Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Honda Rancher ATV - EPS or not?

Thinking of getting a new Rancher. Is electric power steering worth it or not?

I have driven others with power steering, really a nice feature. I do not know the upcharge for it on a Honda?
I long ago wanted the Honda’s but they had the solid axle rear end. The 4 wheel independents ride so much nicer.
Are they still one piece?

Osky

Yes. Don't ask such silly questions.

EPS is the best thing to happen to ATV's. If you ride much at all you will notice a big difference the the amount of fatigue you will experience in your arms and upper body. Now I have not had to repair mine, a 2007 Yamaha 700 Grizzly, but the expense associate with that could be the downside.

Yes

I have a Foreman 450 without but have driven a Rancher with. Big difference. Would depend on $$$$ in the end. But the bigger the quad the greater benefit of PS I’m sure.

Yes!

Had both. The one without would wear on you by the end of the day riding it. You spent lots of energy fighting the steering.

EPS was a Godsend.

Yes EPS is the way to go, you won't be worn out and arms sore at end of day.

this

308's kick too much too I'm guessing? lol

If available....buy it...effortless steering on tight trails

especially on bigger SxS machines

You guys need to get some exercise if riding a Honda Rancher without power steering is exhausting.
I vote no for power steering. I also vote no for thumb shift or auto trans, independent rear suspension, and 4x4.

The bare bones 2wd 420 Rancher is one of the most reliable and useful ATVs going. It’s also still light enough to man handle a little if you’re stuck. Add all the options and price goes up and reliability goes down.

I will NEVER buy another atv without it. EVER.

It’s the slow speed where you’ll really enjoy it.

In the foreman and rancher you can get independent rear suspension. In the foreman you can still get a solid axle. I’m not sure anymore if that is still an option on the Rancher.

If you have bad shoulders eps would be nice, if not I don't see the need.

I rode a honda a few weeks ago with Power steering. My next atv will beca honda and will have it.

Sometimes it's OK to buy nice things.

I’ve never ridden a quad with EPS but have never seen a need for it either. Most of my time on a quad is riding it on the bay ice fishing for whatever that’s worth. Whenever this question comes I see a lot of people that rave about EPS. I think it’s something that you would have to put some ride time with and without to see what you think.

Slow speed and maneuvering up and down mountainous terrain. If you have to pick your trail down a mountain, zigzagging and avoiding large rocks, trees, etc., you will really appreciate it.

Now on flat, level ground running in mostly straight lines, my old Rancher without power steering worked just fine.

I'd as soon NOT have to wrestle it up or down a mountain though. I have that merit badge.

That makes sense.