Embarrassing Background Material (Please feel free to skip this part)

Last summer I gave into my family’s desire to purchase an ATV. I had run out of excuses for not buying one. I began my usual stall tactic, which is to research the product until either they change their minds or I can find a good enough reason for not making the purchase. At first I was a little annoyed at the lack of info on the web, that Honda had seemed to have grabbed up most of the obvious ATV dot-com addresses and also being asked several times a day if I had made a decision regarding the matter.

I really couldn’t come up with a clincher for why not to buy one and had reluctantly narrowed my choices to three models: the Honda Rancher 4X4 ES, the Yamaha Kodiak 4X4, and the Arctic Cat 500 Automatic 4X4. All had received good reviews and were easy to drive and small enough to accommodate both my wife and younger teenaged son. So, armed with all sorts of facts and figures in my head, copies of reviews for each of the machines, and the names and addresses of all the dealers in a hundred mile radius; my son and I started off on our purchasing expedition.

After stopping at several dealerships and examining the above-mentioned vehicles, the Honda became our clear choice. It was the lowest priced, as well as having the most advanced design of the three!

It was beginning to look like I was actually going to have to buy one of the contraptions. My only out was to not be able to get one at the right price. My family and friends all know that I hate to pay top dollar for anything; I’ll negotiate prices at the dollar store on clearance items if I have to! Well, this ploy was looking pretty good since all the Honda salesmen had been telling us that they were having a hard time getting and/or keeping the Ranchers in stock, and that they were offering nothing off of MSRP. I guess I took this as a challenge as I began price negotiations.

Armed only with a cell phone and a little tenacity, I was able to get the price I wanted, and on a 2001 model to boot! So the dealer prepped one, loaded it on my truck and we were on our way home with what I thought was a great deal on our new, red ATV.

Now I think is a good time to mention that I had never ridden an ATV in my life! That would change shortly after arriving home! I stalled as long as I could, but inevitably the time came to drive it off the back of my pickup. Gathering my courage and hoping not to look too foolish, I backed the truck up to our sand mound, attached some old wooden ramps, started it up (luckily, my son had remembered all the controls and procedures or it might have become a permanent fixture up there on the truck bed) and backed her off – no sweat! So now that I’m the resident “motosport” expert, I (with my son’s attentive eye looking on) instruct my wife on the safe and proper riding procedures of her new toy – and please bear in mind that I had at this point never even driven forward on the thing!

Well, she catches on real good and quick, but now it’s the son’s turn. Now there’s a sticker right on the machine that says you should ought to be sixteen or older to ride it... but what’s a dad to do? He hopes on and takes off and turns out to be a “natural”. Inevitably, I’m asked to ride it. I refuse at first, but then throwing reason aside, mount the beast only to find it to be a pretty tame critter. Well, that’s how it all started and like they say, the rest is history; I’m heavily into “motosports” now! Just check out my epinions profile picture and see for yourself; I look pretty dang good in a helmet and goggles!

Now to put a fitting end to all this embarrassing background information; after about a week of fighting about who’s turn it was to ride the ATV, my wife goes out and buys another one, only she got it for almost $300 less than my great deal. To save face, I told her it was because hers was orange and they cost a lot less than the red ones!

Okay. Now Comes The Real Review (As you read this, pretend in your mind that I know what I’m talking about)

In 1999, Honda shocked their dealers by announcing that they were discontinuing production of the TRX 300, the most popular four wheeler of all time! The Rancher TRX 350 lineup ,consisting of four models: two-wheel drive manual shift (TRX350TM), two-wheel drive electric shift (TRX350TE) , four-wheel drive manual shift (TRX350FM) and four-wheel drive electric shift (TRX350FE), would replace it.

This review will concentrate mainly on the Honda FourTrax Rancher 4X4 ES (TRX350FE) four-wheel drive, electric shift model; although many of the specs, features and components are shared by the other TRX350's. I consider all the Ranchers to be mid-sized sport/utility ATV’s since you can have so much fun with them and still handle a pretty good work load.

Drivetrain/Powertrain

Honda Ranchers are equipped with a single cylinder, 329cc, air-cooled, overhead-valve, four stroke (no mixing oil and gasoline) engine - in contrast to the TRX 300’s 282cc over-head cam motor. Fuel is handled by a 32mm Mikuni, electrically heated, constant velocity carburetor. The engine cooling fan is thermostatically controlled and an oil cooler also insures against overheating. The longitudinally mounted engine is coupled to a five forward speed transmission that includes a super-low first gear, plus reverse. Both the front and rear differentials on the four-wheel drive models are inline shaft driven (no chains or sprockets). This drivetrain supplies plenty of load pulling power and brisk acceleration that should satisfy most sane riders. Top end appears to be electronically limited to just over 50 mph, although it seems like the engine has a lot of revs left even at that speed. Fuel economy appears to be really good; it’s about like my old 71 VW SuperBeetle – you gas her up every couple of weeks, whether she needs it or not.

The 4X4 versions of the Rancher use the new torque-sensing “Sure-Trac” front differential which was jointly designed by Honda and British Leyland Racing. It’s a clutchless limited-slip front differential that incorporates face cams and followers instead of bevel gears. The ‘Sure-Trac” benefits include: easier steering, increased durability, a tighter turning radius and at times mindboggling traction ( I swear you can drive the thing in places where you cannot walk. Honda’s association with British Leyland demonstrates their commitment to excellence and a company that’s not afraid to shell out some big R&D bucks.

The ES versions get Honda’s ESP (electric shift program), which is a computer controlled, push button shifting system that changes shifting characteristics with your riding style. The controls are located on the left handlebar and make shifting a breeze since there is no clutch to engage and disengage. New riders will really appreciate this option. To upshift, you let up on the gas a little and press the up bottom and for downshifting you usually just press the down button – no need to let up on the gas unless you need some braking assistance also. I was afraid that it would be difficult to use the electric shift when wearing heavy gloves during cold weather but it hasn’t been a problem.

