2021 Honda Rancher FM1 4x4 - First Ride and Thoughts

Honda has made major improvements to the Rancher over the years. These latest versions have more seat padding, a much better reverse actuation, and better storage and racks compatible with Honda's quick attach accessories. #Honda #Offroad #ATV

[@stevebyrne9895]

Dang. The Honda engine "putter" hasn't changed much over the last 20+ years. Still making classics.

[@MrPerennial]

sounds like the 50cc honda dirtbike I rode in 1999 lmao

[@Wild1KY]

@@MrPerennial laugh all u want, but this machine will last this man the REST If his life, if he takes care of it. (We have rode Red since 1982 with little to zero problems) 350 Rancher 400EX 💥 420 Rancher ES/Automatic/ He doesn’t realize how Efficient & Durable this machine really is ✅

[@rolop847]

​@@Wild1KY you got that right I have 3 Honda 3 wheelers, they all work, start easy run all day, just like a Honda.

[@lawrencefranck9417]

And exhaust still smells the same as my ATC 110.

[@SAFE-AT-HOME-SPORTS.]

No better trail bike that will give you 20-30 years with regular service. On top of that they are beautiful

[@Larry-xf3qt]

Just bought a 2021 rancher foot shift 4x4. Put 6000 miles on my 2010 rancher best unit I ever owned. Can’t go wrong with Honda.

[@Devstatham]

I just got mine about a week ago , I wanted the independent rear suspension so I ended up with the rubicon .. man, I absolutely love it !

[@DeerbrookSouthernRR]

I got my 2017 as a leftover model and I absolutely love it. The only major upgrade I did to mine was tires and wheels and there’s been more than once where I’ve had to pull my friends with CVT transmissions out of ruts and mud. Yes they have the top end speed but that low end torque that these Hondas have is unmatched

[@dan43213]

Just bought a brand new '22 es 2wd. Absolutely love it. As for that 2" receiver you want, hit harbor freight. They have one for an ATV $12

[@robertsalyers1351]

I've had my 2024 Honda Rancher 420 4x4 es color Green for about 7 months now and I'm really enjoying her

[@trailblazeratv6306]

You Can't go wrong with Honda

[@ddddsd20]

I found that if you don’t completely lift off the throttle when downshifting it shifts much smoother, very light throttle.

[@31186dan]

I’ve got the same machine but in green. Had it for about 8 months now. Just brought it home from the farm to do snow plow duty at home for the winter. Shifting seems to be smoothing out after putting some miles on it. Love it!

[@cerealfamine1]

I got a 2021 foot shift 4x4 here in Canada for about 9 months so far, hard to shift in the cold in winter but once it warms up, all good. Also got the green model.

[@ghostflight73]

Can i ask what plow you bought and if happy. So many options and cheap to crazy $, dont want junk. Just wondered if any tips on a good plow to get? Thanks

[@31186dan]

@@ghostflight73 I have a 54” KFI open trail plow, KFI winch, push tube and mount. Really happy with it!

[@croquest8749]

Simply the best atv to buy. Take care of it and it will last you lifetime.

[@CalebBoender]

I completely agree with you on the cvt transmissions. I have a Kawasaki prairie 360 and a Honda rincon 680 and the rincon has an insane amount more torque than the kawi. I know they are very different machines motor wise but to get the same amount of torque from the honda 1/4 throttle I have to give the kawi full throttle

[@Mixwell1983]

Got a 2021 tan recon es a month ago while waiting for a rancher.. anyways last friday i picked up my rancher that finally came in.. its the same exact setup as yours and i noticed going into 1st from neuteal or from R to neutral is stiff. I love my footshift rancher and i am glad the recon came into the picture during my wait so my gf and our son can ride with me as a family. Really love that little recon also.. That area youre riding in is beautiful, soo far only been able to drive around in my yard because my wooded area is on a steeper hill which kinda sucks

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

Very nice video, you really brought out some valid points with advantages to these smaller machines. People are so extreme these days , thinking they need big bore bikes and tons of horsepower… I agree with you 💯 % , a smaller bike has advantages to being able to control is , and if necessary , even getting off the bike in sticky situations where you can actually pick up the rear end and shift it or move it around . They’re more nimble in technical terrain for sure . I’d have to think this 420cc engine is pretty decent in fuel economy as well ?

