Ok I have a problem. I want a Honda Rancher but the Foot Shift and ES is making a problem for me. I have rode my uncle's 1992 Honda Fourtrax 300 4x4 and the Foot shift and the Automatic Clutch and I have also ridden my Grandpa's Polaris Sportsman 500 which I hate the Automatic Transmission. For me Shifting is part of riding and its not as fun with out having to shift. The problem is since I have rode my uncle's 300 4x4 and I LOVE the foot shift would I be able to get used to the ES? I went to my dealer about four times in a 2 month period and the first time they 4 foot shift models and NO ES models. The Next time I went they had 4 Ranchers which two were ES models and the other two were Foot Shift models. The 3rd time I went they still had 4 models and 3 were ES Models and the last one was Foot Shift. The Last time I went they still had four and they were ALL ES MODELS so I don't know if the dealers are not selling the Foot Shift models because everyone wants the ES or what. But would I be able to get used to the Thumb Shifting? Thanks Matt

 

I would really go with the ES. Even my friends that all ride sport quads agree that ES is really fun. For a utility you just cant beat it, you can go through mud and not get dirty and wet, you can POWERSHIFT (i never let off the gas when i shift) you can still pull wheelies, you shift so fast, good for racing your friends, you get a REALLY cool computer with a speedometer, odometer, clock, gear position (another reason why i hate riding my friends 300trx, i allways forget what gear im in), and its not even that much more money!! Its a must if you get a rancher, dude trust me. You will not have a problem in the mud or anything with the ES. I ride mine hard as all hel l, and nothing has broken yet. Just a few plastic rivits, but we all know about those, lol.

Ride hard, and make the right decision, peace.

 

Thanks for your reply. Yeah you are right you have the full floorboards and don't get wet and you have the AWESOME computer and for only $200 more on the Retail price its well worth it. Thanks again Matt

 

wont powershifting tear up the gears?

 

According to Honda, shifting the ES without letting off the gas is not power shifting. The sytem is a smart system, that learns your riding habits. Don't know how, but it does it.

I personally like my ES, and the only problem I have is when I ride another quad without it, I keep going to the left handlebar to shift.

 

I don't think the system learns your habits. But, the ES system does disengage the clutch, shift the gear, and then re-engage the clutch. That's what that clunk sound is when you shift, the clutch selenoid operating.

 

so whats powershifting?

 

I have the 4x4 rancher electric shift and i really like it. I think that you will get used to it.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

When I say 'powershift' i mean i dont let off the throttle when shifting.. its fast

peace

 

I've been riding since 1987...bought my Rancher 4x4 E/s with some concern...I wondered if it was dependable.

Since October 1999 I have not had any problems and I know the next quad I buy will also be e/s. The shifting seemed "clunky" at first, but I soon learned how to shift very smoothly, especialy when downshifting while going uphill. And the question: Is it faster than manual...Well when I ride a manual shift bike the slow response and the balence required to foot shift make me want right back on my e/s!

Again, I'll never go back...and for the die hard I wanta shift the old fashion way crowd...You'll never know what you're missing!