So I finally pulled the trigger and bought my first ATV. Happy to say I bought a Honda Rancher. I’ve owned Honda products most of my life (cars, motorcycle, lawn mowers, etc.), and figured I couldn’t go wrong. I know there’s lots of competition in the ATV market, but for the deal I got on the outgoing 2015 models, I couldn’t pass it up.

It’s the FA5 model, which has the AT DCT, ES, and the feature I really wanted: IRS. It’s finished in Phantom Camo because I’m using it for trail-riding, hunting, and fishing, and want the stealthy appearance. I’m topping it off with some Kolpin accessories (TrailTec Deluxe Cargo bag and Ratcheting Rhino grips for my bow/guns) and possibly splurging on a Yutrax 4-wheel (tracking axle) trailer. I think I’ve done my homework well, but if there’s anyone who owns one of these (even earlier models that may share some things in common with the 2015) and has some advice or whatever, please share. I have this tool that gets me out of a stuck gear?? I’m assuming this is because of the ESP (not EPS) shifting and a lack of foot clutch? I think I fully understand it, but when does it tend to get most stuck? Should I keep it in ESP mode all the time? I haven’t been able to do much riding yet, so I’m not sure what I’m in for when it comes to the potential shifting difficulties. Guess I just want some advice in order to minimize using this tool to get into gear (or neutral, as it were).

Any other advice, please send it my way. Not doing anything crazy with it (yet) like mudding or going into water (I know about snorkel kits). I want it to last me a lifetime. 🙂