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HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:46 pm
by CROWDERDUCK10
Would like some input on the electric shift four wheelers from Honda. I've always owned the foot shift models. I'm thinking about getting an electric shift model. Any good or bad reviews of the electric shift would be appreciated. Thanks

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:54 pm
by khines2
just one more thing to go wrong

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 6:58 pm
by quack_a_tack
They are pretty durable the only problem I have ever had was in freezing rain or if the buttons get wet and its below freezing they will freeze and won't work. I have an 06 Forman S I like the S because it is hassle free. The ES is good to though.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 7:22 pm
by drakechaser
I've got an 04 Foreman ES. Never had the first problem out of it.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 7:26 pm
by cheeko
i have a 07 honda i love the auto and the ES also the two wheel drive option.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:56 pm
by Muddy Boots
Got a 2002 Foreman with ES and the button to drive just in two wheel drive. Came out first in 2002. Never a problem. Would buy another.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 8:58 pm
by stitch
You can't hold a beverage in your hand and drive the ES at the same time. I had one and there was a sensor i had to replace several times. I prefer a manual shift

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:20 pm
by SFDdelta1
got a buddy of mine that has a 01 model and it has been to hell and back. If i did not have rubicon i would have a es. I love my rubicon


E

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:25 pm
by CutEm87
I have both of them and I prefer my S. Dont have to worry about electrical failure when I am a long way off the beaten path but the ES is still tough.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:01 am
by CROWDERDUCK10
Thanks guys. Seems like mixed opinions.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:30 am
by DUCKAHOLIC
Brother automatic is the way to go........I felt just like most just one more thing to go wrong....bullshat.

I got a Rincon that you can select auto or es.......I love em both, but after you have had an auto you will never want to go back.......

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 7:45 am
by stang67
I've had both. IMO, potential failure is NOT a reason to avoid the ES. From my experience and research they are 99% as durable as the foot shift. IMO, the ES seems to shift more reliably -- none of those ankle breaking hard 1st to 2nd gear shifts. On the other hand, with the ES you have to have both hands free unless you plan to stay in a single gear. For some this may be the biggest deciding factor.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:36 am
by driveby
I bought my '03 Rancher ES new and I have treated it badly. It has spent a lot of time in water and mud and I have not had any problems with the shifting. I did have the buttons freeze once like was mentioned but they worked loose in a couple minutes. One thing you can keep in mind is the ES models come with a foot shifter stored under the seat, at least mine did. If the ES were to fail all you would need to do is get the shifter out and slide it on the stud where a foot shifter would normally be located. Then you would be back to shifting until you could get to where you could work on it. I've never had to do this though.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:41 am
by chattahoochee
I have a 01 Rancher ES and it's been through alot of water. I've never had a problem with my electric shift.

Re: HONDA ES MODELS

Posted: Thu Sep 17, 2009 9:42 am
by richard b evers
I've got an 05 Rancher ES. Never had the first problem out of it