Hello guys: I am new to this site and anxious to further my knowledge and share about the Honda Rancher 2 well drive 4-wheeler. At the present time I own a 2003 Rancher that is 2 wheel drive and ES and since it is well used, I am picking up a new 2015 Rancher tomorrow, so it is pretty obvious that I am a believer in these machines for use on the farm. It is definitely a "workhorse"! This will be my 4th Honda ATV, the first two were 3-wheelers and now this is the second 4-wheeler. My 2003 Rancher has been a great machine; but, it didn’t come without a couple of problems. The first problem was the a bad "angle sensor". Until I made up my mind to do so some of my own work, I spent almost a $1000 taking it to the shop, 70 miles away, to try to fix the starting and ES problem. Turns out that after the third $350 trip, I learned that the angle sensor was a recall item. I never got a recall notice that I know of. The other problem I have had from the get-go is the little reverse shift switch connection located on the back lower crankcase. Very poor location design. Every weed, piece of brush or rock seems to hit that connection and pull the wire loose.
Sorry for being so long winded and I appreciate the opportunity to read about your experiences and fixes.

Thanks,

Jerry P.