'09 Honda Rancher AT W/PWR Steering

[Hoosier 1]

Thought I'd offer a ride report.  Last week was my first trip to H/M with my new Rancher.  I was particularly curious as to how the engine breaking and automatic transmission would work.  The engine breaking was wonderful.  If I felt I was going too fast, I'd pump the brake and it would downshift.  The automatic transmission worked flawlessly, and although it didn't always downshift when I thought it should on the uphills, all I had to do was give it a little more throttle and it would downshift.

This was my first ride on an atv with independent suspension.  What a major difference!  Soooo smooth.  The 420 cc engine had plenty of power and never missed a beat.

Bottom line:  I'm totally satisfied with this atv.  I visited my Honda dealer yesterday and noticed that they had no Ranchers in stock with the independent suspension and A/T.  Don't know if they sold them all or if people are reluctant to spend the extra $, but in my opinion, it's definitely worth it.

[Tumbleweed]

What did you think of the power steering?
We sure like ours on the Grizzlies.

[Hoosier 1]

The power steering is wonderful.  For me it's one of those things that I don't really notice until I ride an atv without it.  THEN I really notice it.  Something I've learned is that Honda P/S works when you're sitting still.  Everyone else's  only works when you're moving.  I don't know this first hand since I haven't ridden any others, but I thought that was interesting.  Check it out with yours and let me know if that's true.  All I know is that after 4.5 days of riding about 250 miles, my arms and shoulders weren't tired or sore!

[Tumbleweed]

Mine is speed sensitive, works harder the slower you are moving. It doesn't assist at all if stationary. The new PooPoo's power steering works when standing still.