My husband and I just purchased a 2002 Rancher 4x4 ES 3 days ago. Before we even got it home we realized that one between the 2 of us isn't going to work. Once we did get home we were fighting over who's turn it was like a couple of kids. lol [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] Now it's a necessity to have a second (there goes the new car). [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] We considered another Rancher, but would really like something different, just for the fact of variety. The requirements for a second atv (not in order of importance) is 1. NO foot shift! (my request) 2. as good or easier steering as the rancher 3. Reliability 4. Cost 5. hold its own with rancher when we're riding together 6. has some different advantages than the rancher so if in a certain mood one would be better suited than the other, but still compatible to ride side by side 7. 4x4 would be nice, but would like it to have a 2x4 option (4x4 is not a priority) 8. 2002 models and 4 strokes preferred
I'm hoping some of you will give me some good ideas on what may suit us best even if it doesn't meet everything I've listed. I don't want to start from a blank slate and the best way to know what to look for is from the people who have experience and not a brochure where anything looks good! The Rancher is going to be used for a little bit of everything, work and play. So the next one we choose doesn't have to do the work portion (other than helping out another atv if stuck). However, we have a 5 and 7 year old who will be riding passenger with us on occasion, so the seat has to comfortably sit an adult and a child (which I'm sure most do). We also will be keeping these for a few, if not alot of years. That's the whole point of us going brand new. That way we know how they were broke in and the way they were drove. I have about a dozen other things to add, but this post is getting really long. Thanks for just reading it, and any input is greatly appreciated!!!! Mya

 

I assume you are looking for another utility?? The no shift requirement limits your choices. Consider the Recon ES. It is 2wd only, and fits all your priorities (although it may not be "different" enough from the Rancher). It is smaller than the Rancher, so if you are large people that may be a factor to consider. In a way, the Recon is a small 2wd Rancher. The bike is really a kick to ride!! It's small and light and handles easy, and it's a bike the kids can ride as they grow older. The controls are the same as the Rancher, so you won't have the confusion of adapting to different bikes.

I know you didn't necessarily want another Rancher, but the 2wd and 4wd Ranchers are quite different bikes. You might want to think about that too.

 

What about a polaris Scrambler 500, either 2x4 or 4x4. No shifting, the suspension is plush, and its sort of a Sport machine. This will fill your request that it do some things differently than the Rancher, Like i said its a mix between a 4x4 work machine and a sport type machine. My friend had a 98 Scrambler that went anywhere, had no problems, and could be jumped if desired. Oh yea, the 4x4 can also run in 2 wheel drive. You can also get racks for it. They are really pretty nice.

RoostKing...

 

Are you not wanting to shift at all or wanting one of the thumb shift models? If you are wanting to go fully auto, then you need to look at Polaris or one of the 2 wheel drive utilities if you want to keep cost down. The new Suzuki Eiger comes in a 2 wheel drive auto and looks like it will be a good machine. The Kawasaki Prairies can be had in 2 wheel drive auto. I enjoyed my Polaris Trail Boss and it was probably the most comfortable machine I ever road down a trail. On the other hand, if you are going to be switching back and forth, you may want to stick to a semi-auto foot shift because once you get used to it shifting will become habit and you won't have to think about it. When you get used to a fully auto machine it takes a while to get used to shifting again. If you want semi-auto there are a ton of different options. The 250EX would seem very different and sportier than your Ranger while still having the same controls and the same could be said for the Recon. Every manufacturer offers a semi auto in either 2wd or 4wd. You can look at all their web sites and see what they offer. Most will be comparable to the Ranger for trail riding and even the smaller machines can usually pull out another machine unless its totally buried. Happy hunting! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

A Yami Kodiak

 

I suggest getting something with 4x4 to match the one you have. You don't want to have the Rancher dragging out the new 2x4 everytime you go out! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] My wifes brother just bought a pair of Arctic Cat 4x4's for that reason. He didn't want to have one that was lesser in capability. Although they do attach to each other before they go into something deep. That way if the front one gets stuck, hopefully the one in back can reverse them both out.

I don't have any experience with utility quads, so I will just stick to the above advice!

 

Hello,

I see your from minnisota
So I would have to agree to a 2x4 rancher.
Look at pricing also, a recon, may be a little small for you and a child, but a very good machine.
A polaris trail blazer is a good priced, auto trans machine. I have to agree with trying to stay semi auto.
Kawi offers a lakota sport, that can be easaly talked down to the mid 3K range. also a praire and bayou.
To be totaly honest, see how much money you want to go with and try to keep it close to what you have. This will help in maintenence and working with a single manufacture.
Keep in mind, my kids were on these bikes by 8 years old.
Now I limited them to throttle limiters, but you as me and my wife were are going to be shocked to the bone about how quick and easy these kids pick this up!
I suggest you and the husband have two ranchers with the second being less exspensive. It won't be long and the kids quads will be rolling in the door.
Take a look at the lakota and the trail blazer (both could be had for $3500 or less)
I wish you both very good luck and welcome to the world of atving.

 

that yamaaha Grizz looks pretty nice, the thing is huge! Or if you want to wait for a while you can take a look at the new honda modle that is coming out, looks pretty sweet!

 

I would stick with another rancher es. My friend has one and it is one of the bgest utility quads out there. It has great speed for a 350, electric shift is convienient, handling is great and the only thing i can see wrong with it is the ground clearance. Overall, great quad and i would stick with another.

 

She did request information on an ATV that did things a little different that her current ATV. Thus, another Rancher ES will not fill the bill. The Polaris Scrambler is really a nice ATV. It is switchable 2x4/4x4, really nice suspension with enough seating for 2( I've seen 3 full size adults on one, but thats a different story) people, so your children with be comfortable. Check it out...

Roostking...