ATV General Question

[Coveyleader]

Guys,

Looking into a 4 wheeler. Looking at Honda, Rancher or Foreman. I notice many of them have single axle with a single shock if you will. Driving the rocky roads of Colorado, is this a negative vs rear independent shocks?

I read, more reliable, less problems etc.

Help!

 

[def90]

Well, the two models you listed are made for as their names state Ranch work and whatnot, they are not serious OHV quads. I’m sure they can get you anywhere you want to go but they aren’t going to be as fast on rough stuff. Then again a performance OHV quad isn’t going to haul gear so that is the trade off.

 

[EastMT]

Riding with a buddy that has the solid axle I notice a couple things. He gets hung up in deep ruts, boulders a lot. Had to put a strap and pull him through several places I idled through with independent.

The advantage to the solid axle is if you tow a game/gear trailer it is always the same clearance as the independent axle gets lower.

The ride is better on independent, much easier in Boulder fields as it doesn’t body roll as much.

The solid axle will have lots less problems, each has their high points, and you have to pick which is more important to you. Ride/clearance/comfort, or longevity/tow.

 

[browning2480]

They are rough in Colorado. Like very noticeable, to where after the first day you will really feel it.

 

[Akwoodchuck]

I have the single rear shock on my Rancher 420, love it...very smooth ride with the power steering.

 

[BluMtn]

Solid rear axles are usually work horses and Independent rear axles are more of a pleasure ATV. But both can be used for either.

 

[Blockcaver]

I'd get an independent rear suspension atv. It is a lot more comfortable and still works fine for snow plowing, towing trailers, hauling big loads, etc. I personally have owned 3 second hand Hondas ATVs two were Ranchers, an '02 350 cc and an '08 420 that was fuel injected, both solid rear axle. The third was an '02 Rubicon 500 with twin shocks and solid axle. I owned each about 9 or 10 years and sold them for what I'd paid for them. Never had any trouble with any of them but did get a sore butt and back from longer rides. They were all quiet and got excellent fuel economy.

I sold my last two two years ago and bought a used '13 Yamaha 550 with power steering, heated grips, winch, IR rear suspension. It rides much better than the Hondas and has a better seat. The Yamaha belt drive works well. The only two drawbacks that I've noted is that fuel economy is significantly worse than the Hondas and it has a bit louder muffler.

Newer Hondas can be had with IR suspension. My Inuit guide in Nunavut in 2018 and 2019 on a caribou hunt (same guy) has a Rubicon 500 with IR suspension, PS and a 5-speed foot shift transmission. I rode it a bit when he'd feel sorry for me getting beat up on a Honda Foreman with the solid rear axle and no power steering. The Rubicon IR was an excellent riding and driving machine going cross country over the swamps, talus, mud, etc. Certainly a machine that was ridden hard and put away wet everyday, yet had proven to be totally reliable over two years of off-road riding in the arctic over about 7,000 km. I'd happily own one....or another Yamaha Grizzly (pre-2016 as they were some mechanical issues with some 2016 - 2019 700 engines that were not built by Yamaha).

Good luck!

 

[MarlinMark]

Buy a new Honda Rubicon and never look back. Gas and oil changes and you are good to go.