King’s Outdoor World Blog

90 Comments Add your own

• 1. TC  |  July 31st, 2007 at 9:33 am

  This rancher has been a constant problem since we bought it a month ago. First it was a backfire they can not fix. Next came the overheat they can not fix. Now the electric shift will not go into gear. We have had it in the shop more than we’ve had it home. We bought Honda because it had an impresive track record as being the best. I will only say that of the carborated models. My brother has a 350 2006 model that you could run all day for two weeks and not have a problem. Fuel injected has lots of problems. I would not recomend this model. I would stick with carborated models. They seem to be more dependable at this time. They need to work out more bugs before they sell it to the public in the future. I wish we would have known of these issues before we bought this Rancher. Acording to the dealer we bought from, Honda knew about this problem and has continued to sell it even after calls kept coming in about the backfire etc. We will be having a meeting with the dealer to try to get them or Honda to buy it back under Lemon law. What a dissapointment from the leader in ATV’s.

  I Love Honda But Not This One!!!!!!
  TC

• 2. jim spila  |  August 3rd, 2007 at 6:42 pm

  i just bought an ‘07 rancher for my girlfriend. it’s about 3 months old. up untill now there hasn’t been any major problems. a few days ago we went riding and the wheel broke off the axle. it will be fixed but im not sure if its safe to ride.

• 3. Rex  |  August 6th, 2007 at 8:19 pm

  juat bought a new 4-wheeler and will be outting up pics soon, hope you will consider putting up the Outdoor Bloggers Summit badge on your site, we really need you to be part of it.

• 4. Ernie Schank  |  August 22nd, 2007 at 11:40 pm

  I like the 420 Rancher, but have had problems with squirrely front end. Small inclines or loading into pickup feel like it is going to go over backwards. It is not stable like the 350 Rancher. I added 30 pounds of weight to the front and that makes all the difference in the world. I think the rear shock is too soft and needs to be stiffer. Without the weight you can’t even carry a 15 gal spot sprayer on the back. The old Rancher handled a the same sprayer well. I have called Honda and registered my complaint. They told me to work with the dealer.

• 5. Doug Burr  |  August 30th, 2007 at 9:51 am

  Purchased the 420 Rancher for back work in the woods. I have only got about 20 hours on in and have some concern about the fuel ignition system. Several times I push start, there is a click of the starter but the engine doesn’t fire. Not a good situation if one is in the backwoods. Also, the manual shift is not smooth in the upper gears; first and second are fine, but three and four is more of a clank. I will return it to the dealer for their opinion.

• 6. BOB  |  August 31st, 2007 at 2:04 am

  I HAVE APPROXIMATELY 300 VERY HARD MILES ON MY 420 AND THIS THING IS A TANK. I HAD ONE PROBLEM WITH OVERHEATING AND THIS WAS DUE TO A VERY DEEP MUD PUDDLE. AFTER CONQUERING THE MUD PUDDLE WHICH CAME UP TO THE SEAT THE MUD DRIED AND CLOGGED UP THE SCREEN THAT BLOCKS THE RADIATOR. IT TOOK THREE HOURS OF RIDING AFTER THE SCREEN GOT CLOGGED TO OVERHEAT IN 90 DEGREE WEATHER. HASN’T OVERHEATED SINCE I CLEANED THE SCREEN. CAN’T BEAT A HONDA!

• 7. Bill Greek  |  September 1st, 2007 at 10:41 am

  I was really excited to hear honda came out with a new Rancher. I own a 2005 and thought for sure I would be coming home with a 2007. I decided against it due to the rear axle is exposed and there is only one taillight. I wish they wouldn’t have changed these two things. Thanks BIll>

• 8. jimmy rigger  |  September 1st, 2007 at 6:22 pm

  i got my 420 in june and i have just over 1000 km on it and its unstoppable iv not had any problems but i bought 26 inch boggers and it doesnt turn them very well i with that i would have got 25’s but i can still pull a wheelie with them on so im still happy

• 9. Paul Yeager  |  September 4th, 2007 at 8:07 pm

  I purchased a new 2007 420 Honda, the horsepower is great and a nice ride, but has one major problem. It has a very bad backfire every time you coast down a hill. Honda dealer claims it is normal and cannot fix the problem.

  Welcome to any suggestions.

• 10. andy  |  September 7th, 2007 at 9:14 pm

  I’ve had problems with the backfiring too. and here recently hearing a noise from the rear end. I jacked it up on a lift put it in 3rd, and give it a little gas. it sounds as if the spline gears are not lined up correctly. every once in a while it will give off a pop. has anyone else had this problem. carring it back to dealer Saturday, i’ll let ya know what comes out of it. Also hear a noise from the front end area that i cant pin point, it only does it crusing about 3rd or 4th gear down the road. any ideas?

