Honda Question -Rubicon or Rincon?

I am thinking of getting a new ride and have a question to pose to you all. I have an 01 Sportsman 500 HO that hardley gets used much as my Dad has taken it over. I have been bitten by the Honda bug, and have been riding a 06 Rincon my brother has that I really like riding. I am thinking of getting a new Rincon, but I do not like the way it freewheels when going down hill in auto. My Popo has the engine brake and holds back great which I really like. If you put the Honda in manual, it hold back in whatever gear you have selected.

My brother says I should get the Rubicon, as it has Hi/Low along with the ESP/Manual selection, so I could be in Low, and Auto, and it would hold back. He thinks it has more low end power than his Rincon, but I am not sure. Can anyone tell me if Honda has fixed this minor problem on the new Rincons or should I head for the Rubicon??

My reasons for Honda Rincon are I like the ESP feature along with the smooth easy shift from D to R with the lever right under the speedo. I like the handling and the power. My Popo 500 seems like such a big clumsy brute compared to this machine. Any thoughts?

Rincon's are great trail,light mudding bike.Yes the rubicon has more low end power than the Rincon,the Rincon is geared very high.If you are stuck on of these 2 then I would deff pick the Rubicon over the Rincon anyday.

If you plan on doing alot of mudding,then I suggest looking at a diff brand myself.The Rubicon's tranny cant take a big strain that is caused from big mud tires and it will fail.The Rincon just cant turn anything bigger than a 27 very well really.

I agree with Scrib. I love the Rubicon's tranny and the engine braking. I have no problem going down a steep hill and it gettin away from me, I hardly even use my brakes. Personally I dont like the Rincon because its so high geared but that is just me. But dont get me wrong the Rincon is a great machine as well. If it is between these two I would say go with the Rubicon. So far I am not disappointed with my decision. I mostly do trails and rock. Some mud. The Rubi is great for that.

Rincon..... = Cadillac.

Rubicon.... = Low-range Jeep.

Nuff Said.

I love my Rinny... it's fast as hell and smooth as silk.

Ride Safe,

Chuck

I don't do much mudding at all. Mainly trail riding and some light farm work. Mainly use it for guiding hunts and driving from one barn to another in the sometimes deep PA snow. Otherwise, general farm chores, riding from field to field, etc. What Chuck says about smooth is exactly the reason I like the Rinny so much. It is much quieter (I think) than my Popo, and seems more nimble.

I dunno. I think I know which way I am leaning, but am going to check out a few more.

Thanks

If that is your main type of riding then the Rinny will suit you best.It will ride better than almost any other bike out there