Now that I've got first hand experience with it I realize a lot of that is people with different tastes or comparing it to inferior but better spec-ed machines that will be rotting in a field somewhere when this one is still toting me around. I had the option of anything made and studied specific models for a month or so - read the reports. Watched the reviews. I initially was thinking Rubicon - but I made a reasoned and researched decision on the Honda Rincon.
There were a lot of reasons for it - one of which is that is an older - proven design that you can still buy new. You said it yourself - the tranny IS the same to this day - and it is for a reason.
The atv doesn't need low range...it will spin up all fours tires in mud from a dead stop and Grunt over technical stuff w/o problem. I don't see what it lacks? I read the reviews and forum posts about them and they aren't all bad - just the ones anti-Honda folks that have lesser machines like to link.
If I were the type to snorkel/bog a bike just for the sake of it, I might have made a different choice.
The low range issue, tow rating and lack of an included hitch likely has more to do with the IFS and intented purpose of this ATV - which is sport/utility - not just utility. If I were going to work this ATV I would have gotten something(from Honda) with a 5 speed manual and solid axle.

It has mounts for a tow hitch and like alot of other atvs you can add if if you need it.
Like I said before - I've owned alot of atvs and have three right now - other brands come and go but Hondas stay.
Haters are gonna hate.

 

To say something positive about the OHV motor they sure are low on HP vs the rest but they have good low end torque.
I ride my friends 500ES Foreman a lot and I just leave the thing in 3rd gear and trail ride like its a automatic.
It takes off from a stop in 3rd and going up a hill on the trail a down shift does not seem necessary in 3rd.

I did have a 2001 450ES Foreman at one time put just found the ride was rough on our trails and it not like the full time 4x4.
My friend bought is off me 6 years ago and is happy with it still. We just got back from a fishing trip using it.

I would not call me a hater of them.

 

Sorry about the antogonistic words about haters...I've gotten a good dose of reading Honda-bashing while doing my research and was a little over-sensitive to it

I've been taking it easy on it for break-in...but finally stabbed the throttle some.
It will loft the front weels from a dead stop even on sand w/the right english. The suspension was one of the big selling points for me and it hasn't dissapointed. It is more nimble than the competition as well.

The transmission is different, but I've got a lot of time riding(and replacing) CVT belt machines. I can't say I prefer their performance over this.
I was concerned about having a low enough low and high enough high w/only three gears(and converter slip) but now that I have seat-time I see it is pretty ideal. Low gear is pretty darn low. I saw a vid of a guy who has put tracks on a Rincon and it was able to turn them all(even when it got stuck). I've not taken it to Windrock/Coal Creek yets but I watched some vids featuring the Rincon w/various other ATVs doing those trails and the numble-ness of the Honda seemed to make it work well. I guess I'll see in a a few weeks
Last time I was on a Yamaha Razor 450(manual clutch)...

So, I guess what I'm saying is that among Hondas offerings - the Rincon fits the intended style of riding I plan. Lots of 20-30mph trail riding where the good suspention shines - occasional mud...and a couple of times a year some rock action.

 

Sounds like you have trails like ours. 20-30mph tops. IRS sure is a must vs SRA.

I just bought a used 350 Grizzly SRA as a second ATV and I sure would not want to take that on a 80 miles day ride.

If I was getting a new Honda the 420 Rancher with IRS sure looks interesting as well but I would ditch the 24" tires in a hurry.

Happy trails.

 

Congratulations on the new ride. Not hating you when I talk about Hondas. Just wanting Honda to include some of the things that I've grown accustomed to. I guess we all have different tastes. That's what makes the sport enjoyable. And a little ribbing now and then doesn't really hurt anyone.

 

So your old foreman is still running perfect yet according to your signature, your polaris of the same year doesn't seem to be doing so well. That's why people still buy Hondas

 

Congrats on the bike. You got the best trail atv on the market IMO. It's not a pure mud machine or drag racer but when the trail gets rough, twisty, or faster paced the rincon is at it's best. It still is very capable in the mud and the gearing has yet to stop me in the 9 years I've had it despite contrary belief lol. The thing can take an absolute *** kicking and will always start right back up the next morning. It's in no way fragile, I'm still laughing about that one

 

He got rid of the ECM from what I understand and the plastic roller cage that engaged the front axles wasn't up to the aluminum one he probably replaced it with. Don't know what the ECM costs but the aluminum roller cage is around $40 or so.

Due to a lower back injury I can't ride a solid axle machine. I'd be crippled within an hour or two. I think that's what he meant about the ride.

 

I just can't see myself ever buying a new Honda. I know the older ones are very reliable and run forever but performance is lacking on the new machines. The only thing that would even peak my interest would a 420 Rancher because from the reviews I've read and watched, it feels more powerful and sporty than what the specs would indicate. I would have bought a Yamaha Grizzly 700 myself if I were going to shell out the big bucks for a new machine. Better ride and handling, much more power(especially low end which is important for lower speed trail riding) and just as reliable. Suzuki King Quad 750 would have been another good choice. Great suspension, good power. Like the 700 Grizzly, not the fastest machine out there but plenty powerful, more powerful than the Rincon by a noticeable amount with low range and diff-lock. Suzuki actually sacrificed an inch or 2 of ground clearance to lower the center of gravity and improve handling, still has about 10" though. Being brand loyal has never really made sense to me. Buy the best machine for what you want it for, regardless of who makes it. Unless you own stock or work for a certain company, then I just don't see the point. All new machines are well made and reliable now except for those cheap Chinese knock-offs. If you're happy, I guess that's all that matters. But I'm assuming you didn't even look at anything else. Had you tried out the competition, I think there's a good chance that you wouldn't have bought that Rincon. Not hating on Honda but it puzzles me that they refuse to keep up with the performance of the competition. They build high-performance engines, just not for utility atvs. They have to know that utility atvs are not just for work anymore, many people like you buy them for versatility or simply for fun because they are more capable of tackling tough terrain than sport atvs.

 

The best machine isn't always the one with the most power or options. I personally like the nimbleness and handling characteristics of the rincon. The suspension is very good and IMO, the best combination of plushness with a responsive and sporty feel. Polaris may be the only brand smoother but it's mushy. Can ams aren't all that smooth. Trust me I have 2 of them, great atvs but the soft seat hides the rougher ride. The rincon is not a mud machine or workhorse but is capable of doing either without sacrificing reliability. The gearing has never been a problem even in the thickest mud unless you plan on adding anything over 27in tires. A simple gear reduction will allow you to take it further. I've towed over 1k lbs more than a few times with mine and it's still going strong after nearly 10 years.

The 680 ohv motor isn't a powerhouse but it's on par with the grizzly. Both are underpowered but the Hondas gear on gear transmission is more efficient at getting power to the rear wheels than the belt style CVTs. Parasitic loses. The grizzly will be a little bit faster but it's nothing to write home about. They both will be left in the dust by the cheaper outlander 650 but the rincon can lose both of them on a twisty and windy trail. It's all about what your riding style is like.

I like having different machines for different types of riding. The rincon is my favorite trail atv and has taken by far the most abuse. I'd definitely buy another when it's time. I like the way can am and Honda make machinery. I'm only brand loyal because I've always been a happy customer.