• 11. Chad  |  September 10th, 2007 at 7:10 am

  I have 400 plus hours on my wife’s 2007 420 ATV. We have problems with backfiring (rifle shots) since day one. Especially when you come down inclines. It also has problems with shifting gears when first used for the day. I have been very unhappy with Honda. They quoted me, that I was the first person with these problems and take it to the dealer. The dealer has told me that Honda knows of the problem and it is an open ticket or a problem they will work on until resolve. I have read of people getting two sensors replaced and it resolves the issue. That is a sensor for each problem.

• 12. Chad G  |  September 13th, 2007 at 8:26 pm

  I bought my 420 in June of this year. Great bike the ES shifts smoothly. The only complaints that i have the rear shock needs to be stiffer and I am hearing a noise from the rear end. Took it to the dealer twice. Said it was nothing.

• 13. James  |  September 21st, 2007 at 8:13 am

  I got my 2007 Honda Trx420 (thats what its called in canada same bike though) and i haven’t had ANY problems no back fires nothing, its my first bike but not the first bike i’ve driven and its GREAT props to honda. My buddy has a foreman 500 ruby and i can go anywhere he can, although he pulls away on the straits lol. The 420 is a tank and i will always buy honda!

• 14. Wingman  |  October 6th, 2007 at 6:24 pm

  I just got the 2007 420 Rancher and I too have the “rifleshot” backfire. Does not sound good. Hope something can be done to solve this.

• 15. adam  |  October 11th, 2007 at 8:23 am

  My 420 has had an overheating problem lately. 1st I thought it was from the 25″ mudlites I put on it, but I go thru a lot of mud, now I have attempted to clean out the screen from the radioator, wich it real hard to get to. Any ez way to get to it without pulling off the plastic?

• 16. barry  |  October 14th, 2007 at 9:32 am

  i bought the honda 420 three months ago. After the first day of riding it, the backfire was horrible. I took it to the honda dealer and they thought i was crazy and said there is nothing wrong with it. So i kept complaining , they said they have received five more bikes with the same problem with no sollution. So i fixed this problem. I put a snorkle on it with two layers of panty hoes between the pipe sticking up from the front of the bike and the curved cap that is on top. This somewhat chokes the bike of a little air, WITH NO LOST OF POWER. But it stops the backfire and you can go in deeper mud/ water, killing two birds with one stone. Down side is it voids your warranty. Its up to you . Backfire gone………… or warranty that covers hardly anything. The Snorkel was well worth it to me.

• 17. RD  |  October 17th, 2007 at 1:39 pm

  I’ve had my 420 for about three weeks and it has 150 km on it and about 18 hours. No problems at all so far; no backfire, no broken axles or overheating. I am amazed at how easily it starts, how quiet it runs and the snappy power. I find the ride a bit hard but it is very surefooted. I got high-centered in a mudhole which has made me want to add a lift kit and or bigger wheels. I really like the electric shifter and it has performed flawlessly. Switching into 5th gear is a bit clunky but not an annoyance. I would like to stick a more solid bumper on the front. I hear Warn makes one.
  At any rate, I am happy with my purchase but a bit puzzled why it sells for around $8300.00 in Canada and thousands less in the U.S. Our dollar is near par. Any ideas?

• 18. Kenny  |  October 17th, 2007 at 8:15 pm

  I purchased it Sept 07 and have not had any issues. I hope I never do. I will keep you posted. Keep the comments coming good and bad. Did anyone find a solution to the backfire issue. Other websites I have visted said it was a temperature sensor on engine. Once that is fixed, backfire is gone. Anyone heard this or gotten it fixed?

  I am not sure if this is problem or not, but the shifting seems hard for my ES model. Seems to chunk into place. My dad has a 04 ES model and his is somewhat smoother but still is shifts hard. My belief is that since this is an electric shifter it has to basically throw itself into gear vs. a clutch system. Any takers on this theory?

• 19. jeremy  |  October 18th, 2007 at 11:07 am

  Heard the backfire yesterday for first time (only 20 miles into this new bioke) that sucks

• 20. Howard Kimura  |  October 18th, 2007 at 10:15 pm

  I had my 420 for about two month, and about 100 km. on it. No backfires, broken axle or overheating (even when going thru Mud) Runs great, plenty of power and is very happy. Big improvement over my 2001 - 350 ES.

• 21. Darrell  |  October 19th, 2007 at 11:18 am

  I bought the new Rancher 420, and previously owned a 03 rancher, i don’t know if the right word is tank it is unbelievablefor the price and performance, i have several firends with 500 cc and bigger and i have no problem out performing them or right along the side of them and the 420 is thousands cheaper. I do have to say its the first four wheel dirve that i can make stand up and ride a wheelie pretty much as far as i would like. the 420 is a little squirly in the fornt end and have heard a noise in the fornt end ridng in 4th gear just cruisin can’t pin point it, took it in and honda said everything was find. i’ve been looking into some tracks from Mattracks, let you know how they perform.

• 22. Chad C  |  October 19th, 2007 at 2:34 pm

  Took back to the dealer for the third time for backfiring issues. They replaced temp sensor and they said still backfiring. Speed sensor repalced for bad shifting with the ES. Very disappointed with the backfiring (rifle shots). Hope there will be a recall. Very disappointed with Honda and their support staff.

