Hey all, I'm wanting to get a "cheaper" 4x4 in the 350-400 cc range. I've pretty much nailed it down to the Bruin 350 and the Rancher 350 ES. From the numerous posts I've read they both sound like pretty good machines. They are basically the same price at the dealer I'm working with. I really like Honda's reliability and the looks of the Rancher, but it's full time 4x4 and is ES. The Bruin has an auto, 2wd/4wd ability, and more ground clearance. I guess I'd just like to know what the Bruin owners think. Is it a pretty good machine? I've read top speed is about 50. This isn't as big of deal to me if it has decent low end although they don't have a low range. I've also noticed there aren't very many mods like pipes available for this model yet, although I'm sure they'll come along in the future. Any info appreciated. I saw a blue Bruin on the net with ITP C Series and Mudlites that looked pretty cool.

 

Hi 99, I have a 04 bruin that has 150 hrs on it and so far no problems with it except a very small oil leak by the air filter. More of a annoyance then a problem. It's great on trails and seems to have decent power. I do a lot of double riding in the Ozark Mtns and it goes real good up these Mtns riding double. Fill up the gas tank and you can ride all day. I love that shifting on the fly, the only way to go. The suspension has more travel then the ranger and does a good job. Top speed is reported at somewhere around 47-48 mph. I am not a mudder, but the mud that I do go through seems to do a good job. Not the fastest on top speed, but seems to be real snappy on the trails. I was looking at both the rancher and bruin when I was buying. The rancher had better looks and a speedometer, but the auto transmission and 2x4 shifting and suspension the bruin has won out. I think both machines are good and like the size of them. I have gotten into some tight spots on the trails and am glad that I did not have a biger machine. I would buy a bruin again. I hope that this helps you out. lol

 

Thanks alot. That is the kind of info I was looking for. It sounds like whichever machine I choose would probably work for what I need it for. Thanks.

 

hey, i think you would be very happy with the rancher. It is an awsome 4 wheeler. Ive ridden with some on many occasions and it is a great trail quad and it has the honda reliability. You wont have to worry about messing up your belt with the honda. No belt to mess up. The bruin im sure is a good 4 wheeler but it wouldnt be one that i would buy. Have a good one.

 

the new rancher has the indipendant suspension and i dont think that the bruin does.

 

Indepedant suspension? I'm pretty sure it's a SRA. I'd like to jump up to something with more cc's and IRS, but there quite a bit more expensive, plus in my opinion there is just alot more stuff that could break. Although I'm sure they ride alot nicer. I've read that the Rancher rides pretty stiff, but can be somewhat corrected with a Perfex suspension kit. From what I've read it sounds like the top speed on the Rancher may be a little better, but I'm more concerned with low end power. I've looked at the Eiger also, but there so much longer and are frankly the worst looking of the three.

 

Yo Straggler99,

Just went thru the same Rancher / Bruin choice myself. The bruin is made to ride, Period. I have an 04 rubicon and for what it is famed to do it does well.
The bruin does it all. It is an absoulte blast after fighting that damn rubicon all day. Compare the riding features and you will choose the bruin. Compare
the cute features and you will choose the Rancher ES. I bought it for my wife. Big Mistake. She will NOT trade for the rubicon and i am stuck :-<.

Beagles

 

I have an 04' Bruin 4x4 and I LOVE it. It has awsome looks and good performance(for a 350 that is). It is a very reliable machine, it has never let me down. As far as the independent suspension thing goes, I personally prefer NOT having independent suspension. The bruin has awsome handling. I love whipping it around the trails and turns. The only complant I have is the tires, which I am sure if you bought the Honda it would probably have about the same. I am looking into getting 25" Mud Lite Xl's for mine. As far as after market assesories go, The only pipes I have been able to find is a FMF Powerline, and a Big Gun Quiet series. They also make a Quad Works power kit for it that includes K&N high flow air filter, Dino Jet kit, and outerwears pre-filter. If you do decide to go with the Bruin you will be VERY PLEASED with your decision.

 

My wife has an '05' bruin and we have taken it through all of the mud that I went through with my grizzley and it worked great for her.

 

I have the bruin 350. I just went over the warranty on march 11th and the rear swingarm cracked. if you can weld, its no biggie. The Bruin is 6 horsepower more than the rancher 350 which is 13 if you are wondering. My engine has absolutely no problems yet and doesnt shred belts. From what about 5 other forums and 3 magazines said, you can really feel the lack of power in the rancher. it lacks a large amount of acceleration, but has a really reliable engine because of its low output.