Help Please. I am about to purchase a 03 Rancher. Do I get the auto transmission or the manual. I have read so many negative things about the auto transmission. Should I play it safe with the manual??

thanks
chris

 

Do you mean the 2003 Electric Shift transmission? Or the 2004 automatic transmission? I don't believe there is a 2003 auto Rancher. If you mean electric shift, I have 1700 miles on mine and no problems. Love it.

 

Hi,
I was referring to the 2003 Rancher 4x4 that has the electric handelbar shifter. VS the manual foot shifter.

chris

 

In my opinion (for what it is worth) I think the Rancher has a more trouble-free electric shift system than the Foreman has. Not much of a problem anymore. My cousin has an early es Rancher, and it wasn't shifting quite right, but Honda fixed it right the first time under warranty with updated parts, and has been going over 2000 miles since then trouble-free.

About the only gripe he has now, is if his battery is weak, he can still get it going with the backup starter, but it doesn't want to shift unless there is enough juice to work it. New battery cured it, though.

 

We only have 600 miles on ours and no problems. We bought it for our daughters. I like the ES because of the other upgrades that come with it. I like the instrumentaion and full floor boards are nice features.

Mechanical is more dependable than electrical, buy we do like the ES over the manual shift.

 

I would prefer the manual shift. They have no problems.

Chet

 

Hey guys,
Thanks for the input!! I purchased yesterday the manual shift Rancher 350 4x4(foot). DId not want to take a chance on the handlebar shift. So far, I love the bike...

thanks again for your reply's

chris

 

wad,

keep us informed on how your new 4x4 machine performs.

I might need a rancher shift model in the future, but I will be purchasing the 2x4 model.

Chet[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I will keep you informed...Wont be riding much for next few days.. Cajuns cant take the cold. Its going to be 19 degreeeeees tonight...BURRRRRRRRRR cold

chris

 

Good choice. The handlebar shift IS quite convenient, but if you are willing to use your toe, the manual shift is far more trouble-free.

19 isn't cold! It was 17 below zero early yesterday morning, with a high of 5. That was frigid. In Alaska, it is like -40. THAT is cold. (Seriously, that is sooooo cold, I don't know how they can function).