i have a 04 honda rancher 350 2wd and im have been thinkin about buyin a 420. i have put the 350 through a lot and it has took every bit of it..so give me the good the bad and the ugly on the 420.. i was hopein i could count on my fellow rancher riders to help me out on this one.. Thanks guys

 

The 420 is in a different power class than the previous Ranchers. They are very snappy machines, and are a bit physically smaller and lower than Honda's Rincon, Rubicon and Foreman. Actually they are a bit smaller than a 400 Eiger. The solid axle ones ride a bit rough, but the SRA is part of their sporty handling. If you get one of the SRA's, I'd probably go with the foot shift version. Newer ES systems are better than the older ones, but foot shift has less of a potential for little electric problems.

New on the market is an IRS version of the Rancher with a 5 speed dual clutch automatic. If the ride and handling is anything like Honda's other IRS machine (the Rincon) it promises to be an excellent machine.

Good luck with whatever you choose.

 

I have a 420 fm and I love it. I ride with people that have several different brands and it will compair to about any of them. We all run 25 or 26" tires and they all do about the same. I put foreman 12" wheels on mine with the stock foreman tires and there are 2 people with 26" mudlites on itp wheels on 450 grizzleys and we will get stuck it most of the same holes. I stay a hell of alot cleaner with my wheels not sticking out from under my fenders. I have a friend that has a 2wd 2006 rancher and He really likes mine. I had a 07 2x4 and would not go back. I think you will like it.

 

I have the 2008 trx420fm and I love it. Mine has the automatic with the 5 speed shift. 1st gear in 4 wheel has more then enough power to pull through or up anything. (anything I've tried anyway, lol) I've had mine to a top speed of 98 kph.

The 2009 have came out with a optional independent rear suspension, a lot more money but I am still very happy with the ride and abilities of mine.

I just upgraded mine with a 2" lift and 25" Executioner tires. Havn't even tried it yet, really waiting for the snow to melt and try the mud...

 

Great little trail quad! Rips right off the bottom. Compared to the 350, it is improved in every way!

Are you aware that besides the standard SRA model, there is the all new IRS model, the 420AT??? It has a totally unique new transmission, and several of the magazines have rated its suspension as excellent!

Probably best to avoid the ES shifting option!

However, if you are looking for a monster mud bogger, get a bigger machine. This is a trail quad...and nothing more! My experience has been that bigger tires just ruin this machines sweet handling. If your riding conditions or your ego require that you ride a redneck special with monster tires, get something else....

 

yeah im pretty well leanin to the 420.. has anybody heard about or drove one with power steering? or dose the rancher have that option??

 

Yes, the Rancher has that option for an additional $300. We bought a new 420AT w/ IRS &PS the other weekend and I haven't been able to ride it yet. Next weekend is the plan.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: ugeesta1

Yes, the Rancher has that option for an additional $300. We bought a new 420AT w/ IRS &PS the other weekend and I haven't been able to ride it yet. Next weekend is the plan.</end quote></div>

Put a few hours on it, and give us a rider review! Not so interested in the PS as how the IRS handles rocky terrain.

 

met a guy at river run a few weeks ago who was riding an 09 Rancher with the IRS. Told us he bought a new Rancher in 2008, and when 2009 came around, gave that one to his wife and traded hers in for the 09 model. He loved it, said it was a great ride, very good trail machine.

 

I have a 07 420FE and I absolutely love it. It can handle all but the deepest mud w/26" Mudlites, and with the factory tires, it handles like a dream. It's everything I wanted in a trail/mud bike.