• 23. B Savage  |  October 20th, 2007 at 6:21 pm

  I have also experience trouble with the backfiring while decel. I also have had problem shifts. The motor is responsive, but cannot pull the front wheels off the ground. Honda support staff is very unsupported. Wait a few years, for the kinks to get worked out for this one. I am very disappointed.

• 24. Becca C  |  October 21st, 2007 at 6:36 pm

  Same backfiring issues. Some bad shifts. Dealer has solved all issues except the backfiring. How SAD!!!

• 25. scott  |  October 22nd, 2007 at 1:01 pm

  I have a 06 rancher 4 wheel drive es mode. . I am very disappointed recently. with only 36 hours on it the entire electronic shift needed replacement. The total bill is $2400.00 Honda said since it is out of warranty (6 mo) they are being gracious by giving me $800.00 towards the repair. I have asked the dealer if there were any singnsof abuse since I did not use it that hard. They said no and feel honda should warranty the whole thing. No such luck. I am now in the middle of trying to negotiate with honda but they are telling me they don’t have to do anything and if i continue to complain they will not even offer the $800.00 anymore.
  Is anyone else having transmission problems with there 06?
  Please let me know I want to see if I got a lemon or is honda hiding something.

• 26. Chad  |  October 23rd, 2007 at 7:58 pm

  Give more details about the problem on the es problems.

• 27. Jerry  |  October 30th, 2007 at 12:21 pm

  I got my 420 in July I have allways had a clunking noise in 4th and 5th gear. There is a slight whining noise in the front and the backfiring issue just started. I like the bike but am very disapointed with it. The bike has only 156 miles on it and I thas never been missused. My dealer has the sure hate it atitude but when I was looking to buy they promissed the moon.

• 28. Chad  |  November 1st, 2007 at 12:01 pm

  Clunk in 4th and 5th gear might be normal if not shifting aggresively. We had the slight whining noise from the front end, dealer replaced the brake pads. It ended up being one of the front wheel bearings. The dealer has been great with dealing with me, but has not figured out the shift and backfiring problems. I faxed Honda with my concerns. They were very polite and noted that they did know that this was an issue and will work on it until solved. We will see.

• 29. Steve  |  November 4th, 2007 at 12:38 am

  I bought my 07 Rancher in april 07′ for $4,650.00
  BEST money ever spent. I had My rancher on the rubicon at Loon Lake 3 times, never let me down.
  And its only a 2 wheel drive. I bought aftermarket skid plate’s ,tires and wheels. You can pitch it side ways on gravel roads, it handles GREAT.
  Not one bit of problem. People comments on back
  firing, that’s NORMAL, for a fuel injection machine.
  Its just unburn fuel in the exhaust. Give it some gas and its gone, again, NORMAL operation.
  I have a manuel shift, so I can speed shift anytime I want to. I would not spend a dime on ANY electic shift model of any kind. I have about 300 miles on mine, Looks still like new. You take care of your machine, and it will take care of YOU.
  Again my 07 rancher is the best ATV I have own, and I am on 3rd honda in 15 years, recon, my 2nd one, and 200 cc 4 trax my first.
  Friend has a Can-am, been in the shop twice, and cost TWICE as much $10,000.00
  His can-am is faster, but if i want speed, ILL just jump on my RM 250 and blow his doors off.
  But the rancher is a GREAT machine, wheely
  in 2 gear speed shifting, no problem.
  Lots of power and good product, it never let me down yet, keep up the good work HONDA!!!!!
  THANKS for stoppin bye!!!!

• 30. paul  |  November 4th, 2007 at 10:22 am

  Got my 420 3 months ago. My wife and I do extreme mtn riding> Its a great machine.Got to take care of them though.

• 31. c zint  |  November 4th, 2007 at 7:36 pm

  i love this atv owned many others but this one is perfect paid 5050 and feel like i got a sweet deal.if your thinking of getting one do it.

• 32. Jerry  |  November 5th, 2007 at 8:19 am

  Thanks for the reply Chad. I spoke with another dealer the service guy was really helpfull. He said the back fire issue will sort itself out as carbon builds up in the muffler and told me to slightly adjust the clutch screw on the front of the motor case. This did help the clunking noise shifting into 4th and 5th it is not near as bad and I found that depending on the rpms when shifting makes a difference also. The winning in the front does sound to be a brake pad issue Im going to check that out this week sometime.

• 33. Scott K.  |  November 5th, 2007 at 4:51 pm

  I got my 420 in Feb 07. Everythings been great as far as the shifting and backfiring, although I have a manual shift. The only problem mine has is that the EFI light blinks on and off on it even though it continues to run great. Also the reverse light comes on in 3rd, 4th and 5th. I’m going to see if my extended warranty covers that, tomorrow. I’ve been a Honda man for about 32 years now, and I don’t see that changing.

