Curls,

Thanks for the info. Your description of why you ride what you do is very helpful. Since I don't have much experience riding ATV's and only know what I want to use it for, I'm coming up short in trying to nail down exactly the componentry it think I'll need/want. For example, I know I want a 500cc or greater because I've riden the 350's and 400's and know I like a little quicker machine. However, when it comes to a locking front diff or IRS over SRA, I have no experience to formulate an opinion...and hence am driving my wife completely NUTS by always changing my mind.

So my question for you is this...if your style/riding location changed from hard pack/desert trail riding to the fields, swamps and woodlots of Michigan and plowing a driveway in the winter (pretend you live somewhere where it snows), which components would you pick and why? CC?, Brakes?, Suspension?, Transmission? et al. That being said, I do want the option of cruising trails too.


Thanks...JT

 

As you can tell, I have owned, or still own a lot of machines... My Rubicon is the latest purchase. First is cost.. I paid 1200 under MSRP for mine... So you need to deal. Second, I have an 04.. wish I would have waited for the 05, as they now come with disc brakes, and the ability to choose between 2 and 4 wheel drive. The only two machines on the market from Honda that have the hydraulic torque converter/tranny is the Rubicon and the Rancher AT. The guy saying his Rincon has it is either all wrong, or blowing smoke... the Rincon does NOT have it.

I can choose from 2 ranges, and two shift modes. Full automatic, or electric shift. 05's also have the electronic diff lock... If you have ever used one, you will never own one without it.

So yes, I think it is worth the extra money if you plow snow, hunt, pull trailers and in general need to work the crap out of it. That tranny sure keeps me from having to keep replacing and adjusting belts once of twice a year.

 

The Rincon has a 3-speed automotive style automatic transmission that uses a conventional torque converter. The Rubicon and the Rancher AT use Honda's Hondamatic Transmission, a fully automatic hydromechanical, continuously variable style transmission, and neither the Rubicon or Rancher AT use a conventional torque conveter like the Rincon.

Is the "hydraulic torque converter/tranny" you are refering to Honda's hydromechanical trans?

 

Correct me if I am wrong, but I don't believe the 05 Rubicon or any other Honda ATV has a factory installed locking front differential. I believe honda is still using the " torque sensing" front differential = 3 wheel drive.

 

Yes and no... the torqe converter you refer to is a mechanical unit that operates with centrifiugal force I believe... the hydraulic has a conventional one like you have in your car that uses fluid dynamics to transfer torque I am told...


Also, I spoke with my dealer over the weekend, and he indicated that the 05 Rubicon will in fact have an electronic diff lock this year. He may be mistaken... but I trust the source... We were comparing features of the new Rubicon versus the Rancher AT that I am considering for my wife... He had no reason to steer me in either direction.. but he thought the rancher would be a better unit for her... more suited to her needs. And a few bucks cheaper too.

 

Dragginbut,

Your conclusions about the transmissions are correct.

And the rancher is a great all around atv for any rider. My Aunt has had hers for over a year now and loves it. I had one for 3 years and hated to see it go, I still miss it sometimes.

 

I go on some large rides from time to time in S. Ohio. Wide mix of riders who use their bikes for everything you listed - hunting, mudding, trails, work, etc.

On the last ride we had 48 quads of which 4 were Polaris and 2 Suzuki... the rest were Hondas. Those stats are enough evidence for me. The common saying on these rides often comes up when someone has a breakdown.... "Shoulda got a Honda." Hell, one guy named his dog Honda.

Oh, when you do get your quad, don't trail ride behind a Polaris - ya can't breath from all the fumes.

 

[quote]
Originally posted by: K2
I go on some large rides from time to time in S. Ohio. Wide mix of riders who use their bikes for everything you listed - hunting, mudding, trails, work, etc.

On the last ride we had 48 quads of which 4 were Polaris and 2 Suzuki... the rest were Hondas. Those stats are enough evidence for me. The common saying on these rides often comes up when someone has a breakdown.... "Shoulda got a Honda." Hell, one guy named his dog Honda.

geez, there must not be a Yamaha dealership within 1,000 miles. The last big ride I went on 85 wheelers 42 yamaha's, 25 polaris's, 9 honda's, 9 of other misc. brands. The funny thing is that half of those yamaha riders drove hondas before the days of grizzlies and raptors. Even a couple polaris riders are switchovers. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-shocked.gif[/img] ( scary huh)

I am not bashing Honda either, I just thought it was neccessary to post what i've seen.

 

just because honda has a high mrsp does not mean you will pay it all.
it gives the dealers a little room to advertise "1000$ off mrsp" i see that all the time from honda dealerships
my papaw got 1400$ of mrsp when he bought his

 

Dragginbutt,

I looked at the spec sheet on the Honda web page and it only list a torque sensing front diff which is what all the Hondas currently use. I also talked to my local guy here and he said he didn't have any info yet. I guess we will see come Spring time.