Hello Forum,
I’m on the verge of pulling the trigger on one of these bikes and am trying to determine if it’s worth it to step up to the Rubicon.
My uses would be: Snow plowing in winter (maybe 2-4x/mo, usually not more than 6-8 inches), plowing 50x60 garden each spring, hauling small lawn cart around, but overall more pleasure riding than work. I’m in a flat area but there are sand dunes and trails a few hours north that I’d eventually hit, nothing terribly steep or rocky though.
I’m looking at both of these models and all I see as major differences are engine size, and the Rubi can lock the front differential whereas the Rancher just has Traxlok. Otherwise it seems like Honda has built this particular version of the Rancher as a less powerful Rubicon — hauls a little less, racks support a little less, but same brakes, ground clearance, length/w/h, transmission and steering.
I have price quotes, Rancher would be ~$7300 out the door, Rubicon closer to $8400. I’m having a tough time justifying an extra $1100 for 2.5 more HP and locking differential, unless those are worth a lot more than I’m thinking they are for my purposes.
Are the Ranchers still geared a little more sporty than the Rubi’s? Would I really need the locking differential since the DCT transmission will get me a low range gear box? Will I really need the extra power for tilling the garden? Am I missing something else (seating, lighting, electric power output, etc.)?
I’m okay spending the money if it’s worth it, but at this point I’m thinking of putting that extra $1100 difference towards my plow setup, other accessories and helmets. Any thoughts are appreciated!
I’m on the verge of pulling the trigger on one of these bikes and am trying to determine if it’s worth it to step up to the Rubicon.
My uses would be: Snow plowing in winter (maybe 2-4x/mo, usually not more than 6-8 inches), plowing 50x60 garden each spring, hauling small lawn cart around, but overall more pleasure riding than work. I’m in a flat area but there are sand dunes and trails a few hours north that I’d eventually hit, nothing terribly steep or rocky though.
I’m looking at both of these models and all I see as major differences are engine size, and the Rubi can lock the front differential whereas the Rancher just has Traxlok. Otherwise it seems like Honda has built this particular version of the Rancher as a less powerful Rubicon — hauls a little less, racks support a little less, but same brakes, ground clearance, length/w/h, transmission and steering.
I have price quotes, Rancher would be ~$7300 out the door, Rubicon closer to $8400. I’m having a tough time justifying an extra $1100 for 2.5 more HP and locking differential, unless those are worth a lot more than I’m thinking they are for my purposes.
Are the Ranchers still geared a little more sporty than the Rubi’s? Would I really need the locking differential since the DCT transmission will get me a low range gear box? Will I really need the extra power for tilling the garden? Am I missing something else (seating, lighting, electric power output, etc.)?
I’m okay spending the money if it’s worth it, but at this point I’m thinking of putting that extra $1100 difference towards my plow setup, other accessories and helmets. Any thoughts are appreciated!