[@MrPland1992]

I have an old Honda 250 2wd that’s great on fuel. I have a grizzly 660 also I just got running. The grizzly it’s 10x better in every way but the little Honda is always my go to. The 250 is a little small since I’m 6’5 but I love that when I get stuck I can just pick the thing up. The grizzly will get you in trouble real fast. The only advantage is it goes 65-70 mph and the Honda 250 only hits 50.

[@Wild1KY]

Yes 💯

[@RS-dc7wy]

I remember when a 400cc ATV was a big machine.. This looks like a winner! The only thing I would wish for: IRS on the footshift models.

[@NorthwoodsNomad]

@@RS-dc7wy and I also wish they’d offer a locking differential on these 420cc models as well .

[@lifesajourney101]

Just bough a 2024 Rancher 420 and 2024 Rubicon 520. Super excited and they are my very first ATVs!!

[@BillyBoucher-ql3pw]

Sweet!! I’ve heard the rubicon is better for play and the rancher for farm work

[@lifesajourney101]

@BillyBoucher-ql3pw Honestly I feel like the rancher has more power and definitely top ends faster than the Rubicon. Rubicon definitely wins just by a little bit on torque. Both great solid machines.

[@BillyBoucher-ql3pw]

@@lifesajourney101 can’t go wrong with a Honda. I have a rancher I use for getting deer out of thickets and I plan on getting a rubicon after I pay off my sons recon

[@GarageWorx]

Great all around machines. My 2016 is solid.

[@daveanddanniejacobs9432]

Absolutely love the way you can just look at the gage cluster n know exactly what gear youre in. Man that help tremendously 😂

[@southernslangerz2254]

I hate when people try to say Honda ain’t shit because they don’t have 100hp motors. Honda been making 4 wheeled ATV since 86’ They haven’t changed much because they know what works. When they do change it…it’s because it’s been tested extensively for years. Take the Talon for instance. Be patient…a sport ATV or bigger trail bike is coming. I’d love to see a Rincon 1000

[@BiggieCheese-qv2it]

Nothing is more reliable like a Honda

[@biodot88]

How often do you use the 4WD? Would you still get that option or do you find the 2X2 meets most of your needs for this ATV? Well done review and talking points thank you.

[@CalebBoender]

I would say it all depends on what you are doing. I use my atvs for moderate trail riding and occasionally small mud holes. 4x4 is a must for me. I also snow plow with them quite a bit too. So I would say if you are doing anything other than using this thing in the yard and farm, get a 4x4

[@3miller]

Nice vid, this is the first time I've been on your Channel and was wondering if this was your own land or if you are riding in public land bc its really nice and looks so fun just a kind of ride around in and not go crazy and tear up everything and wheelies and all the excessive stuff

[@alexwalters6483]

I have the same thing but a 2023 and she is just wondering I live in Ohio and she goes up hills like nothing. It is my first quad but I have driven other quads before but I like this one better.

[@BillyBoucher-ql3pw]

8:28 if I was a kid I wouldn’t be able to resist that spot either

[@northernsurvivalbackcountr4986]

Just got my new 2023 rubbicon can't wait to try it out thx for great review bro

[@greym6436]

This is exactly the machine I want for my needs here in Arizona back country

[@bimastrike87]

Nice video, but I’ve got a couple points to make. You kept referring to the “foot shift” as not having a CVT, but I wanna make it clear that any Honda ATV/UTV that’s manual shift or automatic does not have a CVT. The foot shift is not exclusive to that. Also, when mentioning your son’s 250, you said it can be used as a semi auto clutch as well as standard, but that’s not how it’s intended, it’s meant to be used with the clutch lever every time you shift. Also, you were talking about “lurching/lunging” when you shift the rancher, that’s because there’s too much throttle, people don’t realize, and I’ve seen this a lot, that you’re supposed to let off the throttle as you shift with Honda’s semi auto transmissions such as your foot shift rancher

[@jason5174]

I have an 03 300ex 03 400ex and just bought a 22 rancher 4wd foot shift like the one in the video. The shifting really is awkward, It is just broken in but I have to keep some throttle on even down shifting or it chirps the tires. It's not as noticeable in sand but you can tell on hard dirt/ streets

[@smiththers2]

i have been eyeing these for a while now, and even though i just bought a 1987 TRX250, ill probably get one of these at some point. i dont need tons of power, just want reliable power.

[@retromanc3r]

Great way to spend a lunch break! Thank you for the review.

