We have a customer who had run his old 4WD Honda 300 into the ground and wanted a used Honda to replace it. We hadn't any in stock, but heard a local tractor dealer had a low hours 420. So we did a deal and, when it came, it was an old model 420 Auto. I serviced it and tried it out, fine in ESP, but the gear change in auto is awful. It doesn't change when you would, but revs away in low gear, then suddenly changes with a jerk when you don't expect it to. Are they all like this? We were warned not to sell them by a Honda mechanic when they first came out. So steered clear until the 2014 models replaced them, which all have this 5 speed auto. Are the new ones with the "double clutch" any better?

 

We have just sold a new 420 Auto. Because of the above, I thought I would check if it is any better than the old model. Yes it is, it does change at more logical moments and is a bit smoother, but it still isn't a patch on the old 400 and 500 CVT Autos. You still get a jolt when it changes, and is no match for the belt drive opposition. Also, I needed to top up the engine oil, this is an absolute nightmare, looks like most owners will need to take it to the dealer to get their oil topped up!

 

I hate that the newer Rancher models aren't smaller than the Foreman and Rubicon like they used to be. That was the appeal of them to me. A smaller, lighter chassis made them seem a bit sportier. Now they're all the same size. I can't imagine ever buying a new Rancher 420. I'd rather have a Foreman ES and do the shifting myself if I ever bought a new Honda. I kinda wish someone other than Honda had that technology. Can Am uses something similar in the Spyder motorcycle so they could put it in a quad or utv if they wanted. The new Rubicon looks nice too but I can imagine it has the same weird notchy shifting in fully auto mode as well. At least you can put it in ES mode and you can even buy a foot shift manual model now too.

 

Is it just the auto mode that gives trouble?
How is the ES mode now? I think I remember reading about an angle sensor problems.
I like the foot shift but always look at used machines and see a lot of ES machines.

 

About 6 years ago Honda fitted a batch of "Made In Mexico" sensors which all gave trouble, but all ES models have angle sensor problems.

 

Would you avoid Honda model with ES?
Or just keep angle sensors on hand?
thanks

 

I can't speak for merryman but...to me, the more complicated something is, the more that can go wrong. The old auto clutch five speeds and especially the CVT's are the way to go....but only speaking for myself here...

 

To ride I prefer the ES. They do go wrong, but not that often. Early ones are now getting to an age when the motor brushes are worn out, so you can get motor trouble as well as angle sensors. I fitted a new motor to an early 450 today. I have had the odd handlebar switch unit pack in too.