Monte SS:
I don't think Honda missed the mark as such...with the Rincon. I really don't think it's a bad machine either. Honda has been conducting a survey as to what people like about their Rincons and what they would like to change. So obiously they have heard the feed back when the Rincon is compared to the other big bores, that have better features at a lesser price. The fact that Honda are doing this is great , as I see them making some changes to the rig in the future to compete better against the other big bores. Any time a Manufacturer improves a machine is good news to the consumer. They should keep the price the same or lower it a little. People are becoming savy when it comes to buying machines, and want the biggest bang for the $$$. When I look at the Rincon, I really don't see alot that appeals to me that would entice me to buy one. It's great looking, and apparently rides very good. It also has Hondas past reliability record going for it. But that's about it for me. I read all the forums and mags...and I have yet to hear anyone give a good arguement as to why, I or anyone else would buy the Rincon over the Kawi or Grizz. These (Kawi and Grizz) have more features and are more powerfull...and cost less. I am not saying that the Rincon is a bad machine. I would bet $$$ that it's a great machine. However when you compare apples to apples I feel it comes up a little short. When I went shoping for a quad , I wasn't looking for a farm tractor. I wanted something that was 4x4 , could do all the work I ever wanted to do (plow snow) and mostly I wanted something that was fun! This was, and is my TOY...and toys should be fun. All quads are fun...but I wanted the excitement of stump-pulling power and arm-ripping acceleration all in one package. Combined with an awesome innovative braking system, an on-the-fly locker, a sport-quad-like rear end, great ergonomics, great digital dash, great ride(not quite I.R.S. but probably the smoothest straight axle out there) great stability, and that unbelievable V-TWIN thumper...the Kawi P650 was the rig for me. This does not in anyway make the other big bores bad. But my money was VERY WISELY spent and I made the right choice for me. Factor in the cost of the Kawi and the versatility of this machine and you have a winner. It's a machine that will hang with the sport quads in the sand-pit and mud with the best, and work with the best. It's not everything to some...but it is to me. As the Rincon is not everything to me...but it is to some. They are all nice, as they should be...being flagship quads and all.


ROB

 

All the Rincon owners that I ride with agree that Honda dropped the ball when they didn't put a low range on the Rincon. The locker can be overcome with the aftermarket. The low range would have helped with the low end that it lacks and helped with the engine braking going down steep hills as well. I've seen a Rincon hooked up to a pulling sled and not be able to spin the tires or move the sled, how sad. They have a great ride and chassis. I think the Rubicon tranny would be great in a Rincon. I would choose a Rubi over a Rincon.

 

Well I think the 450 is better than the rubi, same power, less weight.

Not bashing, but i've seen a p650 just sit there and spin side to side when trying to pull a sled.

On the trails is where the Rincon realy shines!

 

I have seen the 650 spin side to side while hooked to a sled as well in the 2wd class. In 4wd it will pull as will most other quads even Ranchers and King Quads. When we pull we have weight classes the 4wd class is 1050 lbs. Weigh the Rincon up to this weight and put it on a tacky track and it will just sit there, no spin no movement. I'm not necessarily saying which quad is best at this but any manufacturers top of the line quad should move it wouldn't you think. Once it gets moving a little yes it is decent in the drag race, and will spin it's tires decent.
I'm not bashing the Rincon at all just stating that it would be top dog with the Rubi tranny or maybe a low range in the current tranny. I know it is a great trail rider, except for down steep hills. I have ridden one for quite some time while in Windrock. I have no brand loyalty what so ever.

 

On its own the Rincon will spin the tires in 1st gear no problem! The p650 that i was talking about was in 4WD, and it just wasn't heavy enough. The top guy aroung here is on a sp700 and he weighs a lot (not the bike; him!)

But yes it wouldn't hurt the rincon to have a low range, or like the 300 Honda, a super low 1st gear.

 

HI GUY'S :
For your info...ATV Mag Sled Pull Results:Super Seven Shootout:
1) Bombardier Quest 650- best pull=171.6 ft average pull=127.2ft
2) Kawi Prairie650 - best pull=156.6ft average pull=116.1ft
3) Polaris 700 - best pull=156ft average pull=129.7ft
4)Yamaha Grizz660 -best pull=152.6ft average pull=120.2ft
5)Suzuki Vinson - best pull=138ft average pull=99.2ft
6)Artic Cat 500i - best pull=125ft average pull=90ft
7)Honda Rubicon - best pull=124ft average pull=75.3ft



ROB

 

Why would anyone care what the Rincon can pull??? It is not a utility quad, go read Honda's description of it on their web site. If the Rincon sucks so bad then it would not have gotten 1st place at Baja1000. Try hitting some whoops at 50mph on a Prairie or griz or sp700, better have health insurance though. And yes I know the winning Rincon was modified, but not heavily and as you know EVERY machine at Baja is modified!
The Rincon is number 1 at what it does, TRAIL RIDE, recreational trail riding and high speed aggressive riding, basically having FUN, so the Rincon is the most fun to ride(besides a sport quad). And that is what the article said.

 

I do have a few hours on a Rincon and it is a great trail rider. But I think the 650 Prarie is a much more fun quad to ride than the Rincon, all that power and low center of gravity. While going down hill it does not give a secure stable feeling like the Prarie either. Pulling power is a show of bottom end stump pulling torque, something that really comes in handy.
Neither isn't near as fun as a pure sport quad though. But someone has to carry the cooler.

 

I just want to know who would prefer to have drum brakes???? Any other quad on the markeet would be slammed heavily for putting drum brakes on a quad yet the Rincon gets the excuse "well the survey said, riders prefer drum brakes" I guess this is another one of those issues that becomes rider preference. As for me, I wouldn't own a quad that had drum brakes, especially a big bore quad!!!!

 

what did they modify on the Rincon at the Baja1000?

i think it's TERRIFIC how it kicked-a$$ and beat all those other SPORT quads!