[@wvmountaineer69]

Honda Best On Earth!

[@MrPerennial]

thanks for the vid. I wanted to see how it did in similar terrain. Looks like it handled well what I'm a need it for. Thanks! The kid who went over the waterfall is lucky to be alive.

[@robertsalyers1351]

In 2000 - to 2006 The first model to bear the Rancher name was the TRX350. Stepping up from the smaller TRX300, Honda introduced the Rancher 350 to be a better model to be in between the smaller Recon and Larger Foreman.... then in 2007 the Honda Rancher 420 came out

[@billalbion]

Gear change is stiff when cold, gets better when warms up and as miles mount up. Left lever is back brake not clutch. It has a centrifugal clutch that only engages when engine revs increase. Need to pay attention.

[@SAFE-AT-HOME-SPORTS.]

The foot shift model has to be warmed up to 2 lights (normal run temp) on the display to make shifting excellent

[@snickrologen]

It’s a good formula definitely and the value for money is top!

[@pervyswagg6073]

i bought one for my great great grandpa he 101 yr old

[@braziltokyoschool]

Great POV, I loved it Thanks!

[@urbanvlogs3442]

i agree with what you said about foot shift compared to cvt.

[@graveyardmetal3525]

Once the trans warms up it shifts better

[@gustavoherrera3434]

Beautiful property and atv

[@henrym2260]

I went back to a Honda previously had a 2012 Honda Foreman and sold for what I paid for it. This time a 420 exactly like this one in the video, when I had the Polaris 570 for just over a year. It was a monstrosity of a machine couldn’t fit it in the back of my truck and more importantly the helix in the clutch system was always clunking and it was not smooth shifting in gears. Polaris claims this is normal 😢 what an expensive machine had other engineering flaws as well. Honda is about simplicity lite weight and reliability. I won’t ride anything else.

[@Wild1KY]

I love it to death buddy 😎 (cause u got the best atv on Earth, same as mine) But let’s give Honda a Break on the whole 2inch ball receiver. Okay, 1) Adds weight, 2) U don’t like weight & 3) There is a whole there to insert a 2inch ball (with nut 🔩) & ride with it 24/7 like me 😊 👍 (Acts as a hook 🪝 & has helped me 💯) Congrats on the great 4wheeler my man. Take care of it (u will ) & it shall last you for the rest of your Life! 💯 Honda owner here since 2000 😊 👍 350 RancherES 400EX 420 Rancher ✅

[@lukeypukey1648]

I got mine brand new a week ago and for the first couple of days it had the same smell lol

[@thegromblerdiecast]

I just got a 2024 rancher and im new to foot shift. About what speed do you shift into 5th gear? Thanks!

[@Robert-jo9gj]

Have you heard of breaking the clutch free the plates stick together and also re check the clutch adjustment .

[@tuckersmith6294]

I just got a new 2022 Honda rancher 4x4

[@bravogoldeagle8907]

Hope I didn’t miss it. Mind sharing what you paid for the machine and how much for the fee’s?

[@chaselongo1307]

I’m gonna get one soon can’t wait

[@MrCivilwar1861]

I almost never use first gear on my Honda. You can usually start and drive around in 2 and even 3rd gear. Think I usually pick 3rd most often to start in.

[@Joe-xi6pn]

don’t go from a complete stop in 3rd gear it puts a lot of work on your transmission and gears. starting from second is fine tho

[@Larry-xf3qt]

@@Joe-xi6pn I also agree lol

[@nathanu.2061]

@@Joe-xi6pn I agree to it sure does I start in 1st then second just to be safe

[@morgancoldfirecoldfire8256]

your aloud in a creek with a vehicle ?

[@TiffanyBottomsHunter]

About how many miles can you get out of a tank on these Honda Rancher 420s ?

[@thegromblerdiecast]

Taking it easy on my 2024 i got about 40 miles but it wasnt even fully empty.

[@robertsalyers1351]

It's not so much that it's a manual footshift, as it is a gear on gear drive.

[@bluelambo31]

I just bought one an it’s very well capable machine well valance and very responsive i 💯 % recommends this machine

[@alexlandsberger1423]

Yeah that's my biggest wish also that it just had a normal clutch likes dirt bike

[@kamneukhskhongsai1819]

I really like your quad bike 👌

[@aocbarbarian3692]

I got the exact machine you do one thing I noticed if you haven't by now the colder the weather the longer it needs to warm up due to a shifting issue which isn't really an issue there's nothing wrong with the machine but you really need to let it warm up I love my machine I hope you do too

[@Balithazzarr]

One thing I do is once the tranny warms up with the foot shifter you can push with your feet and hold up or down and it’s like a hand clutch

[@bettysmith4527]

wow, you have beautiful land!! Thanks or the video!