• 34. aaron  |  November 10th, 2007 at 5:06 pm

  i ust bought mine today so i have no idea

• 35. Kalan S.  |  November 11th, 2007 at 7:26 pm

  i got my 420 a couple of months ago with es, the fist couple of times i rode it the shifting was hard and when cold it did not want to shift, took it back to dealer told them they where real nice adjusted the es and it works great, overall the bike runs good, but then 2 days ago got back from riding it and it sounds like the rear end pops the wierd thing is if u jack it up it does not do it put it back on the ground and it starts poping again going to take it the the dealer as soon as can will give results as soon as i find whats wrong with it

• 36. Gary P  |  November 14th, 2007 at 5:23 pm

  Just bought a Rancher 420TM7(4×2). Can’t believe the power, quick throtle response, and comfortable ride! I ride my brother inlaw’s 450 Foreman a lot. Those days are over! This 420 beats it on every account. I’m sure it is 10 MPH faster on top end. I rode up and down a pretty steep logging road for about 2 miles. Some parts of the road were so steep, that when climbed on foot to clear a tree, I had to get down on my hands and crab crawl upward. The 420 went up it with no problem. I never heard a backfire on the way down either. Of course, most of my descent was a controled slide. Love the 420!

• 37. paul  |  November 17th, 2007 at 7:36 am

  I’ve had my 420 for 8 weeks now. No problems, Took it to little sahara sand dunes,climbed san mtn in 3rd gear. Lots of power, wheelies in 2nd easily. Love the way it will hold its self back going down steep hills. Great bike.

• 38. thomas  |  November 17th, 2007 at 5:56 pm

  ive had my 420 for 2 days (40miles).same backfire and rough shift .i gotta call the dealer and complain nicely!(at first!).but i still love the bike so far hope too get everything worked out.i live in kau hawaii the big island.and the trails are tough.since you get so much for so cheap i went for the 5 year warrenty.let 420 get you higher places!

• 39. mark  |  November 20th, 2007 at 6:35 pm

  Big bang for the buck. Good power and responsive. Backfiring is an issue, but not with cold weather!!!??? Some bad shifting with the ES when cold. Nice product overall, concerned with backfiring and ES problems. Also front end starting to squeal @ 700 miles.

• 40. Chad C  |  November 24th, 2007 at 8:41 pm

  Very good bike. Not backfiring when cold out. Squeal still in the front end. No bad shifts anymore since sensor change.

• 41. Jeremy  |  December 14th, 2007 at 10:21 pm

  I bought my 420 in April ‘07 w/ a Warn 2500# winch. The second or third ride it did the backfire thing. After that it was hit and miss if it would backfire. I was told a valve adjustment would take care of it. I’m at 230 miles, so I’m a little over due for one. It does not like to shift right until it warms up, but I can overlook that. We do alot of mud riding, and I’ve had NO issues with overheating. I am soooooo impressed with the performance of this machine. I weigh 280 pounds and can wheel it in 1st and 2nd gear. I easily stay up with my friends on 500cc and up machines. Since I bought it I added a 2″ lift, 12″ ITP wheels, 27″ Maxxis Mud Bugs, 2″ custom snorkle, HMF exhaust, and a removeable rear seat for the girlfriend. I highly reccomend this awesome machine to anyone. This is my second Honda, and certainly not my last. This pic is before the exhaust with my step son on it…
  

• 42. Tyler  |  December 15th, 2007 at 9:52 am

  I work for Honda and I have a 07 420 rancher. I have never had one problem with it and all my customers that I have sold one to has never had a problem either. At our dealer ship we teach our customers how to start and ride the 420. All you guys with fuel injection problems? You can not press or hold the throttle while turning the key on and if you attempt to start while holding the throttle or your kids have held the throttle pinned while it was off it will not start. It resets the fuel injection module. The 420 is the best selling atv of the year for under 6000 dollars. All you guys having problems need to … take it to a different dealership if they are too stupid to help you out!

• 43. OldHipy  |  December 17th, 2007 at 1:46 am

  I’ve had my 420 for going on 4 months. I’v been in the sand,mud,and a foot of snow. It hasn’t backfired,or misshifted( since its manual). It has no squeals,knocks,or pings. Hasn’t even ran out of gas yet either.It has awesome power,traction,and handels as well as any machine i’ve ridden. My honda guy takes good care of it for me. If you are having problems with your 420 or any honda for that matter,get a new honda guy. Thats the key. A machine is only as good as the person that does the upkeep.
  enjoy your ride!

• 44. Smartguy  |  December 17th, 2007 at 5:49 pm

  Does anyone know any performance mods. to make this machine faster? I also had the problem with backfiring when it was new, but now that it is broke in it does’nt do it anymore. I have noticed the noise coming from the front end and I cant pin point it. It sounds like its coming from the right side. Also have sqealing brakes, clanking noise in 5th gear and popping noise in rear axle. But I haven’t noticed the popping noise in a while now.
  Other than those few querks, I love this 4-wheeler. I sunk it in the Ogeechee river last sunday and I accidently shut it off. I was worried it locked up the engine. But I pulled it out of the river and put it on an incline to drain the water from the exaust and then it fired right up. And no water in the oil. Ha I got lucky and then rode it all day.

