A buddy at work just bought a new Rubi, his first quad. We went on three hour ride last Sunday. We rode through deep water, over logs, on trails and anything else we could find. I was riding my 95' Sportsman 400 2 stroke. The quad is over all ok. But the storys changed after we switched. The first works out of his mouth were "WOW this thing is fast!". He also liked the way the old Sportsman rode, high and dry. The ground clearence was no were as good as the old girl. I will admitt that the Rubi's tranny was pretty nice except for way it acts when you let off of the throttle, you had better be holding on becuase the engine braking will toss you off!
Over all it was ok, but I still am not ready to give up my old Sportsman.
Ingoldx1
95' Sportsman for me
99' Trail Boss for the wife (?)

One thing to tell your friend to do is take the slack out of the throttle cable. They come from the factory with the most slack possible. The engine braking is severe, but all the magazines say it is weak compared to other models. Have you been on a sp500 with engine braking? How does it feel?

I have not been on the new Sportsmans, but I can tell I do not like it so far. I will pass on the throttle cabel info. Thanks
Ingoldx1

I have tested a Traxter XT with the handlebar shifter...the first time I went down a gear, I thought I was gonna kiss the front rack!!
I guess it's normal. Annoying, but normal.

Zorro, my Rancher with ESP is like that from 2nd to 1st. You will be cruising along in second and accidentally hit the downshift button.....you get slammed into the bars. They need to make it so you cant shift until it would be safe.

I have yet to ride a quad with engine braking but assume it to be an acquired taste.

I was reading the Wolverine/Scrambler 500 4x4 shootout in ATV Action and the article referred to engine braking numerous times as a "good" thing to have. They even went so far as to test the Scram with it installed. I imagine it would save my brake pads a bit (Lord knows they need help in all the sand and mud I ride in) but I can't see having engine braking as a necessity. Then again we are talking about heavy utility bikes that usually have engine braking.

Ok, back on topic. I have seen quite a few Rubicons on the trails lately and haven't heard 1 owner complain about them (duh!) lol They sure don't look like they have much suspension though....my backbone gets sore just thinking about it.

Regards,

MrMan

The Traxter was exactly like that 1st very short, and 2nd normal...surprising at the beginning!!)
I agree that kissing the handlebars isn't good, but I would HATE (to the point of selling the machine within the hour) to push a button and the quad not doing what I want him to (even if it's wrong).
That's why I like my shee, it doesn't try to think. It does what I tell him to, right or wrong.
And that's why I hate our car (a Pontiac Montana). You press the button air recycle because there's a diesel stinking schoolbus ahead...and no, the car thinks you shouldn't do that, so you push all the buttons trying to find a way to stop the air from entering.
I guess it's a matter of getting to it, but the car will quickly be on sale.

INGOLDX1,
You told Texmudder that you will pass on the throttle cable info. Why do you say that?
Greg

I think Ingold means he will pass the information about the throttle cable on to his buddy. At least that is my read.

Regards,

Mr"Swami"Man

Lol Greg I was thinking the exact same thing when i first read that. Why woudnt he just tell him the information i thought, ohhhhh he will pass it on to him. Never mind I probably lost everyone

99 blaster
00 eton 90