ATV Florida Forum

Im going to buy a 2006 Honda Rancher 4X4.

I can"t deside on wheter to get the Electronic Shift (ES) or standard Manual Shift.
The ES has fully digital display showing what gear im in, MPH,Time, Hours on ATV and the Miles.
Manual Shift just has a light for Neutral and Reverse and one for over heating tempatures which the ES has that feature also. T
he price difference between ES and Manual Shift is only $200.
Im leaning towards ES.
I plan on going through water, mud, bushes, and trail riding. Does anyone regret not getting the ES or regret that they got the ES?

Thanks in advance!

I think you would be fine either way, water wont hurt that thing....You gotta go with what your gut says, ES is sweet. I am a manual type  guy, but that is me... Go with what you want...

Peace.

i am good friends with one of the salesman at my local honda dealer and when i was considering purchasing a rancher I had the same problem. didnt know which to get. the fuse for the es shifting is right under the seat so if your in that deep water it may get wet, but if it does they also come with an emergency shifter that slides on so u can manually shift to get by but its not meant to be used for regular riding. so i would say if you like the es go for it, i personally like em better than shifting, if something happens you have the manual backup.

I still am thinking on getting the electric shift only because it has nicer upgrades than manual shifting like the fully digital display and only for an extra $200!!!

With the fuse situation. Im going to look at it and maybe i can water proof it, with something. Something to do this summer.

It sucks that if u put a snorkel on the ATV right away it voids the warrenty!!! That is not cool! But if u think about it, it is a Honda after all.

The electric shifting is nice when u go through water or even mud becasue u can put your feet up and shift with your thumb and not get as muddy and singe your hair off your legs!!! ( Has happend before >:()

Thanks Guys!!

i think u should get the manual because it has a low gear for the mud u need that in thick mud i was going to get the same thing with manual shifting but i turned over to the sport side and got a yamaha wolverine 450 4wd

that's not a sport quad :-\

my bad thats true well i was goin to get the raptor isnt that a sports quad

I have had a Rancher sense 02 and it has the electric shift.  Not one problem with it and it has been under water to the seat running and still shifts fine to this day.. The only problem you will have is you need to remember to put it in neutral before you shut it off or it is a pain to get it in nuetral with the motor not running.

How does your rancher do in the mud, water, and everything else? What kind of modifications do u have on it? Do u ever worry about blowing the fuse that is right underneath the seat for the Electric Switch?

Thanks

Electric shift is the same thing just push-buttom shifting instead of foot, and I don't think it has a full display, only the Rancher AT has that. Just lights for 1st through 5th gear. Really, the foot-shift is more reliable. But, the thumb shift is just so much easier, and your foot doesn't get tired of long throws. And you don't have to worry about shift style, it will adjust depending on throttle position, countershaft, etc to determine riding style between longer-smoother and quicker-agressive shifts. I liked it alot on my old recon.

Its all stock and does very well all around. I have had 26 dirt devils on it with cast wheels and it slowes it down quite a bit in the trails and top end. You will use 1st gear in the deep mud most of the time if you go with 26" tires or bigger.  All in all its a great quad. Only thing I dont like about mine is its full time 4x4. They do make a aftermarket 4-2-4 to take it out of 4x4 mode. 

I like the display for the gear position, speed O, trip, milage, and hr gage. Its a nice feature.

Is yours the ES or AT or Manual?????

2002 Honda Rancher TRX 350 ESP  4x4    ;)

I got a 04 rancher with foot shifter and have had on problems.  Never got a tired foot either-I can't speak for the ES

Thanks for all of your help guys!!

I picked her up today.

2006 Honda Rancher 4x4 ES

Let me tell u, that the ES is very smooth and worht every penny!!!

Cant wait to test the 4X4 out!

cool...hope you like it, your gonna have to post sum pics of it now, clean ad dirty

Here some of the pictures.... Will post some pictures of when i get a little mud on the tires... Most likely tomorow!!  :P and it is brand new!! Jsut a little mud and water..

http://img114.imageshack.us/img114/4016/dsc031312mt.jpg

http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/6798/dsc031264ta.jpg

http://img117.imageshack.us/img117/3483/dsc031277uj.jpg

that is everything i was gonna get except manual that is so sweet but i got the wolverine 350  i love the rancher if i could get another quad it would be a rancher sweet bike have fun

Nice choice.. 8)