I'm going to be buying a Rancher in the very near future. I haven't decided on the ES or manual shift. Someone told me that if you turn the ES off in a high gear that you will have problems starting it back up. It seems like to me that you would just turn the key and shift back to neutral and then start it back up. Those of you that have the ES can you tell me if this is true and for those that bought the manual can you tell me why you chose them instead. Thanks

 

For the extra $200.00 cost of the ES you get floorboards, Electric shift, and the digital dash. I haven't heard of any serious problems with the ES, and for all the extras, that's what I bought.

 

My wife has the ES on hers it has works flawlessly, but for myself I chose the S, I don't mind the shifting with my foot, it's easier if your standing or holding something. In Canada even the S models come with the cool digital dash. Also with the S model you have some clutch control. Either way the are smooth shifting Quads!

 

Sometimes if you are on not level you will have to rock the quad forward to downshift. Very rare and it is easy to do. Same thing with my recon also so I don't think it is a ES thing. The ES has never let me down.

 

I hate the ES, too awkward and my friends has been nothing but trouble. My s has a digital dash (honda fourtrax350 4x4 2001 see http://burnt.poptart.ne ) Can't beat the feeling of shifting with your feet. sorry it just doesnt feel natural

 

I had some reservations when I bought my ES--don't completely trust electronic stuff, especially in a vehicle that will see hard use miles from civilization. But with Honda's reputation I took the chance and haven't regretted it. And there's always that shift wrench to fall back on if need be.
It does shift kind of harshly though and I'm hoping the shift plate recall will help that. Somebody around here said the new plate does make a difference.

 

I have a 2000 450es and can think of no reason to go manual shift other than a racing situation where a fraction of a second counts. Every now and then mine will jam up and won't shift up or down while parked. I just give it a little push back and forth and I'm back in buisness. The digital readout is great. Plus I have greater control of foot placementie,deep water or rough terrain. I'll never go back. Take care.

 

stogie i could not said it any better.. when i got my new 2000 450 es i liked it and still do now... the only thing i would kinda like is that it was like the 1 down and the rest up at times i use 1st a lot ... then there are other time i would not need 1st.. i had a buddie that had the manual shift and the down fall i could see here in dakota is if he got stuck in the hard packed snow bank he would break them off.. i really like the floor boards......

 

I have the ES rancher and love it.No trouble ever.AS far as shutting it off in gear and then having trouble getting into neutral, just rock it back & forth a little.This also works with foot shift models.Another es advantage is when your in deep stuff you can put your feet up on the front rack and still shift. I recommend the es, but both are good machines. Cant beat honda quality.