I had a hard enough time to get my 450es, and what I'm wondering is if honda is going to make enough rubicons to flood the country or do we just sit back and dream of owning one some day about four years from know.

If anyone has an answer please reply and a price wouldn't hurt either.

 

Spoke to a Honda representative at the show last week, he indicated that the Rubicon would be in production in the spring, probably hit the dealers in early summer, and he had no info on suggested retail. He did indicate that dealer orders will probably far exceed supply for at least one year.

 

I feel that they will lower the price on the 450ES to about $6099 and price the Rubicon at $6799 - $6899. My reasons:

1. I dont think they want to get over $7000 with a quad.

2. I think that 450S and 450ES sales would drop if they were still priced at what they are today. More people will want the Rubicon, period.

3. They have probably done market studies to see what people will pay. My question: what would you be willing to pay for one?

 

Well personally I love my 450S and wouldn't trade it for an automatic anyday. Even for a Honda automatic! Sure, I would probably like to have the bigger motor (Honda says nothing will touch it! But don't expect to see my FOR SALE ad out any time soon....

Also, does anybody know if it has a locked front end, 2/4 wheel drive selectable, or are they still using all time 4wd with limited slip?


SwampMonster

"LOCK 'EM AND LEAVE 'EM!!!"

 

No the new Rubicon does not have selectable 2wd/4wd or a lockable front diff. It still has full time 4wd with an "AP" type front differential that is supposed to make it easier to steer. I'm not sure what the "AP" means. Does anyone else know.

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Brian Kimmel - 97 Timberwolf

 

I'm with swamp monster i wouldent trade my honda 300 4x4 in for an auto if i do any major changs its gonna be a 420 kit and a locked front end which might even have more power than the 500. FST and 4-wheel action say it has way more power than ANY foreman!

I have a question if i sonk my 300 that was bored to 420 would it blow up do to a higher compression ratio and would i have to run a higher octane gas?

 

the A P stands for attach polaris,for when you get stuck!!!!!!HEY HEY littin up only kidding.

 

AP-type differential is a design from AP Lockheed in the UK. They call it Sure-Trac or something. For the big H to license it, it must be awfully good.