A freind of mine just bought a Rancher 4x4, his frist ride will be this weekend, we will ride on hardpack,mudholes,creeks,washouts and grab some air, I will post my thoughts on the Rancher under this thread Monday. The Rancher sure looks like a nice ride!!!

 

Here's my thoughts on the Rancher after riding it and watching my ride ride it Sat., the atv has good power in all gears, smooth riding, easy turning for a four wheel drive,good stock tires and seems to be a well thought out machine. The Rancher handled all types of terrian just like you would expect, very well , to sum it all up i would say it perfromed just like it's big brother(450es). The new front diff. seems to hook up better in some conditions but in the mud the tire in the air still spins and the tire on the ground doesn,t, all in all i would say the Rancher is better than the 300 it replaces!!

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Harold Wells Raleigh NC 98 Wolverine& 97 Timberwolf Blueribbon Coalition Member

 

Harold,is the Rubicon suppose to have the same type of front Differential as the Rancher?If so;im very disappointed.I was looking to see Honda finally lock up the front end.BILL

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Hi Bill, I really don,t know, maybe someone else can answer this question.

 

Rubicon is supposed to have the AP diff, too. Supposed to send power to the wheel with traction. Easier to steer when on hardpack.

 

Well I just read an article in ATV mag on the Rubicon.I must say that im disappointed.The front end is a torque sensing diff,which means the wheel with traction will get power to it.I personally like all 4 wheels spinning.And them drum brakes?Why not disk.Im sick of removing the drums on drum brakes for cleaning after a good day of mudding.If real 4x4 and disk brakes were equipped on the Rubicon,I'd buy it as soon as it come out.SHUCKS -BILL

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yeah drums suck, but i have to admit the honda drums work great... and the frount diff will be ok, it will send a little power to the other tire, but not like a locker will... all in all i will pick on up
Joe