The Honda Rancher is an all-terrain vehicle manufactured by Honda and part of its ATV model line. Two generations of the TRX420 differ significantly in design and features, and the Rancher name has also covered the TRX350 and TRX400.
Honda Rancher at a glance
| Maker | Honda |
|---|---|
| Name since | 2000, TRX350 |
| TRX350 | 2000–2006 |
| Predecessor | TRX300 |
| Position in range | between the Recon and the Foreman |
| TRX420 | 2007–2013, redesigned |
| TRX420 engine | 420 cc single-cylinder four-stroke |
| TRX420 features | PGM-FI, liquid cooling, 2WD/4WD switching |
| 2007 configurations | 2WD or 4WD, foot shift or ESP |
| TRX420FA | Rancher AT, 2008, four-wheel-drive automatic |
| Rancher AT transmission | dual clutch automatic |
| TRX400FA | an earlier automatic Rancher |
Based on one source, the English Wikipedia article on the Rancher.
History of the Honda Rancher
From TRX300 to TRX350
The first model to bear the Rancher name was the TRX350. Stepping up from the smaller TRX300, Honda introduced the Rancher 350 to sit between the smaller Recon and the larger Foreman.
The TRX420 redesign
Following the TRX350 and TRX400, Honda completely redesigned the Rancher line. The TRX420 brought a bigger, more powerful 420 cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine, electronic Programmed Fuel Injection, liquid cooling and the ability to switch between two- and four-wheel drive on equipped models. For 2007 the TRX420 came in four configurations: two- or four-wheel drive, with either a manual foot shift or Honda’s Electronic Shift Program.
The automatic
In 2008 Honda added the TRX420FA, also called the Rancher AT, with four-wheel drive and electronic power steering. The previous automatic Rancher, the TRX400, used the Hondamatic transmission, which relied on oil pressure and a swash plate to change ratios continuously. The new automatic used a simpler dual clutch design for quicker, smoother and more reliable shifting. The engine was unchanged, but the dual clutch transmission was significantly larger, so the FA models and standard models had different oil filters and oil capacities. The standard TRX420 used a swingarm with a solid axle, while the TRX420FA had independent rear suspension.
Design and features
- Middleweight utility ATV: between the Recon and Foreman.
- PGM-FI and liquid cooling: from the 2007 TRX420.
- Switchable 2WD/4WD: on equipped models.
- Dual clutch automatic: the Rancher AT of 2008.
Honda Rancher versions
- TRX350 (2000–2006): the first Rancher.
- TRX400FA: the earlier automatic with Hondamatic transmission.
- TRX420 (2007): redesigned with fuel injection.
- TRX420FA Rancher AT (2008): dual clutch and independent rear suspension.
The Rancher sits between the Honda TRX450R sport quad and Honda’s other utility models. More Hondas are in the Honda collection.
Sources
- Honda Rancher, English Wikipedia: TRX350, TRX420, transmissions, suspension
