[Jonny281ci]

So I've narrowed it down to the Honda Rancher 420 ES 4x4 $6200 OR, the Yamaha 400 $6300
I love that the Honda has more power, but I've also heard a lot of people having trouble with the ES. Is this still so on the 2010 models? The Yamaha has a locking dif and IPRS auto trans, but the Honda has a sealed belt, fuel injected and more power. HELP!!:happy:

 

[Pain]

There are still problems with the ES but I would prefer it over an automatic, though the new Honda AT is a new design with dual clutches, so more or less a manual, but whatever.

 

[Jonny281ci]

Not too many Honda riders out there I see, I already had 15 responses on a Yamaha forum with the same question lol

 

[Helmut]

Personally, I would stay away from any Honda ES or auto transmission. Too many problems with them. Foot shift is more dependable/less problems.

 

[Pyetime]

20cc's more and $100 less!!! Red Ride!!

 

[shadetree]

honda all the way..but..as stated..stay away from any electric shift and auto tranny...foot shift is alottttttt more dependable..and alot cheaper to work on !

 

[aris_unlimited]

Not too many Honda riders out there I see, I already had 15 responses on a Yamaha forum with the same question lol

I wouldn't figure it as not many honda riders out there.....Hondas work, so their likely out riding lol.

 

[tomgodd]

LOL^^^^^^
I agree with everyone else. Honda has issues with the ES and auto models but the foot shift models are still great options!

 

[Chef]

I just bought my 2010 420 rancher and love it. I spent two weeks trying to figure out whether I wanted the honda or a suzuki king quad 450. After speaking to a good friend in NC that works on them, I chose the honda. I figure I would enjoy riding it rather than taking it back and forth to the dealer!!

 

[Helmut]

I just bought my 2010 420 rancher and love it. I spent two weeks trying to figure out whether I wanted the honda or a suzuki king quad 450. After speaking to a good friend in NC that works on them, I chose the honda. I figure I would enjoy riding it rather than taking it back and forth to the dealer!!

I am positive that you made the right choice.

 

[hondamechbrian]

i work at a honda dealership, was the head mech for many years and now im the service manger/director. i answer the phone and answer questions all day long and still do the tough troubleshooting in the shop. i will not say that hondas dont have issues with thier ES models, but.. i have seen very very little, i mean can count them on one hand, problems with the new ES 420s. i personally would get the foot shift.

PS. there is no belt on a honda, the es is the same on the inside as the manual, just has a system to do the work for you. the FA models are either hydrostatic (400fa, 500fa), or they have a torque converter, clutch packs, and shift solinoids, just like a car (420fa, 650/680fa).

 

[Helmut]

One of my buddies bought a new 420 Rancher. Six days later the electric shift quit working. He doesn't ride them hard, either. He takes care of his 4-wheelers. But if they DON'T mess up right after you buy them, they will eventually. There's no way around it. But if electric shift is more convenient for you or easier to ride, then I guess it's worth it. But if you want dependability, then I would go with the foot shift. I hardly ever see anything happen to the foot shift models, concerning the shift mechanism, anyway.

 

[bwhana]

420 es

i bought a 2009 420fm because it was foot shift. believe that 2009 was the last year for foot shift option on the ranchers.

 

[hondamechbrian]

they still make the manuals in 2010. hey helmut, got one in today that the shift motor was bad, im running out of fingers i guess, lol. i shouldnt have said that, i jinxed myself haha

 

[joshdoodles]

i bought my 09 rancher at and love it. i was like you when i bought mine i was looking at all brands 400 to 500 ccs. everyone said honda even a friend who works on atvs at a yamaha dealership. i think made the right choice.....and im not afraid of the electric shift i love mine.....and i can hang with my friends that have an 800 polaris and a 650 brute force....they always want to ride mine....the friend with the brute force is thinking of trading up for one like mine

 

[1fstsierra]

hey i love my new honda i have a kawasaki prairie 300 that little sucker is a 2wd but it get where the other 4x4's do but not as easy as my honda...Ive always wanted a polaris but not anymore after i had to pull one out this weekend with mine....

 

[yotaguy]

I have an 09 rancher AT and love it as well gotta love IRS and put an hmf pipe and optomizer and made it even better