HONDA RANCHER 350 FOURTRAX 4X4: Over the course of the past couple months I have completed several Rancher Fourtrax Test Reviews. The variety of transmissions tested include the foot shift (S), electric shift (ES) and even the newest fully automatic (AT) Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT). To start with I'll give you my thoughts on the footshift version, which in our test was a 2001 Rancher 350 full-time 4x4. The foot shift model is the most basic version of the Rancher you'll find. This basic design has its advantages in practicality and long term reliability that Honda is known for. On the dash you'll find only three indicator lights, a Neutral, Reverse and Temperature light. A mechanical fuel gauge is located with good visibility on the fuel tank. No digital readout like the ES version. The foot shift version utilizes a 5 speed transmission with a super low first gear, all chose by a quick pull up with your left foot. Reverse is chosen by pushing the "R" button on the left handle bar brake lever and pulling the lever while simultaneously down shifting the foot shift selector. To disengage reverse gear simply pull up on the foot shift and you're back in neutral. The 4x4 system on the Rancher provides smooth operation and steering effort is kept to a minimal with the open front differential system. The 2000-2006 Rancher Fourtrax, foot shift and electric shift both 2 and 4 wheel drive all use a carburetor fuel delivery system and manual choke lever on the left side of the handlebar. These year models also have a fuel selector on the side of the atv that can be set to ON, OFF or RES. The RES or Reserve setting provides a fuel reserve in the scenario you run out of gas, it keeps enough fuel back for you to get home. Another backup feature you'll find useful is a pull start rope.
Now for my thoughts (WATCH ACTION PACKED 3 MINUTE REVIEW) on the foot shift Honda Rancher Fourtrax 350... If you're comfortable with shifting with you're foot and dated drum brakes that still provide good stopping force this may be the atv for you. It's nearly bullet proof in every aspect in my opinion and has one of the strongest front rack systems on any Rancher Fourtrax offered to date. Oil changes couldn't be simpler, in fact all you'll need is a 17mm socket, 10mm socket, 2.1 quarts of oil and a new filter to complete the job. If a speedometer, hour and mileage gauge is necessary for you, the 350 ES version or the fully automatic 400 Rancher may be better suited to your liking. The Rancher 350 4x4 has just enough power to do most anything you like, but if you're looking for thunderous acceleration and lightning quick top end speed you may want to consider some of the big bore offerings like the 750 Brute Force, 750 Kingquad, 680 Rincon, 700 Grizzly, Can-Am, Sportsman 800 or similar.
SPECIFICATIONS:
MSRP $5199USD
Model: 2000 TRX350FM
Engine Type: 329cc air-cooled OHV dry-sump
longitudinally mounted single-cylinder
4-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 78.5mm x 68mm
Carburetion: 32mm CV
Ignition: DC CDI
Starter: Electric with auxiliary recoil
Clutch: Automatic
Transmission: 5-speed with reverse and ultra-low first gear
Driveline: Direct front and rear driveshafts with
torque-sensing front differential
Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone; 5.9 inches
travel
Rear Suspension: Swingarm with single shock; 5.9 inches travel
Front Brakes: Sealed dual hydraulic drums
Rear Brake: Sealed mechanical drum
Front Tires: 24 x 8 - 12
Rear Tires: 24 x 9 - 11
Length: 78.1 inches
Width: 45.0 inches
Height: 44.3 inches
Wheelbase: 49.3 inches
Seat Height: 32.4 inches
Ground Clearance: 9.7 inches
Turning Radius: 10.8 feet
Dry Weight: 524 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 3.4 gallons, including 0.8-gallon reserve
Colors: Red, Orange, Olive
