I have a Rancher 2x4, manual shift, and have been very happy with it. It turns sharper than the 4x4, rides softer as it has softer shocks than the 4x4 and the bigger rear tires also give a softer ride. If you had rocks or mud to mess with, I would definately recommend the 4x4. I have ridden through about 5 inches of soft snow with no problem but you need to keep up your speed in the snow. In Canada you get the advantage of getting the gauges and an oil cooling fan that the U.S. models do not have on the basic 2x4 model with the manual shift. Have had no problems in 1100 miles. Honda may not have the softest suspensions but they are tough machines.

 

I have a Rancher 2x4, manual shift, and have been very happy with it. It turns sharper than the 4x4, rides softer as it has softer shocks than the 4x4 and the bigger rear tires also give a softer ride. If you had rocks or mud to mess with, I would definately recommend the 4x4. I have ridden through about 5 inches of soft snow with no problem but you need to keep up your speed in the snow. In Canada you get the advantage of getting the gauges and an oil cooling fan that the U.S. models do not have on the basic 2x4 model with the manual shift. Have had no problems in 1100 miles. Honda may not have the softest suspensions but they are tough machines.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

Oldtimer-The Rancher is the "just enough but not to much" bike!! I see you are in So. Calif. We use our utilities primarily in the places where high ground clearance is necessary (mountain riding, old mine roads, etc.). The utilities open up a whole new world of riding possibilities!! The 2X4 Rancher and the Recon (little, light, and a kick to ride!!!) do surprisingly well, and will go 98% of the places the 4X4 will go. The 4X4 is necessary only when the rocks get so big that a 2X4 doesn't have enough traction to hop the front end up and over. This kind of riding is done at low speed so the power and size (and the weight that goes with it) of a bigger bike is just wasted. And, I avoid all types of automatic transmissions for this type of riding (the ES is ok though).

Actually, in places where the ground is soft, the 4X4 is surprisingly no advantage at all and the extra weight and size are a definite disadvantage. You are just going to dig 4 big holes instead of 2. Here, "momentum is everything", and a light 2X4 sport bike is the ticket. A good example of this principle is that you never see a 4X4 dune machine!!

Checko-If in doubt get the 4X4. The 2X4 handles as good as some sport bikes (Warrior for example), but if you will be riding snow of mud you want the extra security of the 4X4. The 4X4 is very easy on gas. At the end of a days ride, everybody else has a dry tank, but the Rancher always has some to spare. The 4X4 has a reduction gear, so it is a little slower than the 2X4.

 

Hi,
This is chris from deep south Louisiana. I just purchased the rancher 4x4(2003). Its great on gas and goes places the 2-wheelers cant go. Spend the extra money!!!

chris wadlington