[@lonestarleather1309]

I just picked up the 2024 foreman foot shift thoughts on this machine? Should be close to this machine

[@RayLacks]

wow that is a NICE trail

[@joshwesterfield9191]

I would enjoy riding that spot, looks amazing. Is that your land

[@brandonschmelzer6512]

Is nobody gonna talk about him not knowing when to shift up?😂 cuz 4th gear at 10mph is definitely not good lol

[@leanlifter1]

This machine has allot of low end grunt you can always leave it in a gear or two higher and that is the best way to get the most efficient power delivery out of it.

[@Larry-xf3qt]

Great video man

[@506SXS]

Great video love me a honda

[@Muddy300]

the newer foreman is the best quad ive ever ridden

[@domg.tech08]

ii see they got rid of ESP or is that just on different trims?

[@daveanddanniejacobs9432]

Damn right now thats my kinda riding

[@leeallenbeal]

2015 is best my dad bought me one last Friday early Christmas present and love thumb shift it does same as foot shift

[@leanlifter1]

No clutch control with the electronic shift is a real let down.

[@stever.5090]

What are your thoughts on electric power steering. Do you feel like it’s necessary or overkill?

[@RS-dc7wy]

Power steering is mostly useful to prevent handlebar "kickback" when climbing over rocks or stumps. But for casual purposes, PS is not necessary. Hope that helps

[@leanlifter1]

​@@RS-dc7wy That would be what a steering stabilizer would do. Power steering just makes it easy to turn at low speeds with a real heavy machine like this.

[@jessepoorman2621]

@@leanlifter1 the power steering on the stiffens up at higher speeds so it acts as a stabilizer. It only gets easier to turn at slower speed.

[@TNsher776]

You're shifting to soon! Get your speed up before shifting to a lower gear! You at it in 4th gear while doing only 13 MPH

[@danaprice6719]

Thanks!

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Why did you sell and and get the KQ750 ??

[@Payton_Ungerank]

Once you drive it for about a year it will be super easy to shift

[@franknapolitano9144]

Is the Rancher smaller in physical size than the Rubicon and Foreman machines ?

[@ericmcdonald8479]

The dimensions on honda's spec sheets are shown as the same wheelbase, length and slightly different for seat height, ground clearance. However, having owned both 2022 versions, the Foreman looked bigger to me. I'm 6'4, 265lbs, and either worked fine.

[@TNsher776]

Does have a clutch? When shifting

[@LeRescator1]

💯 👍

[@endlessnameless8181]

I miss the button reverse and pull back better

[@brandonmerchant650]

going 20 in 5 gear

[@jackwold6463]

On god I thought it was normal at first until I remembered I had a gear reduction

[@Mulletbassproductions]

Giver the beans

[@hondarancher4205]

Good video.

[@Udontknowkeith]

Don’t understand why nobody ask anything about what size the motor is ?

[@stayingfocusedjones6030]

420

[@4150CHF]

Can you ride it with a passenger?

[@ryanfaubert2014]

All you gotta do is take it easy on the trans and it will last forever mines clunky cause I banged gears hard flying through the trails

[@hectorrodriguez480]

even banging gears the trans is gonna last you 10yrs plus

[@leanlifter1]

You can't really bang gears on this machine. It is not high performance it's all about smooth low rpm Torque with this machine.

[@Dave_A41]

is this machine hard to steer

[@phjbmorandonosestadosunido9858]

My first ride was a desaster

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Solid rear axle is better for side hills

[@E2Anime]

Not an expert but might be shifting to soon

[@alexpietrangeli6669]

those biks are bulet proof

[@miguellosier-ky4uf]

Ur going to slow for your up shifts

[@lacbowker]

You can use this KFI 101465 hitch receiver for the Honda Rancher: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mp3QZaVvqNmggbM

[@tedsamuels3203]

New Honda was running ruff and that one would be going back ? Just needs breaking in BULL CRAP give me a different one or keep this junk ...A NEW ONE SHOULD RUN LIKE A NEW ONE ?

[@jessepoorman2621]

What????😂😂