Suspension/Handling/Ride

The 4X4 ES is a comfortable machine to ride. It steers easily and there’s little bounce or vibration on smooth terrain. The seat has excellent padding, and our machines have easily accommodated riders ranging from 4’10’” and 100 pounds to 6’3” and 260 pounds. The front suspension is a double wishbone design and the rear suspension is a swingarm with single hydraulic shock absorber. Both front and rear shocks offer 5.9” of travel. The front brakes use sealed dual hydraulic drums and the rear brake is a sealed mechanical drum. Well designed fender flares (both front and rear) and composite floorboards keep you mud free in all but the worst of driving conditions. 24X8-12 front and 24x9-11 rear Bridgestone “Dirt Hooks” (tires) provide plenty of traction and yet quiet riding on smooth pavement . The all important ground clearance is a whooping 9.7” and the turning radius is 10.8’(excellent for a four-wheel drive ATV).

The Rancher design incorporates what Honda calls “mass centralization,” which basically means that it carries its weight low and towards the center of the machine. It enhances stability, safety, handling and rider confidence. Even the new engine with the camshaft on the bottom is part of this plan.

Other Amenities

++The ES models come with a waterproof digital display unit (LCD) which indicates gear position and speed; it includes an hour meter, clock, odometer and trip odometer. This display makes the old analog gauges look like antiques.

++Waterproof 12 volt accessory outlet for a spotlight, GPS unit, cell phone, etc.

++Stainless steel exhaust header and muffler with drain fitting.

++Large powder-coated front and rear racks.

++A full skidplate to protect its underbelly.

++Gasketed rear storage compartment.

++ Dual high/low beam headlights.

++Electric start with recoil backup.

++Snorkel-type air intake.

++3.4 gallon fuel tank.

++Reusable air filter.

++Fuel level gauge.

Summary (at last)

I think you can tell by the tone of this review that I really like the Honda Rancher 4X4 ES. It’s basically a slightly smaller and more refined Honda Foreman ES. It can tow as much, and the racks will carry as much as the Foreman, but it has more ground clearance and a bigger fuel tank.

They’re easy to maintain; there are no grease fittings, chains or sprockets. Just change the oil/filter, keep the air intake clean and change the differentials gear lube periodically. Once or twice a year you will probably need to have the valves checked or adjusted by the dealership, unless you’re a pretty good mechanic.

I’ve had to take ours in for two minor recalls. Other than that, my only complaint is that occasionally the electric shift hangs up and you either have to turn the ignition on and off to reset the control unit if it’s electrically hung up, or rock the machine back and forth a little if it’s mechanically frozen. This happens less and less as the ATV’s are broken in. Incidentally, should the electric shift fail altogether, there’s a manual shift lever in the storage compartment.

I should mention that these are full-time four-wheel drive vehicles. I don’t find this to be a problem since they are so economical and easy to steer – the major drawbacks of most 4X4’s. Due to the type of riding we do and the places we go, we would rarely switch into two-wheel drive anyhow.

Our Ranchers have been torture tested by my two sons, our part-time ranch hand, and various nephews, nieces and neighbors; and we haven’t had a breakdown yet. They’ve gone through mud, water, ice, rocks, thickets and snow; and only my youngest son has been able to get one stuck, but just once and it was in pretty much a combination of all the above conditions!

Honda should be commended for the new TRX350 design. It's vastly superior to the TRX300's it replaced, but it’s priced the same! Ranchers are an ideal first ATV for adults and even experienced riders will find them enjoyable to ride. When they describe it as “part tractor, part pact mule, part recreational vehicle and more efficient than all the above”, they aren’t kidding!



Some General Buying Advise

1. Don’t believe anyone that says four-wheel drive isn’t necessary on an ATV. If you live where it rains or snows, you’ll eventually be glad you’ve got it.

2. When you price an ATV, be sure to get an “out the door price”. Unlike auto dealerships, ATV dealers appear to be able to charge anything they want for dealer prep and freight. So be sure they are included in the price as well as sales tax., license, registration, etc.

3. ATV’s are big ticket items – do your research, don’t impulse buy and chose wisely!

4. Be aware that you will need to buy some accessories in order to safely and/or legally ride your new toy: helmet, goggles, gloves, etc.

5. After you have gotten the dealer’s best price ask if they will throw in a free helmet and/or free initial servicing.

6. Beware of extended service contracts. I was told by one dealer they would give it to me for $1,000 dollars which was half price. Another dealer quoted me $300 for the same Honda Care Protection package.

7. If you like the Rancher 4X4 ES’ features, but want a little more power or a bigger ATV, I would suggest the Honda Foreman Rubicon over the Foreman ES. For only $600 more you will get a larger engine with liquid cooling, plus the most advanced automatic transmission available on an ATV. The new for 2001 Rubicon has already won several ATV awards.

8. If you live in or around Northwest Pennsylvania, I whole-heartedly recommend World of Wheels in Seneca, PA.

9. For helmets and accessories on the web, try Motorcycle Accessory Warehouse (http://www.accwhse.com/).

10. If you're a Sam's Club Member, they offer an ATV buying service that's probably worth considering. We were unable to use it because none of our local dealerships participated in it at the time.

11. If all else fails and you can’t negotiate the right price for the ATV of your dreams, have your wife give it a shot!

HAPPY TRAILS!!!


Recommended: Yes

Amount Paid (US$): 5000
Condition: New
Model Year: 2001
Model and Options: 2001 FourTrax Rancher 4X4 ES (TRX350FE)