About to buy a 2014 Honda Rancher ATV. Opinions?

Anyone know a good way to break it in properly? Ride it hard? Vary it? I read this and he recommends riding it hard and gives a good reason why. http://mototuneusa.com/break_in_secrets.htm

 

I've always ridden them hard. I've broken in my super bikes this way, moto cross bikes this way, and I'm doing it with the Atv's. Which means I've been riding my wife's to because she does not romp it enough. Have to get those rings to seat and do it early. Don't just let it idle in your garage I know you want to because it's new. But warm it up and ride it like you stole it.

 

Thought so. That's what my dad says as well. I guess I can't complain about hauling on it

 

My new one doesnt have power steering, but if i had it on my old foreman it might have stopped me from rolling it. Was kinda day dreaming and hit a rut with one tire, jerked the bars outta my hands and made a hard right, up the bank on a trail. Rolled right on its side,I was only going maybe 5 mph though.

Gotta pay attention, always.

 

Yeah I'm Rarely going 5mph on my 750 brute though.

Op did you get it out and ride it yet!?!?

We should have an ATV thread. The 2 stroke guys made their own...

 

Make one. I'd sub it.

 

Yes. Lol

 

Took it out for a good hour ride today with a friend. Rides great and breaking it in So how long will it take to break in?

 

The first 20-30 miles are the most important IMO.

 

Okay. Well I let it warm up then give it heck. I'll feel safe after 50

 

break it in according to owners manual

 

And have a machine that leaks oil the rest of its life...... Good plan....

 

never had a problem doing it this way.

 

I've never done it by the recommendation and I have raced my whole life, even when I raced ama super bikes as an non pro we broke our new race bikes in like we would race them after they warmed up. I also have a buddy who works as a honda engineer who has told me almost identical to the article the op posted. The recommendation is a CYA for people who abuse their machines. If you break it in soft and ride it soft you may never see a problem. But I ride mine hard and fast and have always broke them In that way.

 

Either way is fine, but piston rings need to seat correctly so best way is high RPMs after it's warmed up.

 

What do you mean a CYA? I Didnt follow the procedure exactly like it states..I was I little hard on it but not bad. I take it thats a good thing?

 

Mine is a 13 rancher 420 with a big gun exhaust

 

I purchased a Honda 420 Rancher ES 4x4 earlier this year. I use it primarily to help me with my retriever training. I also purchased a 48" plow blade for snow related chores. The blade can be raised or lowered by an electric winch that I also purchased.

It's been bombproof so far. My only regret is that I didn't purchase one ten years ago.

BTW, for what it's worth: Recently I stopped by my selling dealer to purchase an oil filter and oil for my first oil change. Anyway, I got into a conversation with one of the service techs who told me that earlier that year, he serviced a Rancher that came in with 102,000 miles on it!!

 

I'm interested in a ATV as well, waiting for more info to come out on the '15 Foreman Rubicon.

I'm kind of confused about the Honda DCT transmission. I know Honda had the cluchless manual before with a foot operated gear change, similar to a motorcycle. Is the current DCT the same? I really want something I can shift manually. I'd prefer a clutchless manual but I'd do a standard lever clutch manual over a total automatic.

It looks like Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Arctic Cat/Polaris/BRP all have automatics. Do any of these have manual shift capability?

Also, what size trailer are you guys using to haul two of these ATVs? How are you getting them into the trailer sideways?

Thanks!

 

I prefer shifting manual as well but not on atv's, racing quads and dirt bikes only for me. I use mine for work, hunting, and recreation. Although I have big bore atv's and I can tell you, with my 750 at full throttle it will toss you off the back if you're not holding on. I know the weak part of the Hondas is the transmission and they have been getting worse on the new stuff. I would still not hesitate to buy a Honda they just don't make anything that suites my needs. As for the trailer I have an echo lite 2 place, it has ramps that you ride them up sideways.