What's the scoop on the new 420's with power steering?
 

Considering the purchase of a new 2010 or 211 Honda TRX420PG Canadian Trail Edition. (Called the Fourtrax Rancher AT in the U.S.), because of the power steering and EFI. Does anyone have one, and what has been your experience with it?

Very pleased with our 420 Rancher AT with power steering. Replaced wife's 350 because of shoulder surgery. We like it well enough that we are considering replacing my 350 with a 420 with power steering.

I don't think I'll ever understand the concept or reasoning of power steering on a quad.:huh:

I used to think that until the HUGE quads started coming out. Some are bordering on the size of a Jeep, for crying out loud ! But on your normal quad, like a 420, I can't see the need. Unless, as in jcdc04atv's case, his wifes bad shoulder.

I saw an ad for one with a track kit - put that and a plow on, and life would be a lot easier with power steering. Also, we have some light riders (one is only 100 lbs.), but even so, everyone who has power steering seems to love it, so I expect it will be on everyone's wish list soon. (Actually, our first priority was a smallish quad with EFI, and the power steering on the Honda is a bonus.)

Anymore I'm a recreational trail rider, and a large person with no medical problems, so for me power steering would mainly prevent the massive kickback when I smack a rock hidden in the grass at the side of the trail.

In the past when I did farm work, though, I'd often be steering with one hand because I'm using a wand sprayer or whatever. Also we would often run out over crops planted in mounds, like potato rows, to service wheel movers or whatever. The raised ridges and troughs don't match the widths of the wheels...

I've also found running a plow makes steering really tough. There's a lot of weight on the front tires when the blade is lifted, and you often want to turn the tires from one lock to the other while stopped on pavement.

I'm glad they made power steering optional, so you can choose to have it if you want.

I have a foreman with PS and since owning it I'll never own another without it. Makes a huge difference IMO.

I may see the see the sense of PS on a full size chassis ATV ,but to pay $1000 Canadian for the feature on a small mid chassis ATV like the 420 rancher with small 24" tires,I,m not sure about.

But what about the other aspects of this quad? I heard the tires have lousy traction, and what about the fact that there is no diff-lock? What has been your experience with it on the trails and in the mud?

No Hondas have diff lock and the 24" tire would be another disadvantge for sure. The Rancher is not a work horse, Mud machine. If you want a full size chassis work horse look at the 500 Foreman. I ride with both the Rancher (SRA) and Foreman ,I like the larger roomer Foreman if I had to chose Between them.