NO WAY THE RUBICON IS WAY BETER BUT WAT DO YOU PLAN TO USE IT FOR
Need Some Help with a Decision
First off, hi to everyone. I've been lurking for a few days. Very cool forum.
Secondly, I need help with a decision. I'm looking at getting my first ATV in the next week or so. I can't decide what to get. It's definitely going to be used. I've located two that I can't decide between. I'm out of my element when it comes to ATVs, so I'll try to be as precise as I can. They are the same price, and here's how they stack up...
2006 Honda Rancher ES 350. Two years left on warranty. Everything on it is stock. 133 miles. In excellent condition.
2002 Honda Foreman Rubicon 500. Full time 4x4. New High Lifter springs. New 26" Dirt Devil II tires. Never mudded, garage kept, well maintained, new air filter, oil change. High/Low range, gun rack, 2" ball. 300 hours and 1900 miles. Looks to be in excellent condition considering it's an '02.
I'm not going to be doing any mudding or extreme riding. I want an ATV for the deer lease and light trail riding. It might get to do some light work like making food plots, etc. I'm 6'4" and a few over 260 lbs, so I want something substantial under me. I know I probably don't NEED a 500 right now, but Foremans/Rubicons are by far my favorite looking ATV.
Pics of the Rubicon hopefully attached. Will try to post pics of the Rancher shortly.
For the same price, am I stupid for not going with the Rubicon? Is it way more than I need right now, and I should just go with the Rancher 350? Is the full time 4x4 something to avoid?
Thanks in advance for your help. Let me know if more info is needed for an educated decision.
Secondly, I need help with a decision. I'm looking at getting my first ATV in the next week or so. I can't decide what to get. It's definitely going to be used. I've located two that I can't decide between. I'm out of my element when it comes to ATVs, so I'll try to be as precise as I can. They are the same price, and here's how they stack up...
2006 Honda Rancher ES 350. Two years left on warranty. Everything on it is stock. 133 miles. In excellent condition.
2002 Honda Foreman Rubicon 500. Full time 4x4. New High Lifter springs. New 26" Dirt Devil II tires. Never mudded, garage kept, well maintained, new air filter, oil change. High/Low range, gun rack, 2" ball. 300 hours and 1900 miles. Looks to be in excellent condition considering it's an '02.
I'm not going to be doing any mudding or extreme riding. I want an ATV for the deer lease and light trail riding. It might get to do some light work like making food plots, etc. I'm 6'4" and a few over 260 lbs, so I want something substantial under me. I know I probably don't NEED a 500 right now, but Foremans/Rubicons are by far my favorite looking ATV.
Pics of the Rubicon hopefully attached. Will try to post pics of the Rancher shortly.
For the same price, am I stupid for not going with the Rubicon? Is it way more than I need right now, and I should just go with the Rancher 350? Is the full time 4x4 something to avoid?
Thanks in advance for your help. Let me know if more info is needed for an educated decision.
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
Stick with the Ruby and never look back
I think your too tall for the rancher, go with the ruby it will work great for what you want it for.
get the rubie ive had mine not quite a month and freaking love this thing so much ive put mine under a few test and love this thing the onley thing i sugest you do is take the dash apart and put a little greese on the seal under the cover water will get in it and save you from getting a dash. but the rubie all the way man
So there's no issues with the all time 4x4? I can't seem to find much on the 2002 Rubicon that would alert me to any possible reasons why it would be a bad choice.
If Both units are the same price and considering what you want to use it for ,then normally I'D say get the rancher because its practically new compared to the rubicon. But .....Just looking at the photos it appears that the ruby has been very well kept. if possible, i'd have a honda mechanic inspect it and if it gets a green light then go for it. you'll love the rubicon,at least i do. oh and you did'nt mention if the rancher was a 4x4.
If Both units are the same price and considering what you want to use it for ,then normally I'D say get the rancher because its practically new compared to the rubicon. But .....Just looking at the photos it appears that the ruby has been very well kept. if possible, i'd have a honda mechanic inspect it and if it gets a green light then go for it. you'll love the rubicon,at least i do. oh and you did'nt mention if the rancher was a 4x4.
The Rancher is a 2WD.
since the rancher is 2wd i would go with the rubicon. i had a rubicon and i had alot of trouble with it but that dont mean they are all like that, mine was a 03. the rancher is newer so that might be better, but like said above the rubicon looks like it was well kept. if you think that all you need is a 2wd 350 then i would go with it, the rubicon will proubly not be too much power so i wouldnt worry about that. hope you are happy with what you get.
-Aaron
-Aaron
2WD.................no brainer. My Ruby was bullet proof; I think it spent more time underwater than it did on land
if both bikes were 4x4 i would say get the rancher only because i was newer for the same price. but being the rancher is 2x4 i say get the rubi. You will never regret 4x4.
HOW much coing you willing to spend on a ride. and how long do you plan on keeping this machine. If you are going to keep it for a while get a ruby. In fact if you keep it for a month or two and trade it in, get the ruby. I will bet you will be impressed. Ebay will have anything you need or want for parts.
Get the Rubicon,it looks to be in excellent shape.If the Rancher was 4x4 then I'd say buy the Rancher.I used to have a Rancher 4x4 and it did everything my Foreman does.You might have read some horror stories on here about Rubicons,but I ride with two fellas that both own 2003 models and they have been problem free for over 2,000 miles.
proud Rubicon owner , bought my 03 brand new, and I still dont want a different machine!
5500 miles on the full-time 4 wheeldrive and the original tires and brakes "the engine braking is the best"
5500 miles on the full-time 4 wheeldrive and the original tires and brakes "the engine braking is the best"
dude, if u dont get the rubicon you will be pissed within the first day of riding the 350
Get the Rubi!!! Its a better bike all round more power bigger engine & 4x4. If you bought the rancher the first time it gets stuck you be wishing you got the 4x4 rubi!!! Also if you're usin it for working your gonna want the extra power incase you need to pull a trailer! I'm onto my second rubi now & bthey are completly BULLET PROOF!!!!!!!!
NADA book value 06 TRX350TE $2995 02 TRX500FA $2955
imo get the ruby they are tough bikes and will work for you for years and years. both are low miles compared to what I sell so there should be no problems mechanically.
imo get the ruby they are tough bikes and will work for you for years and years. both are low miles compared to what I sell so there should be no problems mechanically.
Rubi is the way to go, very reliable machine, in my opinion the 350 is quite "gutless".
Id deffinately get the rubi. You will be kicking yourself if you dont. Rancher will be a little small for you. My .02
1 - 20 of 21 Posts
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