on the Foreman, and run a higher end Garmin on the Rincon. A cig lithger plug is also handy.

 

Thanks JeffinTD. I have a Magellan I could use and I installed a power plug right after I purchased the Rancher.. Where did you find a handle bar mount. Does it provide a solid mount for your GPS?
Stan

 

I got the Magellan brand handlebar mount. At that time that GPS was getting old, so I was able to snag a mount off of e-bay.

There are generic mounts out there, of course, but one that was a custom fit is nice. It locks the unit in place and the power attachment attached to it so there was nothing extra to hook up.

 

RAM mounts are also a good solid solution. They are around $40 they have them for most major branded GPS units.

 

ok well iv got a fm rancher but my father has the es foreman and what i have noticed is that if you are increasing in speed you have to releace the throtle then shift and its at certin rpms when you have the best shifting its ment so non the less if you were in water you foot dont get wet if thats the case sry you shouldnt have got a atv but its a es just like an auto mattic your suppose to shift as you get to the right rpm and once you get there you let off the throtle and start over at a lower rpm try this if you see a diffrence let me know its just food for thought as you shift up you have to let off your throtle then shift

 

Let it warm up a bit.....my FM will even do that if I don't let it warm up a bit.