After much research and test riding I am going to buy a new rubicon rather than a sportsman. I know after reading both forums, riding both machines and talking to alot of owners, both are great ATVs and have advantages and disadvantages. For my riding and needs, the ruby will suit me fine. I have a couple questions I'd like some expert advice with. Can I do all of my own maintenance ( I have worked on cars & trucks for 25 years) assuming a moderate amount of technical ability and available tools. What are the best maintenance manuals to get. I don't usually trust dealers to do anything right even though some are probably very good. What are some of the aftermarket items I should absolutely consider like stick guards, skid plates, etc. Are there any performance adders that are not too ridiculus to add to a brand new machine. What about an extended warranty.... I usually don't believe in that stuff, any thoughts. I appreciate your time to help a new ruby owner get off on the right foot.

 

The rubi is not much differnt than any other quad, just takes 6 quarts of oil and the filter is in a stupid spot. I didnt get the ext warrenty either as the CPU can trouble shoot all tranny problems with the shop manual. The only thing that bugs me about my rubicon is that its wide track makes it easy to ding the rims on rocks, nothing else to complain about

 

I bought the first Rubicon that came to our Honda dealer last June 18th. I use this machine for everything, including skidding logs most of last winter. The Ruby now has 1500 plus miles without a problem. It is a great machine!!!

 

You can do all your own service. Just be sure to keep records of what you do.

 

I purchased the extended warranty and it saved me money since I had an electrical problem on my rubi after 600 miles. The part was only 40 dollars but it took the dealer a few times to figure it out. I can only imagine what the labor would have been. I think the warranty is a good protection of your investment.