[JohnnySolo]

I went on their site today just dream shopping and noticed there wasn't a 350 model. Did they stop making em?

 

[misterclean59]

They changed to the 420 in 05 or 06?

 

[JohnnySolo]

Ah gotcha. ?

 

[mac102004]

2006 was the last year for the 350. 2007 was the first year for the 420. So, no 350's for well over a decade now.

 

[alloutdoors]

So, why was the 350 discontinued? Personally, I have felt some of the manufactures are in a horsepower race, because I consistently hear good/great comments on the 250 Recon, older Foreman, Big Red and/or 350 and question why abandon these tried and true engine plants. That is not to say, the Rancher/Foreman aren't great units....

 

[KBacon]

Honda makes tried and true super reliable machines... and that's their reputation. Unfortunately they are getting a little long in the tooth as the competition has had larger CC machines for several years. The Rincon was a good machine.. but is long overdue for an overhaul/upgrade!!!

The Polaris/CanAm/Arctic Cats have had to come out w/ bigger and badder machines to keep the interest of the buying public because they tend to break down on a regular basis... and it's so bad that customers have come to expect it & just par for the course... if you drive High Performance ATV you're going to break parts and most do carry spare parts for when (no if) this happens. These same companies discontinue producing parts for older machines.. so when the machine is 7-10 yrs old you're supposed to junk it and purchase a new one.. because you can no longer get the parts to repair it. Honda still makes several (not all) parts for 20yr+ old ATVs...

But I seriously believe that Honda needs to catch up to some of the competition if they want to remain a prominent player in today's market!!! Streamline their current ATV offerings.. just too many configurations... They are in dire need of a sport sxs, higher cc utility ATV (Rincon 1000???).. 750-850 cc Rubicon style machine.. and make the current solid Foreman/ their base line ATV...

 

[misterclean59]

Yes! But still keep many of the "old" reliable machines around.

 

[alloutdoors]

But I seriously believe that Honda needs to catch up to some of the competition if they want to remain a prominent player in today's market!!! Streamline their current ATV offerings.. just too many configurations... They are in dire need of a sport sxs, higher cc utility ATV (Rincon 1000???).. 750-850 cc Rubicon style machine.. and make the current solid Foreman/ their base line ATV...

I agree and would be fine with some "conservative models" which they produce today, but they could literally sweep across a broader market with some more refined models. In fact, I'm struggling on whether to get a Yamaha Kodiak vs. Honda Foreman to replace my Rancher. I have a unique situation and will be doing some trail riding and thinking the independent rear suspension as well as the CVT would be nice, plus I'm not a mud/swimming guy, so I'm reasonably confident it would do very well given my situation.

As for Honda, it isn't that Honda avoids high speed and/or competition, especially when you look at Indy Car, Motor cross, etc. Heck, I'm shocked they haven't jumped into NASCAR with an Accord and make a run at all the existing manufactures......

 

[mac102004]

All I want is a Rubicon with 120hp and a CVT belt drive. Doesn't seem like too much to ask.

 

[SamUK]

All I want is a Rubicon with 120hp and a CVT belt drive. Doesn't seem like too much to ask.

Build one, you have the basis for one, just need a motor. Anything is possible

Be nice to have a stock 1200cc rubi/foreman though wouldn’t it, I know what your saying.

 

[mac102004]

All I want is a Rubicon with 120hp and a CVT belt drive. Doesn't seem like too much to ask.

Build one, you have the basis for one, just need a motor. Anything is possible

Be nice to have a stock 1200cc rubi/foreman though wouldn’t it, I know what your saying.

I don't know if Honda could get 120hp out of 500cc :big-grin

Probably have to be around a 2.0L engine lol

 

[alloutdoors]

Probably have to be around a 2.0L engine lol

I suspect Honda could do it wanted, LOL

 

[wheelsquad]

I suspect Honda could do it wanted, LOL

Yes they have always been capable of good hp numbers when they choose too. Torquey 1000cc twin with 130+ hp stock, naturally aspirated:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_RC51

 

[mac102004]

Yes they have always been capable of good hp numbers when they choose too. Torquey 1000cc twin with 130+ hp stock, naturally aspirated:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Honda_RC51

Honda wouldn’t put anything like that in a bike, where are the pushrods? And V-twin? Won’t fit in the chassis if mounted longitudinally lol


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[TBRider]

Stick a small turbine on a rubi and 6th gear....lol

 

[wheelsquad]

Honda wouldn’t put anything like that in a bike, where are the pushrods? And V-twin? Won’t fit in the chassis if mounted longitudinally lol


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

All true.

Honda COULD get the hp and still be reliable. Would just have to break every one of the molds you mentioned.

 

[alloutdoors]

Honda certainly has the ability/technology to make it happen and for me find it odd, they would make significant investments in Super Cross, Street Bike, Indy Car, etc., and not embrace that same kind of "pushing the envelop" in ATVs.

So what is holding Honda back from pushing the envelop in the ATV/UTV market? I'm referring to models to compete with RZR, CanAM, etc.? So is it a safety issue for Honda and/or satisfied with the market share currently occupied with existing models?

 

[mac102004]

Honda certainly has the ability/technology to make it happen and for me find it odd, they would make significant investments in Super Cross, Street Bike, Indy Car, etc., and not embrace that same kind of "pushing the envelop" in ATVs.

So what is holding Honda back from pushing the envelop in the ATV/UTV market? I'm referring to models to compete with RZR, CanAM, etc.? So is it a safety issue for Honda and/or satisfied with the market share currently occupied with existing models?

Well Honda is #2 in sales as far as I know. they were #1 for decades but Polaris edged them out when the RZR's blew up in sales. So, maybe they figure if it's not broke don't fix it? Most of the sales in ATV's are going to be your smaller machines anyway, 400-600cc. The 800-1000cc machines are cool but they only make up a small fraction of sales. I guess Honda see's the big bore market as more of a liability than anything else.

 

[alloutdoors]

Most of the sales in ATV's are going to be your smaller machines anyway, 400-600cc. The 800-1000cc machines are cool but they only make up a small fraction of sales. I guess Honda see's the big bore market as more of a liability than anything else.

Interesting point and coincides with a conversation which I had yesterday at the dealership. I am wanting to replace my Honda Rancher and wow, there are many models to look over in that 400-500 class and across many good brands. The sales guy mentioned this class, 450-550/600 is fierce and highly competitive vs. the expensive high end ones.

 

[farmer002]

........So what is holding Honda back from pushing the envelop in the ATV/UTV market? I'm referring to models to compete with RZR, CanAM, etc.? So is it a safety issue for Honda and/or satisfied with the market share currently occupied with existing models?

You forget that Honda walks their own line. Always have. They seem to care less what the other guys are specifically doing. They know they put out quality equipment and their reputation precedes them. Heck.... I waited years for them to come out with a non rubber band sxs before I jumped into that market.