stubblejumper

Hydrostatic transmissions are most commonly used in industrial and agricultural applications where conditions can be harsh andreliability is extremely important.

XTP

If you want Honda reliability, go with the Foreman 500 ES. The Rubi's tranny is great when it works but has had it's share of problems. Several guys in our group have had problems with them. Suzuki de-tunes their bikes so I would not buy one until that changes. The Griz is probably the best quad on the market dollar for dollar with the Brute Force running a very close second. The Brute offers far more power though. Can-Am's 800's are plagued by heat issues and cost mucho $$$$$.

By the way I ride a Honda 350 and love the reliability of it.

stubblejumper

We run our rubicons hard and unless you don't change your oil when you should,the transmissions have been totally reliable.

XTP

sj..please don't misunderstand me..I BLEED HONDA RED, just saying though that the tranny has had a few problems (and not related to lack of maintenance) and thats all...I LOVE the rubicons. To answer the original question... HONDA RUBICON over the Suzi hands down.If Honda would just put out a big-bore V twin, IRS with a front diff lock I would buy it. The Rincon is a great trail bike but the 3 speed trans just isnt up to the mud bogs we do so looks like Kawi may be next on the list..

stubblejumper

The only seriousproblem that I am aware of was the oil pressure valve on the 2001 models.The valves were sticking due to improper assembly causing low oil pressure whichdestroyed a few engines and transmissions.The problem was discovered very early and rectified.There were also a few faulty sensors,again on the very first machines.Three of us have the 2002 model and have had exactly zero problems.Several other people that I know have newer models,again with no transmission issues.All of us have larger more aggressive tires mounted and ride in muskeg and other difficult terrain.We just haven't had any reliability issues,transmission or otherwise.

BooneAndCrockett

you can allways count on honda!

fatmallard

Well, I've been off the forum for awhile and was very suprised to see all of the responses.(thanks) As far a my decision, an 07' camo rubicon with 27' mudlites. Without a doubt I believe I made the right choice. All I do is duck and deer hunt in the swamps and rice fields of Louisiana and Arkansas, and the Rubicon seems to be alot more suited for this type of riding. As far as the bike, I cannot say enough good things about it.The transmission is as smooth as a Lexus with more power than I believe I will ever need. The jury is still out on the longterm dependability but what can you say, it's a Honda. Thanks again for all the responses.

skeeter 7MM

Good choice and congrats mallard.BTW I like theNat Gear Rubi. My partner is selling camoclad up here and we just did his chev ext cab in Nat Gear. It looks pretty sharp actuallyand an excellent advertisement so far. I am not a camo junkie, BTW.

iceman88

Has anyone had a problem with the power steeringg on the king quad???

instinct

I like both of the machines both reliable and pretty much bullet proof the QK is a rocket out of the hole will run about 70 mph. not so with the honda but with the honda you don't have to clean the airfilter everytime you ride it. The QK requires this so the motor dosen't blow up. This is the outcome that happened to my uncle who owns a QK and after a trip to the shop was told that QK requires a air filter clean before each ride or engine problems will occur. Other than that it is a machiune to be delt with.