• 45. John  |  December 20th, 2007 at 6:24 pm

  I bought my 420ES in May and have just a little over 120 miles on it. I to have had the back fire issue when costing down a long hill. But my newest problem has to do with the ES. Last week It would not go into gear for quite some time. Today it will not shift out of Reverse gear. I have tryed the manual shifter without any luck. I am up for suggestions. I am planning on going to the Dealer tomarrow and seeing what they cando for me???

• 46. Josh countryman  |  December 26th, 2007 at 10:01 pm

  first off i own a 2007 420, and have had no problems with it. everyone who has the backfireing problem its only down inclines and its because the rancher has an automatic brakeing system and it keepsthe bike at a steady speed as seen when you speed up you will feel the brakes come on after you let off the throttle it keepsyou at that speed so the bike is not backfiring its just reving down suddenly to account for the throttle being closed, also a bike will not backfire if the throttle is not open.emails- masacate09@hotmail.com if you need anymore answers

• 47. c.j. dyer  |  January 1st, 2008 at 3:32 pm

  i bought a 400 rancher in june of 06. it lasted till mothers day weekend the following year. great fourwheeler had no complaints i wreaked and totaled it in a head on collision wit my dads 500 rubicon. after several months of fighting wit my gap insurance that was sold to me through honda i got to get me a new one. this time i went wit the 420 rancher. so far it has been an awsome fourwheeler. i have had it to back fire but their was no problem in how the fourwheeler acted arterward and dismissed it as bad gas. it has not backfired in several monthes now have not had ne major problems. it is verry powerful and i out run my dads new 500 rubicon i have took it easy on it, not like i was on my 400, i dont like the disk break on the front it screaks and not sure bout the un sealed drive shaft but we have ran chevy trucks for years through mud wit un sealed drive shafts if ne one has had problems wit the drive shaft plez post i would also like to kno about the power comander chip for the 420 and how much does a dyno jet kit help

• 48. MC  |  January 8th, 2008 at 1:30 pm

  I BOUGHT A 07′ 420FM RANCHER AUGUST ‘07.
  ITPS 112′S. FRONT AND REAR BUMPERS. LOVE THIS MACHINE. HAD A 99′ 450 FOREMAN, WOW WHAT A DIFFERENCE!! AS FAR AS EVERYONES
  CONCERN WITH BACKFIRING SEEMS NORMAL
  FOR FUEL INJECTION. MINE DOES IT AT TIMES, SEEMS TO GET BETTER THE MORE I DRIVE IT.
  MINE ALSO SHIFTS HARD 1ST TO 2ND MOSTLY
  WHEN COLD. OLE 450 DID THAT FOR YEARS (NORMAL I GUEES). LIKE THE QUAD JUST HOPE ITS BETTER THAN THE 350 RANCHER. ANYONE KNOW OF A GOOD SITE FOR SKID PLATES?

• 49. chris  |  January 10th, 2008 at 11:36 pm

  I have had my 2007 rancher 420 4×4 for about 8-9months and the backfiring has slowed down alot. I had one prob out of the bike since i had it and that was an axle. The backfire is not a very big deal. It stopped doing it so much when i started using the top of the line gas which is prefered. I love my bike jus got and exhaust and a power commander that im about to put on it!!!!

  2007 honda rancher 420 4×4
  2″ lift
  27inch swamp lites
  ss112 ITP’s
  HMF exhaust
  Power Commander

• 50. Derek  |  January 14th, 2008 at 4:21 pm

  I have had my 07 Rancher since they first came out. I believe it is a great machine even though it does backfire occasionally. However, unless mine just does not do it quite as loud as everyone else’s here, a four wheeler is loud as it is, so it doesn’t quite bother me. Although, I will be adding a lift and tires to seeing as though all of my friends that own Yamaha Big Bear and Kodiak’s sit about 3 inches higher than me stock and really power through deep ruts easier than mine (half of the time having to pull me out). But other than that, it has been great to me.

• 51. matt  |  January 14th, 2008 at 5:58 pm

  i have a 07 rancher with 26 inch mud lights and the airbox is snorkeled i also had a problem with the backfiring and my friends dad is a mechanic at honda and it was my exhaust valve that was loose it wasnt rattling or anything it was just loose so yall might want to check yalls exhaust valve

• 52. david  |  January 14th, 2008 at 8:31 pm

  I have a 2000 Rancher 350, that I have put through Hell and Back, then back through Hell again. This is probably the toughest Quad I know of….However I would like some more Power with out buying some huge 600 or 700.
  After much indecision I decided that the 420 would be the choice for my next bike, “until I read all these Reviews!!!
  Would some of you folks that have had all these “backfire,bad shifting,funny front end noises” tell me why I should still consider buying this machine???

• 53. ronnie  |  January 20th, 2008 at 9:27 am

  got a honda rancher this summer it has been great the back fire is the gas build up when your are gone down hill. if you guys will just give it a little gas it will help i have found our you are in to low of a gear. that is what you have breaks for. No prob here.

