Honda Rincon 650 or Suzuki Vinson Manual – which one? These are my two choices, so don’t try to convince me of a Praire or Grizzly or anything else.

It’ll be used mainly for aggressive trail riding, and to sometimes pull a small trailer around while I work in the yard. Basically, I want a very sporty machine that can occasionally pull some light work duty. The 4x4 will not often be used, and I believe both will work fine for me in that respect. I love to power slide and do short wheelies when I trail ride. The terrain I ride ranges from level gravel roads to 45d hills with roots and rocks. Not much mud.

I’ve sat on both machines, but have not and will not be able to ride either before buying. When I sat on them, the Rincon had a sporty feel, while the Vinson had a more utilitarian feel to it. I’ve read all the magazines and reviews and understand that both are basically designed to be sporty trail machines first and foremost, and both are good at this.

I know the Rincon is more expensive, but let’s assume the prices are somewhat close and not the main factor in the decision. I hear the prices are coming down to within reason now on the Rincons.

So, which one do you think would best suit my needs? I really like them both. My only preference between the two would be that I like the styling of the Rincon better than the Vinson.

 

Check the price of replacement parts on the two. You will buy the Rincon. Look at this way, how many old Suzuki do you see still on the trails. You will see more old Honda,Yamaha and Polaris quads than Suzuki that should tell you something.

 

No low speed engine braking on the Rincon (what were they thinking??). That would be the killer for me! But, I only use a 4X4 for low speed TECHNICAL trail riding. For general trail riding where it isn't real steep, you might get away with it.

 

If the prairie was out of the picture, the suzuki and rincon would be my picks aswell. I'd go with the rincon if I were you. As others have posted, honda really knows how to make a bulletproof bike.

 

I got a Rincon myself. I love it. Got 450 miles on it. Got good power, rides nice, and like mentoined earlier, they are bulletproof. As far as engine braking, After break-in period, and first service, the engine brakeing is better.But it does not slow the machine to a crawl. It only slows the bike to 7 or 8 MPH. But on the otherhand, when in ESP mode, slowing down for corners and such is easy by shifting down a gear. Very rarely need to use the brakes. But rock crawling at 2 MPH can be tough. Have heard a lot of good reviews about the Vinson in the magazines. But have yet to talk to an owner.

 

IRS v.s. straight axle?

I think you might want to ride someone's Sportsman or Grizz in something other than the backyard.

Good luck.

John

 

For waht you described, a Rincon should work very well. Quick, sporty, fantastic ride. Watch the downhills, but you'll have brakes anyway.

 

Thanks for the replies. I'm still as undecided as ever. Might come down to which one can I get the better deal on. I think I'd be happy with either.

 

Look at it in two years down the road and you want something new. What is going to bring the best price, the Rincon or the Vinson. If the price of each is the same, and you get $2,000 less for the Vinson, was it money well spent. Good riding.

 

what are you smoking i never see old polaris quads thats becuase after 1000 miles they fall apart. I know i have had three polaris's. I have also had a rubicon and it was flawless. And suzukis are bulletproof as well i have owned five of them. polaris's are junk. fun to ride but junk after 1000 miles