2015 Rubicon; Any Interest?
Oct 15, 2014 | 06:48 AM
#32
Extreme Pro Rider
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 5
From: Illinois
I'd have to agree with that, and the longest belt life too. You can easily get 3000 or more miles out of them. You get instant response too, quick engagement. Polaris has that stall built into their system, you have to rev the engine more to get it going and every time you do, the belt slips and wears out just a little. Its sad that the company who built the first atv with a cvt doesn't even make the best cvt trans any more. Honda apparently will never make one. Cvt automatics are still not fully embraced by the whole atv community but a transmission that is always in exactly the right gear does make things easier at times. The honda auto trans they use now is bascially the electric shift but it decides when to shift for you. I would rather just put it in manual mode and shift for myself. And the one in the Rincon was worse, I'm sure 95% of Rincon owners used the es option almost exclusively over that awkward automotive style transmission.
Oct 15, 2014 | 10:07 AM
#33
Pro Rider
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 535
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I like everyone about the rubicon except for the smaller, less powerful engine. Really wish they stuck it out with the 4v mill. Seems just as reliable as any other honda motor and actually has a good amount of HP for its class. As far as weight goes, irs components are heavier so it's justified but it all goes back to the motor. Gaining 50+ pounds while losing 5-6 hp is never a good thing even if the trans is more efficient as delivering power.
I like the frame, suspension, convenience options , name backing it and even the look is starting to grow on me. I agree with what rubiranch is saying though, basically it is a 475 rancher AT now. Honda caved in and is now making the same atv in different engine sizes like everyone else. I'll just wait till they make the same changes to the rincon before making a new atv decision.
I like the frame, suspension, convenience options , name backing it and even the look is starting to grow on me. I agree with what rubiranch is saying though, basically it is a 475 rancher AT now. Honda caved in and is now making the same atv in different engine sizes like everyone else. I'll just wait till they make the same changes to the rincon before making a new atv decision.
Oct 15, 2014 | 10:15 AM
#34
Pro Rider
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 535
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I'd have to agree with that, and the longest belt life too. You can easily get 3000 or more miles out of them. You get instant response too, quick engagement. Polaris has that stall built into their system, you have to rev the engine more to get it going and every time you do, the belt slips and wears out just a little. Its sad that the company who built the first atv with a cvt doesn't even make the best cvt trans any more. Honda apparently will never make one. Cvt automatics are still not fully embraced by the whole atv community but a transmission that is always in exactly the right gear does make things easier at times. The honda auto trans they use now is bascially the electric shift but it decides when to shift for you. I would rather just put it in manual mode and shift for myself. And the one in the Rincon was worse, I'm sure 95% of Rincon owners used the es option almost exclusively over that awkward automotive style transmission.
Oct 15, 2014 | 10:44 AM
#35
Super Moderator
Well, golly JimBob!
Well, golly JimBob!
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 40,196
Likes: 55
You're right on the money about them raving about everything they ride. I guess it pays better than giving an honest opinion. I'm sure they get those guys fresh off the used car lots.
This is just my opinion but Honda ruined the Rubicon.
The hydrostatic trans was the best ATV trans on the market - all the new Rubicon is either a Rancher 472 or a Foreman 500 with IRS - neither one interest me at all.
When Honda introduced the Rincon they referred to it as "the SUV of ATVs"
It was designed and built to trail ride at 40 mph. With its new suspension it could make the roughest trails feel like a paved road and at 40 mph there was no need for any engine braking. It was never intended as a work ATV. Remember too it won the Baja 1000 on it's first year out too.
It is actually very good at what it was designed and intended for.
It's sad that the company that has the most money and the most capability build such mediocre machines.
A 50" SXS with a 472 cc engine?? Seriously?? AC, Polaris and Can Am all offer either 900 or 1000 cc 50" SxSs.
The new Rubicon weighs 77 pounds more than the old ones and has a smaller engine. |
They are going backwards.
I loved my '01 Rubicon - it was an awesome machine but things have changed.
This is just my opinion but Honda ruined the Rubicon.
The hydrostatic trans was the best ATV trans on the market - all the new Rubicon is either a Rancher 472 or a Foreman 500 with IRS - neither one interest me at all.
When Honda introduced the Rincon they referred to it as "the SUV of ATVs"
It was designed and built to trail ride at 40 mph. With its new suspension it could make the roughest trails feel like a paved road and at 40 mph there was no need for any engine braking. It was never intended as a work ATV. Remember too it won the Baja 1000 on it's first year out too.
It is actually very good at what it was designed and intended for.
It's sad that the company that has the most money and the most capability build such mediocre machines.
A 50" SXS with a 472 cc engine?? Seriously?? AC, Polaris and Can Am all offer either 900 or 1000 cc 50" SxSs.
The new Rubicon weighs 77 pounds more than the old ones and has a smaller engine. |
They are going backwards.
I loved my '01 Rubicon - it was an awesome machine but things have changed.
Oct 15, 2014 | 11:21 AM
#36
Extreme Pro Rider
God forbid he lets the polishing secret out!
God forbid he lets the polishing secret out!
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 11,805
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I like everyone about the rubicon except for the smaller, less powerful engine. Really wish they stuck it out with the 4v mill. Seems just as reliable as any other honda motor and actually has a good amount of HP for its class. As far as weight goes, irs components are heavier so it's justified but it all goes back to the motor. Gaining 50+ pounds while losing 5-6 hp is never a good thing even if the trans is more efficient as delivering power.
I like the frame, suspension, convenience options , name backing it and even the look is starting to grow on me. I agree with what rubiranch is saying though, essentially it is a 475 rancher AT now. Honda caved in and is now making the same atv in different engine sizes like everyone else. I'll just wait till they make the same changes to the rincon before making a new atv decision.
I like the frame, suspension, convenience options , name backing it and even the look is starting to grow on me. I agree with what rubiranch is saying though, essentially it is a 475 rancher AT now. Honda caved in and is now making the same atv in different engine sizes like everyone else. I'll just wait till they make the same changes to the rincon before making a new atv decision.
I have two friend that bought two new 500 Foremans
My 500h.o weights 100lbs more while having the less efficient CVT and only 7hp more . Yet if we ever have a drag race down a road I just bow both away. I mean its not even close.
Both in acceration and top end.
Oct 15, 2014 | 12:03 PM
#37
Pro Rider
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 535
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I don't understand what part you disagree with lol
Oct 15, 2014 | 12:15 PM
#38
Extreme Pro Rider
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,104
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From: Illinois
Not yet, neither does Yamaha either. I guess Suzuki is never even going to make a side by side.
Oct 15, 2014 | 12:35 PM
#39
Extreme Pro Rider
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 3,104
Likes: 5
From: Illinois
I actually think the rincon transmission is better off in Auto. 3 gears with wider ratios and more torque leaves less decision making up to the computers. It will not up shift while ascending a climb at a low speed like the rancher will. I hear the new ranchers corrected this issue though. I leave mine in auto about 80% of the time. It shifts quick and rarely finds itself in the wrong gear. The computer shifts quicker then I can.
Honda, AC and Polaris