• 54. ronnie  |  January 20th, 2008 at 9:31 am

  oh yea chris is right . YOU GOT TO RUN THE GOOD GAS IN IT. that is what the book calls for

• 55. cole  |  January 23rd, 2008 at 11:11 am

  i got a 07 honda rancher for christmas and it worked fine…..for awhile….then i was muddin with my friend and it just quit everthying was dead on it. Turns out they sold it to me with a bad battery and i also hear backfire from the rear end. But the back fire has slowed down and i rarely hear it anymore unless im goin downhill i wish it had better handling and more wieght on the front. i dnt no what to to say about honda now.

  420 honda rancher 4X4
  2 inch lift
  26 inch swamp lights

• 56. steven  |  January 24th, 2008 at 9:26 pm

  i love my honda it does great in the mud as well on the trail but i hate an can not stand that fact that i can not get a winch under therethat sucks so bad i have to say that was a bad move

• 57. paul  |  January 26th, 2008 at 9:15 am

  Well I must be not hearing things! I’ve had my 420 for about 5 months now and it has never back fired. I ride the mtns and have done all sorts of up and down hill wheelin. I do put the best gas I can in it. Maybe that is why it hasn’t back fired. It does great in snow thats 10 to 15 inches deep. Still like its power,but I am considering a pipe and power commander>

• 58. whatever  |  January 27th, 2008 at 5:06 am

  honda has admitted backfiring issue. You can get a winch for it. Not a bad machine for the buck. Recommend getting the extended warranty, new model!!!

• 59. Greg  |  February 2nd, 2008 at 2:37 pm

  I have 700 hard miles on my 420. Ride it like a sport.
  No problems but is does backfire on occasion.
  25″ mudlites and I will stil slide the rear on demand.
  It is built for fun more than utility in my opinion.
  I dont plow much but I do like to have fun..

• 60. Bennett  |  February 5th, 2008 at 10:42 pm

  has anyone found an air filter that is not foam? and has anyone gotten a hmf optimizer and exhaust yet? how much did it help ya’ll?

• 61. HONDA4LIFE  |  February 13th, 2008 at 11:09 am

  I have ridden the new 420 and I liked it. The disk brakes in the front are much better than the old drum system. The power is good and wheelies easy. The front end is not as stable as say a 450 Foreman, but it isn’t bad and really adds to the fun factor. While I was riding, it did backfire a couple of times. I have owned two Honda Foremans and they use a regular carb and they backfire really bad when engine braking going down hill at speed. The inside of the exhaust came apart and blocked the exhaust flow, due to the harsh backfire. I hope this doesn’t happen with the 420. I use the Foreman 365 days a year on the farm and it is truly a tank. It is like any machine it will have some issues, but not many. I want the new 420 for fun riding, but am considering a Rancher 350. Has anyone put a pipe, filter, jet kit on a 350? If so how much did it help. HONDA!!

• 62. Joseph  |  February 17th, 2008 at 6:34 pm

  Ive had my 420 for almost 5 weeks now and had no problems with back firing or any other problems all of you have been having, i was recently in grenada lake bottom with my 420 honda and my friends 660 grizzley and passed him in a mud hole that was up to my handlebars, you can believe it or not , i have no lift kit or snorkeler i don’t realy need it all you have to do is don’t stop and i always come right out, all I have is 25″ inch mud light tires on it (highly recomend) and a 2500 warn winch (used to climb up veryy high creeks banks. Thats about all you need. I climb sand bars in 2wd and have a 2wd/4wd in 3rd gear hardley ever put it in 4wd ,most of the time im using my 420 honda 4wd rancher by pulling my friends out .

• 63. Chad P.  |  February 19th, 2008 at 7:09 am

  I have had my 420 4×4 since June 07′ backfire has almost stop since i have been running high octane gas. I have put 26″ Swamp-lites on it and it turns them no problem. Does anyone have a 2″ lift on theirs? If so let me know if it made much of a difference on their driveshaft. And let me know what kind of lift it is. Everyone tells me to go with moose but i dont know. I love the bike no problem here. Keep up the good work honda.

• 64. paul  |  February 22nd, 2008 at 6:56 pm

  on my second 420 rancher,transmisson locked up on the first one,honda gave me a brand new machine,the second one is flawless.it gets used 365 days ,it sits in a unheated shop starts right up every time sometimes when its -35 below out side.in the summer months its out hanging with the rincons and king quads and seems to hold its own.to me this machine is the best bang for your buck.

• 65. cameron/mississippi  |  February 24th, 2008 at 7:37 pm

  I just got my 420 honda it is the best purchase i’ve ever make with Honda. I mean I nevered believed any of my friends when they said it would hang with the honda Rincon’s. But it did and when I rode it for a while I got used to it and will never purchase another four-wheller besides the 420 rancher. I do lots of muding and I mean alot, almost every weekend. This past weekend I was riding on logger’s trails with all of my friends and I got my 420 buried in between one of the skidder ruts in 2wd and all I had to do was lock it in 4wd and it pulled itself right out. And I’m not talking about just over your tire mud but over your handle bar mud. It amazing at how much power it has. Please buy honda if your looking for 4-wheller.

