I am considering getting a rancher for the wife because she would like to ride with me, I have a 99 foreman es. Would the rancher make a good first quad or should I go with something smaller like a Recon? She has barely any riding experience, she is 5'9" and thin (not too mention HOT![img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-tongue.gif[/img])

thanks
Bill

 

Go to your local dealer to see what she thinks about the Rancher and have her take a test drive also. I am sure she has ridden your 450 so she knows what that feels like. So like i said go to have a test drive. I have ridden Ranchers and they are pretty nice.

 

I highly reccomend the rancher for your wife. It will be the most reliable, stable, well handling quad you could put her on. Go with the 4x4, so you don't have to worry about her on hills. I can tell you a million reasons why to buy the Honda Rancher over any other quad out there......but the bottom line is I bought one for my wife.....and I fell in love with it myself.

 

We have two Ranchers (4X4 and 2X4) and a Recon. The Recon might be a little small for your wife based on height, but not based on weight. We take a lot of beginners riding, and EVERYBODY LOVES THE RECON! The Ranchers, but to some extent the Recon also, steer a little weird at lower speeds. I would describe this as the trail "talking back". The steering fights you a little. You expect this form a 4X4, but the 2X4's do it too (just not so bad).

I did a nasty old mining road in the Sierra (BIG MOUNTAINS over 10,000') last weekend. I road the 4X4 and a friends kid rode the Recon. Well, the little Recon went rock hounding everywhere the Rancher went, no problem!

 

I would purchase the recon in a heartbeat. Your wife will love it. The size will be great for her. Our 99 model has 325hrs on it at present and has never missed a lick. Wait for 2002 model. The 2002 model gets 250 ex motor with oil cooler. In about 50-75 hrs or so she will be passing you on your 450.

 

We have 2 Ranchers, a 2x4 and a 4x4. Either one would be perfect for your wife. My 5'3" wife rides all the time with me, since I'm always riding with her we havn't found a place where the 4x4 would go that the 2x4 couldn't follow. Also, if she is used to your ES you'd better get her an ES, that leaves out the Recon.

 

Heres another vote by me for 2002 Recon for the wife. You can get for 2002 a electric shift Recon. I like shifting though since I have been doing it since 1969.

 

Raptoryfm660r said it perfect. My wife rides a 2001 Recon and ablolutely loves it, however it is now for sale, since I have money down on the new 2002 with the "ES" system.

 

On the 2002 model Recon, what is so good about the OIL COOLER, I mean most riding situations will not warrant a cooler. I do not run into many people that have overheating issues with their Honda's. By the way I can get a 2000 Rancher used for the same price that a new Recon is going for..actually less, I have seen them for about 3500.

Thanks for all the responses

 

More oil capicity = Lower oil temp = Longer engine life for the average rider. Also, I would rather have new and then I know how well the machine has been maintained or if it has been abused. I am not against buying used if you know history of the machine and who has ridden it.