I am confused about the ground clearence difference between the Rancher and the 450 Foreman. Honda lists the Rancher at 9.7" and the 450 at 7.7". Where are they getting these numbers. I went into the dealer tuesday and measured them for myself. The Rancher's floorboard was 1/4" higher. The Foreman's rear differential skid plate was 1/4" higher and the Rancher's body was 3/8" higher. I don't see the 2" difference they claim. I asked the dealer and he could not tell me either.
One thing that should be mentioned is the Rancher only has 24" tires compared to 25" on the 450. That is really impressive to have the smaller tires but still be higher. Can someone enlighten me on where the 2" are ?
thanks, Jay

 

I believe the point they're measuring to is to the bottom of the frame directly under the belly of the bike. They're not using the distance under the rear differential, that rides up when the rear tires roll over something. I can say that my rancher's ground clearance is pretty good. I rode over a fallen down tree and never touched it when a buddy got stuck up on it with his kodiak.

 

The Rancher is measured under the body and the 450 is measured under the rear differential.

 

Thats pretty stupid

 

ctebbe is exactly right. Honda always measured clearance from the lowest point(rear diff) until the rancher came out. Then they started doing like everyone else and measuring the highest point (the body). Actually, I guess the highest point is normally the front skid, but still, you can bet that no straight axle quad has 10" of clearance at the rear differential.

 

Out of curiosity, I just measured my Rancher. At the rear diff. 8" inches exactly. At the lowest point in front, including my added skid-plate, 9" exactly. I'm not sure why they measure differently, but still not bad. On top of that, the stock dirt hooks are only about 23.5 inches in diameter, so going to a full 25" tire would be that much better!

 

Unless the actual rear gearcase (differential)on the Rancher is smaller or it doesn't have the same differential skid plate, there is no way it can have higher clearance under the rear diff then the 450 with 25" tires. From what I read the 450 GC measurement was from the lowest point which is the rear hitch, not the diff skid plate. In all fairness to Honda, since all other manufacturers took their measurements from the bellypan Honda had to do likewise.