• 66. Chad C  |  February 25th, 2008 at 6:47 pm

  Backfiring has completely stopped with the cold weather. I am using premium unleaded containing no ethanol, which is hard to find. There are no more problems with the ES. Great machine for the money. Honda has backed all warranty issues.

• 67. Trey  |  February 29th, 2008 at 10:27 pm

  2007 Honda Rancher 420
  1800 miles
  Stock + 4-25″ Interco Swamp Lites

  I bought my 420 back in august and have been very impressed. I have a total of 1800 miles on mine and it stil runs great.Yes for the first 2 months there was a bad backfire problem, but somehow it fixed it’s self the week before I had an appointment with the dealer to get it looked at. (i like to be in and out. it is worth it to check into getting an appointment if the problem is not a drivetrain problem) I too had the rear end slip once or twice within a 2 week period about a month after i bought it, and was worried about it but it hasn’t happened in about 4 months of much rougher conditions than the first 2 months. i guess it was one of the quirks that worked its self out. I have had NO problems with the EFI nor the 4X4 front end. my cousin has a 98 polaris 400 that has been overhauled recently. he asked me to ride with him one day so that if he broke down back in the swamp, i could pull him out. Sure anough he broke down about 5 miles away from the camp. he hooked the winch to my hitch and i pulled him every foot of that 5 mile stretch through 4 holes from 1 foot deep of water to 2.5 feet water on top of that famous louisiana gumbo. I was even doubtful if i would get through by myself, not to mention pulling another bike and 250lb rider. my bike never stopped. needless to say, after pulling him out, we were both very impressed. The tires by the way are great, smooth on the hardpack and unbelievably mean in the mud.

• 68. Joe H.  |  March 1st, 2008 at 8:53 am

  I have a06 rancher.I am very dissapointed with the power that it has.A small mud hole becomes a big one.For some reason it has very low torq.For the money I wish i would of bought A stock 500.I would not but this bike if i had to do it over again.

• 69. HONDA4LIFE  |  March 5th, 2008 at 12:23 pm

  Foremans are the way to go. I have decided to buy a Foreman 500.

• 70. Chad C  |  March 16th, 2008 at 7:44 pm

  I am now completly satisfied with the Rancher 420. I have friends with every brand of ATV’s. I have also bought a Foreman and a Recon. The Rancher has a higher top end speed than the foreman and a smoother ride. Camo is the best color, worth the extra price! The rancher is definatally the best deal for the buck! Happy with both. Had a problem with backfifiring with the rancher, until we switched to premium fuel!

• 71. jb  |  March 18th, 2008 at 2:08 pm

  i got an 08 honda rancher 420 and i love it it aint light in the front end or nuttin its the best ridin 4 wheeler around you cant beat the hondas

• 72. Matt sowder  |  March 28th, 2008 at 5:25 pm

  I bought my 07 420 back in sept. of 07 i bought the manual camo. i LINE Xed the racks and bumper and bumper gaurd and cv axle gaurds. I love this 4 wheeler the fule injection is flawless. however mine BACKFIRES…..KAPPOWWW!! at first i thought it was cool cause it scared other people. but now it gets on my nerves. i did find out how to keep mine from backfireing. 93 octane high test gas burns better and even plus better for the fuel injector. so that dont bother me. what does piss me off bout this quad is that i paid extra 300 bucks for the camo and its pealing off like sunburnt skin!!!!! not chemicals from washing no no its a defect and my dealer is replacing it along with some others that it has happend to specially the rincon. we can all pick flaws bout these quads but for the money its worth it. i got the 3 year extend on the warnaty cause i didnt expect them to have the flaws out. first years are always PROTOTYPES but thats my risk. hope this might help some of u got a good column goin here lets help each other since honda dont. ride safe guys!

• 73. kk  |  March 29th, 2008 at 12:55 pm

  I have a 2006 Honda Rancher AT (400) that just reached 50 miles. I started it today and found the that transmission failed lto engage in both manual and automatic modes. I have scheduled an appointment with my Honda dealer to check it out, but they have already alluded to the 6 month warranty.

• 74. trey  |  March 30th, 2008 at 9:51 am

  they do make wench kits for the ‘07 rancher. However, you can do like i did and fabricate one out of a small welding plate available at lowes or home depot. It’s a quarter inch thick. All you do is drill the winch holes then drill holes for u-bolts. I then mounted it on my front rack using u-bolts. It pretty much takes up all the space on your front rack, but the up-side to this is that the winch rarely gets wet. I know the companies say these things are waterproof, but I’d rather be safe then sorry.

