Just to be picky, the only thing that I think will keep this from being the "Perfect Quad" is the lack of discs up front (hey! they finally put discs on the rear of a quad at least!) and no differential lock. Other than that, it wins it hands down.

Ground clearance is plenty enough, you know its at no loss for power even if it ended up being the least powerfull in its class (anything this big has enough power in other words), Suspension is plenty. (when you get over 7", its pretty much obvious that its going to have a good ride). Ergonomics are good. Transmission is the best. Good looking display. Racks are smallish but who the hell cares, thats not important.

It just looks really really good to me. Give it the differential lock and I would prefer it over my 660 for sure. Honda is going to sell a lot of these things no matter how they price it. There is just too much offered on this quad along with the honda reliability. Something tells me this thing will probably be popular in yellow.

 

It looks like a nice quad. It sure looks a lot like the new Suzuki utility quads.

 

I may be wrong, but I think the majority of four wheelers sold are utility models. So I think Honda is trying to cater to that market right now. With the new Kawasaki 650 and the Polaris 700(which has rear independent suspension) I'm thinking Honda had to do something. Just my opinion

 

I'm a utility fan myself.This looks like a great quad.Did anyone find any more pictures.Other than the one's on the honda page?I need to see more!
Is this a different trany then the ruby?

 

ya, that looks really nice, with the indepented suspension and all.

 

Anyone watch the video? What is said in the videos and what is on the site is different. The video mentions "4 valves PER cylinder" while the site says single cylinder. The video says "automotive style 3 speed tranny with torque converter" while the site says Hondamatic.

Looks like a good quad but Andy is right, they need a locking front diff and discs up front. My rear drum does great....its the fronts that are useless.

 

So finally Honda's answer [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-frown.gif[/img]

Styling looks okay even though it seems everybody is now copying the same design.
The thing I can not figure out is why they will keep everybody waiting for almost a year. This thing will be sold from next summer (starting with poor availability I'm sure)[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif[/img]. I guess that Honda is loosing too many sales at the moment that they have to announce this thing so early. I've seen the market shares for 2000/2001 season and was surprised to see that Honda share went down while in my area they are the cheapest buys you can get. Seems that more of us are buying American and that is a good thing these days [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img].

Got a question: What does 3 speed mean???

 

Bbbbbhhaaaaa hahahahahahahahahahahahaha whoops! i think i just wet myself.

Say what you will about Yamaha guys. They deliver. New sports(Raptor), utility(Grizzly) and even a new quad for the kids. as well as continuing to manufacture a 2 stroke(Banshee).

When Honda does decide to make a sport quad, don't expect the 450. Why,you ask? Because, everyone else is running with 650cc +. Most consumers don't recognize performance. Quad sales are growing every year. that tells you most of the Target market is "new" to atving. If i'm new to riding and my options are a 450 or a 650...i'm going with the 650. Sounds bigger and faster to me.

Sorry Folks, better luck next year. i'll keep my Raptor for now. i got to go change my pants...hahahahahahahahaha

 

I just wanted to know if you are in on the class action lawsuit against yamaha for the poor product they were selling (raptor). At least honda waits until all the bugs are worked out of their quads before selling them. No one I know waits for the 2nd year model to buy, cause they know the first year will be as reliable as it gets.

 

did you watch the video?

rincon is 97 lbs lighter than a Sportsmen 500, and 140 lbs lighter than sportsmen 700

that alone is impressive