I hear alot of talk about the poor steering in regards to Full Time 4wd quads. I have ridden several 2wd Ranchers and the steering is effortless. Is there that big of a difference in the 4wd model? I ride with each and the one person with 4wd does complain about not being able to cut up and play the same as the 2wd guys.
If the steering is worse, Do you think the extra effort is worth the extra money and effort. I have personally witnessed the Sur-Trac at work and have noticed that both front tires to pull in certain situations. Comments???

 

My dad bought a 2wd. Mainly because of sharper steering, easier steering, $1000 less, and better for plating around on(donuts, slides, wheelies, jumps). He doesn't do much of that, but I do. If you go in mud a lot go with a 4wd. As for steering on the 4wd, it makes you stronger! If you play around more than you go in mud, the 2wd would be the better choice. WAY easier to wheelie the the 4wd, which one of my friends has.

 

I have a Rancher 2wd and I am very pleased. I put vampires on the back and now I can ride just about anywhere. My buddy has a 450 Foreman 4wd with the stock tires and I run with him in the sloppiest of mud with no problems. So if you want to save a little money and still be able to play around buy a 2wd and put some mud tires on the back and there you go. You got yourself a 2wd that will go just about anywhere.

 

The steering is not that much harder on the 4x4 but it is alot harder to throw the ***-end around in the turns.

 

If the extra 800-1000 dollars you might have to pay for the 4x4 is no huge problem,DEFINATELY go with the 4x4 over the 2wd.Those who THINK that their 2wd ATVs will go the same places that a 4x4 will,have NEVER been in the serious murky mud/snow,and thats just a fact.I have PROVED this time in and time out.

Steering will still be easy on a Honda 4x4 model Rancher.The only ones that really steer hard are the ones who have added front diff lockers,they will give you a workout.If your pocketbook can servive the extra money for the 4x4,you should go with it.I can allready hear you SCREAMING the first time you get stuck on a 2wd,
Bill

 

MTOWN,
BASICALLY IF YOU DONT NEED A WORK HORSE AND DONT INTEND ON USING IT FOR ANY KIND OF UTILITY PURPOSES, THAN BY ALL MEANS GET THE 2WD. I JUST BOUGHT THE 4X4ES AND IT HANDELS AND TURNS WITH EASE. BUT YOUR RIGHT IN SAYING THEY ARE NOT AS FUN AS 2WD FOR THE REASONS YOU STATED. THAT IS WHY I BOUGHT A RECON FOR MY WIFE. NOW THAT RIDE IS A BLAST! GET WHAT YOU NEED. IF I DIDNT DO A LOT OF HUNTING AND DIDNT WANT TO DRIVE IT ALL WINTER IN DEEP SNOW THAN I MOST CERTAINLY WOULD OF BOUGHT A 2WD. GOOD LUCK.

HOGMASTER

01 RANCHER 4X4ES
01 RECON

 

Hogmaster,
than just buy a switchable 2wd-4wd atv.I love being able to switch my Xplorer 4x4 on and off from 2wd-4wd.And this quad flat out kicks some tail as far as utility speed goes.
Bill

 

Tyfosak

 

I speak fom experiance on this subject due to the fact have a 2wd and my best friend has a 4wd and we often swap rides. It comes down to what kind of experiance you have as a rider and what kind of terrain you ride. The 2wd is much easier to steer, jump, wheelie, and slide. It will not go through some mudholes that a 4wd will, although mud tires will help greatly!! My 2wd w/ mudrunners will go almost anywhere my buddies 4wd will. The things that a 4wd will do that a 2wd will not: REVERSE up any incline, climb hills much better with more stability, and get through the really deep mud. In defense of the 2wd it will go through about any mud hole you stick it in but it is no contest for a 4wd with mud tires on it.

00' rancher 4x2es, 26x12 mudrunners on the rear, 1500lb winch w/ 50ft cable, herculined racks.

 

I think it basically comes down to money. If money is not a problem, then I would go with the 4x4 and then add a Detroit Un-locker. It will be available for the Rancher in early to mid March. This will allow you to switch from 4 wheel drive to 2 wheel drive just as easy as the Yamaha and Polaris quads. It will probably retail somewhere from 350-500 dollars, I'm guessing.

While the 2 wheel drive is lighter and better handling, I prefer having the extra 2 wheels pulling if I need it. As far as 4wd quads go, the Rancher is very light on the steering. But, it is not as light as a 2wd.