• 75. ccorey  |  April 3rd, 2008 at 7:43 pm

  my 420 racher 08 is straight noooooooooooooooooooooooooo problems yal need to stop caplaning u should have another one

• 76. ccorey  |  April 3rd, 2008 at 7:46 pm

  good bike guys give them a chance

• 77. wes maness  |  April 9th, 2008 at 11:02 am

  had backfiring issues to. other than that its been great. awesome climbing hills front end stays down and very fast

• 78. RED420LAMUDDER  |  April 17th, 2008 at 8:05 am

  I have had my 420 now for a year now and it is a beast. I had given it a few upgrades though. 28″ mudzillas, lift, HMF pipe and programmer. It has more power than ever even with the big tires. I’m currently working on my own snorkel for it. Next on the list is a clutch kit. As for problems so far so good and trust me I don’t baby it.

• 79. garrett  |  April 18th, 2008 at 8:51 pm

  stays in the shop more than i drive it. backfires when i let out of it. was in the shop cuz it wouldnt shift. stayed in the shop for three months before i got it back. its a good four wheeler whe its runnin good. needs different tires cuz factory ones wont hold up. itp mud lights of dirt devils are good on the stock rims in the mud .

• 80. PATGLANDS  |  April 23rd, 2008 at 11:44 am

  GOT MY 08 420 4X4 ABOUT MONTH BACK HAD THE PROBLEM WITH THE BACKFIRING THE FIRST WEEK OR SO.IT HAS QUIT FOR THE MOST SO FAR. IM LOVING THIS BIKE. GOT ME SOME CUSTOM WHEELS AND SOME 27′’ SWAMP LIGHTS ON IT AND ITS WALKING THE WALK.THINKING OF GETTING ME A 3 INCH LIFT PUT ON IT WITH A SNORKEL.

• 81. Luis  |  April 26th, 2008 at 12:15 pm

  I have a Honda 420 4×4.I have no problums with it. I just put in a new k&n fillter noticible difference in horse power and can anybody recomend an exhausd for more horse power?

• 82. Daniel Stevens  |  April 28th, 2008 at 8:19 pm

  i have a420 rancher 2007 and i give it hell . i installed a winch and home made snorkel (homedepot30bucks)and 27in mud gear tires.looking foward exhaust and power commander.the only problem i ever had the starter switch went out it would not start working on this now.

• 83. Bookem  |  April 29th, 2008 at 6:01 am

  I’ve owned my 07 420 Rancher ES since last July and haven’t had much of a problem. I began using some fuel stablizer and never had any backfire issues. Perhaps try some stablizer and see if this may help. Moisture sets up really easy in these tanks. Need to know if anyone can tell me if 25″ x 12′ tires/wheels would ride good on this 07 model Rancher. Good luck on the backfires, guys!

• 84. PATGLANDS  |  April 30th, 2008 at 8:22 am

  could someone tell me would 27 in tires on 14 inch wheels be to much for a 420 honda. my buddy got them put on his bike with a 2 in lift and his bike is 2 wheel drive. he says he doesnt feel any lose of power. im thinking of doing the same thing but wanted to know if this would be to much for the bike. i got 27 inch tires already front is on a 8 inch rim,back is 10 inch will the bigger rim make much differnce.

• 85. Jim  |  May 1st, 2008 at 8:39 am

  Had a honda 350 ES. The ES malfunctioned all the time. The parking brake froze up on it, and it was loud. Sold it and bought a Polaris 500 and LOVE IT !!!!

• 86. KC  |  May 6th, 2008 at 4:23 pm

  ive had my 07 rancher 420 for about 3 months now, its backfired a few times and when i switch into 5 gear its sorta rough. all the gears were doin it at first but i just think it needed to be broke in. i can hear a knocking in the front end but cant pin point it yet. overall i love the 4wheeler plan on 26″ mud lite xtrs, hmf optimizer and pipe. if all goes well when i take it back to the dealer tomorrow to see if they can fix the problems. great column 2!

• 87. Litmmpro  |  May 8th, 2008 at 11:08 am

  Hi I bought the 420 a year ago from the south carlinoa straight from the crate and have no problems I have had the backfrie problem but thats normal with a EFI its just like a carb when u pin it and the efi is letting to much gas in the motor and less air its normal on any machine but I bought the FM never I repeat never buy anything electrical on atv it is a no brainer move like come on stuff is goin to go wrong when ur adding electrical screen and water its like having a cell phone well going swimming in a mudhole condensation is goin to build up and ur goin to have shorting and bad grounds from riding it in water and over tough services.. Any mechainc in the world can tell ya that KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID…. Honda is just trying to keep in the digital age but it just won’t work. so if u want a good reliable 420 bike you need to get the FM

• 88. Mark  |  May 15th, 2008 at 11:19 pm

  I have a 2007 420 fm 4*4 no problems. don’t hot rod it. its a mud and climbing atv. i love it . i traided in my 400ex on it smart move

• 89. travis  |  May 16th, 2008 at 8:25 pm

  pickin up my new 420 in 5 days! stoked!

• 90. Jimmy  |  July 6th, 2008 at 12:36 am

  I just got my 2008 4×4 rancher ES and I love it.
  I haven;t ride it hard yet since I am still breaking in the engine.
  its got 20 miles on my first day of engine break in. I will be riding it harder tomorrow since the breakin period has past

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