I hope this isn't seen as a double post. I eliminated the Polaris from my selection, and thought the revised question posted over here....

I had a 2007 Outlander 800 XT a while back, but circumstances had me sell it. Now I'm looking to buy another atv, hunting first, trail riding second and infrequent. I don't go riding looking for mud holes, but sometimes have to cross them. I don't think I ever HAD to use 4X4 but engaged it a few times out of convenience. Never used the winch. In fact I'm even debating if I even need 4X4. If the Rancher 4X2 had IRS I think my decision would be easier. The only other atvs I have owned were Honda and Polaris, and both experiences were positive. I live in south Louisiana, so it's flat and occasional swampyness.

My Can-Am experience for reference: Solid, reliable, way overpowered for what I used it for, but fun to ride. I didn't like the high engine rpms cruising at 25 mph, feeling top heavy, and not having a good dealership within an hour of home.

I would prefer to purchase new, as I plan this one to be a long term investment. My budget is, as most folks, as low as I can get it, while getting what I need. $5500-$6000 is about my limit.

1. If I go 4X4, my top 2 at the moment are the $4,300 Rancher 420 manual (SRA) and $5,300 Rancher 420 AT (IRS).
2. Am I crazy trying to save $1000 by going with a 2X4, and/or another $1000 for IRS on a Rancher? If I go SRA Rancher ($3,200 2X4, $4,300 4X4) I would get the manual shift.
3. Is power steering worth the extra $300?

I guess that is where my struggle is right now, is the value of 4X4 and IRS. I could almost buy a Rancher and a Recon for the price of the Rancher AT.

Where I hunt I don't think I need 4X4, but what if I start hunting somewhere else and might need it. Is a 2X4 and a winch just in case a reasonable compromise? Say I get a 4X4, then I start all over again with or without IRS... AAARRGGGG!

I have a really bad case of "Analysis Paralysis" right now!


I appreciate an insight from others on this one.


Kendall

 

I would for sure go 4x4. The one time you need it, it will be worth it. Also, years from now you will likely get the difference back (for 4x4) when you sell it or trade it in.

I would go foot shift myself. ES seems to be better than older systems, but can still cause problems.

As far as IRS and the Auto, IRS rides much better over rough stuff, and has somewhat better ground clearance. Honda did a really good job on the IRS Rincon, as it really glides over rough stuff without feeling top heavy or wallowy like some other IRS's. My understanding is that the IRS Rancher is also very well done. The 5 speed dual clutch transmission is really complicated, but apparently works well. (I haven't gotten to run an IRS rancher yet).

Good luck with whatever you choose. For mostly hunting and a little trail riding, I think you would be happy with the foot shift SRA Rancher, or even the Foreman.

The IRS will ride better, and I guess only you know if spending the extra is worth it for you, or not.

 

You should just get the Suzuki KingQuad 450, reliable, plenty of power, hi and lo range, efi, irs and reasonibly priced!

 

You only need IRS if you constantly ride rocky trails or have to have a couple inches of additional ground clearance. The extra comfort is nice, but the penalty you pay is a lot of extra weight, and the suspension will squat when the racks are heavily loaded...and there goes all your IRS advantages out the window....

The SRA Rancher is a real peach! I have owned a 2wd Rancher as well. You would be surprised at how getting rid of that extra weight up front where it does the most harm (all those extra 4wd parts), contributes to the sweet handling of the machine!!! My 2wd took me most everywhere I needed to ever go, except in the snow (only snows in the mountains here).

Sounds like you have most of the pros and cons figured out already. I am a minimalist kind of guy, so if I could get away with a 2wd....that is the route I would go.

 

Actually you get more for $1000 than just IRS, Honda does not make the IRS Rancher without there new high tech Automatic tranny do they?

I hate the words "High Tech" and "Tranny" use together on a ATV,myself.

 

If you are a deer hunter, you won't be hauling the huge loads out of the woods like a Moose or Elk hunter would, so keeping it light and simple makes even more sense!

 

I have taken a few steps forward and decided that I will get a 4X4. The IRS and rear disk brake are more important to me than the auto transmission, but since I cannot choose I am getting either the TRX420FA or the TRX420FPA. There is only $200 difference between them, and really the only deciding factor for me is durability. I am going to gamble that the EPS on the Honda is as good as any other Honda system, and should be ok for the life of the quad.

So unless anyone else has any additional input, I'll be getting a TRX420FPA (in white or Red) by the end of the week.

Thanks for all of your input.


Kendall

 

I think you will be very happy. Let us know how the EPS works. Have yet to drive an ATV with that on it.

 

I think you will be quite happy. There are times on really big rocks, or when you smack that stump hidden in the grass at the edge of a trail, that power steering would be nice.

Let us know how it goes after you get a ride in.