witch of the two would you pick?

 

The Rancher...definitely the Rancher. A buddy of mine has both quads and the Rancher is by far the better quad.

 

Definitly the Big Bear. No contest the Bear has alot more power!

 

4 years ago the Big Bear edged the TRX300 out. the Rancher is definitely the clear winner in this today. Big Bear needs to be scrapped or replaced. the Kodiak still does fine though ;-)

 

BIG BEAR all the Way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! More power, and bigger tires[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img] Both of these are great quads though!! It is just what you prefer. You cant go wrong with any of them!!!!!!!!!

 

Yep, A lot of the Honda riders wish they would scrap the Bear. Buy one and let them follow you too.
Tim

 

The Big Bear, why because it is a 400 now, not a 350, and second it has a low gear, and third it's meaner looking, oh ya it comes with Warn Winch.
2000 Grizz
3500 km's and not a hickup.

 

2001, I say Rancher. 2002, I say Big Bear. The 2wd/4wd selector on the 02 model is enough to sway me away from the Rancher. Both are good. I think the Rancher is a little more solid, based only on the fact that Honda engines are for the most part running SOB's. (not fast, I mean they last forever). Still, an 02 Bear has the advantage to me.

 

If you dont want to be stuck in a little tiny hole for the rest of your life go with the Big Bear. Trust me it wont let you down. I have a big bear 4x4 and I leave any rancher or foreman behind when it comes to mud an brute force. The rancher is a hair faster than the big bear.

 

If you don't want to be stuck in a hole all your life, then just get some tires on either one. I pulled a Big Bear out of a wimpy little mudhole with my AC, and then proceded to easily go in and out of the same spot. Not a power issue, just tires. The Bear or a Rancher would have made it right through the same spot if they had the 27" Claws that I had, and I would have been stuck with stockers too probably.

Both of these have a limited slip front end, (I don't care about any claimed greatness of the Sur-trac, cause I've heard too many say that there isn't much difference). Both have pretty good power, though maybe the bear will have a little more torque.

These two are pretty closely matched as it is, and I think either one is as good as the other personally. You won't go wrong or regret one over the other I don't think, and pretty much personal preference is the key issue in this equation. For me, I like the 2wd option on the 02 Bear and the disc brakes in the front. That would sway me. It just depends on if you prefer team blue or red really. If there was no Polaris, these two would still be the 1..2 manufacturers around as far as sales go. Big Bear is a name thats been around since 87, and Honda has always been known for making an engine that will last, be it generators, quads, or cars.

Basically, just go ride them and see how you like them. Thats my take. This forum is great though to find out real world experience from actual owners, and it serves as a good reference to things you can't see at a dealership. Take what you learn in mind, and then add in your own perceptions, and you will probably make the right choice for you.