I read a review similar to that myself when I was looking at getting an atv. Needless to say after riding machines myself and looking at used machines I noticed two things. The ride differences are minor at best. Honda's used are at a premium and usually appear used. I found many other quads with 1/4 the miles and good looking plastics. I guess that tells you something.
worst of the 500 class
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3,741 Posts
At slow trail speeds I would have to agree.
I get to ride different brands of ATV on a regular basis, brand new ones. I didn't want to ride new ones for a long time because I feared that I would no longer like mine but I found just the opposite to be true.
When the trails get rough and you start climbing over huge rocks, fallen trees, climbing very steep hills and steep off-camber trails I'll take my Rubicon over the others any day of the week.
It also amazes me that even with over 13k miles I can still feel the quality of my Honda over the other manufactures.
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2 Posts
We have two rubicons and one yamaha 400 big bear. The big bear is tough and rough. Not much fun to ride but, gets the job done. The honda's are a dream to ride the 2004 has full time 4 wheel drive the 07 has select 4 wheel drive the 07 is easier to drive. we duck hunt and we put our machines through a real work out. I like my 07 rubicon.B)
I say buy what you like and if you don't like it buy something esle.
I say buy what you like and if you don't like it buy something esle.
I have been riding Honda since 1979 my first was a 79 110 three wheeler no suspension, brakes on rear axle, chain drive things have come along way! the first Yahama three wheeler that we saw was a tri moto 175 the most uncomfortable thing i ever tried to ride. we dragged it out of the wood on the second day he rode it because the plug worked out of the rear end!
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7,536 Posts
Welcome to the Machine Rusty.....what city are ya from here in the Great state of Tennessee?
their is a lot of us on here from TN, I'm right here at Windrock & Royal Blue, Coal Creek, Brimstone are all together here!........ever get out this way any?
Glide
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7,536 Posts
Man you got that right...bunch of great people here!
Glide
PS: were mauling over maybe having a get together here in the spring! do you by chance have Google Earth on your PC, if you do I can show you just how "VAST" our trails systems are out here on the East Side!
Glide
Is it just me or has Honda been coasting for the last 5 years? I mean, what new products have they come out with? Any significant updates? Honda is building a great utility machine, but they are at risk of falling out of the sport market with their dated machines.
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7,992 Posts
So very true, but hondas meal ticket has always been reliability, and building a slower but in most casses a more powerful (geared lower) machine has won them the title of "mr reliable. Honda has floated some rumors around my buddies shop for 2012 about a v-twin big bore and a more "rzr" like side by side to keep up with polaris's run on being the kings of power and fun/speed. Sure going 70mph is fun on a util. but Ill be the one towing that guy on his 850 home because he broke another a-arm due to speed. I use my machine for work just as much as fun and as for a working class ATV honda I would say with their bullit proof machines is still #1 to most enthusiasts.
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3,741 Posts
I hope it's a 50" SxS. The little RZR is the #1 selling SxS and the ONLY 50". If I was looking at buying a big red I think I'd just buy a shortbed F-150 instead.
I hope it doesn't use the Rincon trans and sad but it wont have a locker either.
I love my ATV but I get really tired of Honda taking the back seat. They could own the ATV market but choose not to.
I have not doubt that Honda could build a 750 V-twin that would out run all of the 1000cc ATVs and use a Rubicon style trans with a sub-trans and a locker make it affordable and OWN the ATV maket.
I'm not interested in Rincon at all so that makes the Rubicon the biggest ATV Honda makes and I don't think it's going to cut it the next time I buy a new ATV.
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7,992 Posts
Yea the big red seems kinda useless to me, too big and VERY sluggish compaired to say a rhino and a ranger. After my buddies shop turned from "redline honda" to "redline honda polaris" they havent sold 1 big red, and that was about 3 years ago. The rzrs are sweet machines for a sxs. So hopefully honda will put something out that interests a bigger range of people instead of just an old farmer of somebody who owns a junk yard. Thats the only places ive ever seen a big red.
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10,390 Posts
my rubicon i had was such a great machine. KYBMU, u said it handles "most trail conditions". i put my rubicon places any one of those bikes you named and the ppl unfortunate to be swindled into those machines would go. i logged small logs with it. i used the blade on it to clear sage brush on my property in the summer time. i had 27 in gbc gators on it. that machine would pack deer, elk, and even a moose once. it never was in the shop. i did all the maitenece on it. never once did it break down, left me stranded, or give me reason to cuss it. you keep readin magazines while the rest of us are out enjoyin our machines. when you buy a quad other than a honda you might as well get some tampax to......
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7,992 Posts
Thats exactly it glide, thats how I describe it as well.
I tell ya what tee, I bought a recon this summer for my wife. She doesnt ride it all that much, so I do. My rubi is built like a tank and rides like it as well.... When im on the recon I have so much fun cause I can whip it around and play on it, the rubi is way to stiff and top heavy for that. Its a breath of fresh air every once in a while and Im definitely glad I made the purchase!
Hmmm yeah I think I'll end up with a 2nd sport quad down the road if I can snag something relatively inexpensive. There are many more MX tracks nearby and I may even be able to shove it in the truck bed with the shell in tact LOL.....
When I start asking more questions of the forum, you'll know what's going on.....
When I start asking more questions of the forum, you'll know what's going on.....
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63 Posts
Yeah recons are zippy and light and loads of fun. Wish I still had mine. I could take that thing anywhere and if I got stuck, just hop off and drag it out. I REALLY wish they made a 4x4 recon. That would be a legendary machine.
Friends told me get around 400 as first quad or else I'd be bored with less CCs but stay away from going over 500 b/c of weight if I ride mud. In the end, I'm still not sure if I made a perfect decision but the 450 seems more than capable even though I'm learning. I think I stayed away from a sport quad b/c I do sport bike already and probably needed to tame it down some. Still thinking about a cheapo zipster so I can break my neck though......
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