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Honda FourTrax Rancher

Work or fun, Rancher’s got you covered

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Honda continues to sell more multipurpose ATVs than any other manufacturer, thanks in large part to the FourTrax Rancher, which has long been a mainstay in the lineup. Whether getting work done on the farm or having fun on the trail, the Rancher is up to the task. Featuring eight different versions, the Rancher family offers the choice between Independent Rear Suspension or a swingarm-style rear end. Versions with Honda’s Dual Clutch Transmission or Electric Shifting feature Honda’s reverse-engagement lever, which makes the shift into and out of reverse a hassle-free affair. For storing work or play essentials, the Rancher comes standard with a front utility box that can be reached from the riding position when parked, and it accepts accessories from Honda’s Pro-Connect system, which makes installing and removing luggage boxes a breeze.

Honda FourTrax Rancher

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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In an age of increasing specialization, versatility can be extremely refreshing, and it’s difficult to find a better example of do-it-all effectiveness than Honda’s family of capable FourTrax Rancher ATVs. No matter the application—whether it’s accessing a favorite deer stand, repairing a fence on the back 40, or just exploring the local OHV area with friends—there’s a Rancher that’s ideally suited.

Available in eight configurations, the FourTrax Rancher is offered with manual transmission, push-button Electric Shift Program ESP, or automatic DCT, and there are also choices between IRS and a solid rear axle, as well as 2WD and 4x4. The 420 cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine offers the sort of unrivaled reliability that keeps Rancher owners using their vehicles for many years, and the spread of power is well suited for almost any situation.

Honda FourTrax Rancher Engine & Drivetrain

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Longitudinal Engine Layout

By orienting the crankshaft front to back in the chassis in our ATV and side-by-side engines, we route the flow of power straight to the wheels without any unnecessary right-angle detours, reducing powertrain friction and putting more grunt to the ground.

Semi-Dry-Sump Engine Design

Compact and lighter-weight, the Rancher’s overhead-valve, semi-dry-sump design creates an engine that’s shorter from top to bottom. That returns two big benefits: it enhances handling by lowering the engine’s center of gravity, and it also allows for better ground clearance.

Traxlok® Selectable 2WD/4WD

The rock-solid system lets you choose either 2WD or 4WD instantly, giving you the freedom to choose between lighter steering (in 2WD) and maximizing available traction (in 4WD) when you need it most.

Available Electric Shift Program

The convenience of push-button shifting with the rugged design of a conventional ATV transmission—that’s what you get with Honda’s exclusive Electric Shift Program (ESP). Just push one button to upshift and one button to downshift. It’s a big plus when you’re wearing heavy work boots or overshoes, or riding in mud or snow. An added benefit: you get genuine compression braking for better speed control when operating in steep terrain.

In-Tank Fuel Pump

The Rancher incorporates an in-tank fuel pump for cooler pump operation, and long pump life.

Programmed Fuel Injection

Being able to count on crisp performance and starting under any conditions is a must for anyone who depends on their ATV. Thanks to Honda Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) – featuring a 34 mm throttle body, 12-hole injector, and an oxygen sensor that allows the fuel mapping to instantaneously adjust to any riding condition – the Rancher not only ensures trouble-free operation in the cold and at varying altitudes, it reduces emissions and enhances fuel efficiency.

Electronic Reverse

Electric reverse available on the Automatic DCT and Electric Shift Program (ESP) models, this single lever is convenient and easy to operate. It’s especially useful when you have to shift from forward to reverse repeatedly, like when you’re plowing snow.

Automatic DCT

The Rancher’s Honda Automatic DCT transmission offers strong internals, fast shifts, excellent control, true compression-braking capability, and an automatic program that upshifts and downshifts while you concentrate on riding. It’s one of the best available choices you can make.

Wide Front Driveshaft Guards

Designed to add even more coverage to the Rancher’s front axles and outboard CV joints, the driveshaft guards are another example of how Honda engineers sweat the small details to give you one of the best ATVs on the planet.

Shaft Drive

Clean, efficient, proven, low-maintenance. Shaft drive is the perfect choice for a machine like this, and for riders who pile on the miles. You never have to worry about lubrication or adjustment out on the trail. And an added plus: it helps keep your ATV cleaner, too.

Honda FourTrax Rancher Chassis:

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Swingarm Rear Suspension

On select Rancher models, the rear swingarm incorporates an enclosed, solid-axle design for strength and rigidity. When you need to tow a heavy load, the swingarm eliminates rear suspension squat as the load is placed on the axle itself, not on the rear shock.

Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)

The Rancher Automatic DCT with Independent Rear Suspension (IRS) has over 8 inches of travel and 9 inches of clearance. That returns two big benefits: first, it helps ensure constant tire contact with the ground for superior traction; second, it gives you a smooth ride over rough terrain, so you don’t get beat up on the trail.

Available Electric Power Steering (EPS)

Both speed- and torque-sensitive, Honda’s Electric Power Steering (on Rancher EPS models) excels at reducing steering effort and kickback through the handlebar. It’s a big help when riding in ruts, over rocks or on long sidehills. A specially engineered mounting system for the EPS unit increases strength and rigidity.

Disc Brakes (Rancher IRS Models)

Rancher IRS models offer disc brakes all around for excellent braking performance.

Honda FourTrax Rancher Convenience

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Digital Instruments

Easy to read and full of the information you want. In addition to the standard gear position indicator, speedometer, odometer, trip meter, and hour meter – you get readouts for fuel level, clock, coolant temperature, speed, and Honda’s “maintenance minder” system (to help remind you when it’s time to have your ATV serviced). Comes with all Ranchers except the base model.

Front And Rear Cargo Racks

The Rancher’s racks feature strong, steel construction, and they include a large flat area. Better yet, they’re designed to integrate with the Honda Pro-Connect™ system. You can quickly attach and detach accessories like our cargo boxes, without tools, for added flexibility and convenience.

1.9-Liter Front Utility Box

The perfect size for small items you want to access quickly, like a cell phone, GPS, or a spare pair of gloves.

A Comfortable Seat

A plush seat and open rider triangle (bar/seat/pegs) teams up with the suspension to really treat you right. Superior ergonomics have always been a Honda priority, and the Rancher is no exception. With thick, durable foam, it’s exceptionally comfortable.

Honda FourTrax Rancher Models:

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Choice: It’s why restaurants have more than one item on the menu, or why you have more than one tool in your toolbox. Nobody knows what you want—or need—like you. Which is why we offer eight models in Honda’s 2021 FourTrax Rancher lineup. Every one is loaded with the features you want, like rugged front and rear racks, a spacious front utility compartment, wide front drive-shaft guards, and an easy-to-use reverse system. Plus, our automatic DCT models give you an override shifting control, making this great transmission choice even better. So check out the whole menu, then take your pick—you can’t make a bad choice here.

Recommended for riders 16 years of age and older. Honda recommends that all ATV riders take a training course and read their owner’s manual thoroughly.

FourTrax Rancher

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Standard Features:

  • Compact, 420cc OHV PGM-FI engine
  • ATV manual-shift transmission

MSRP: $5,499
Colors: Olive, Red

FourTrax Rancher ES

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Premium Features:

  • Electric Shift Program
  • Digital Meter

Standard Features:

  • Compact, 420cc OHV PGM-FI engine
  • ATV manual-shift transmission
  • swingarm rear suspension and rear drum brakes

MSRP: $5,799
Colors: Olive, Red

FourTrax Rancher 4x4

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Premium Features:

  • TraxLok 2WD/4WD
  • Digital Meter

Standard Features:

  • Compact, 420cc OHV PGM-FI engine
  • ATV manual-shift transmission
  • Swingarm rear suspension and rear drum brakes

MSRP: $6,499
Colors: Olive, Red, Honda Phantom Camo

FourTrax Rancher 4x4 ES

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Premium Features:

  • Electric Shift Program
  • TraxLok 2WD/4WD
  • Digital Meter

Standard Features:

  • Compact, 420cc OHV PGM-FI engine
  • ATV manual-shift transmission
  • Swingarm rear suspension and rear drum brakes

MSRP: $6,799
Color: Olive, Red, Honda Phantom Camo

FourTrax Rancher 4x4 EPS

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Premium Features:

  • Electric Power Steering
  • TraxLok 2WD/4WD
  • Digital Meter

Standard Features:

  • Compact, 420cc OHV PGM-FI engine
  • ATV manual-shift transmission
  • Swingarm rear suspension and rear drum brakes

MSRP: $7,199
Color: Olive, Red, Honda Phantom Camo

FourTrax Rancher 4x4 Automatic DCT EPS

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Premium Features:

  • Electric Power Steering
  • TraxLok 2WD/4WD
  • Digital Meter
  • Honda’s Automatic DCT transmission

Standard Features:

  • Compact, 420cc OHV PGM-FI engine
  • Swingarm rear suspension and rear drum brakes

MSRP: $7,699
Color: Shale Blue, Red, Honda Phantom Camo

FourTrax Rancher 4x4 Automatic DCT IRS

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Premium Features:

  • Larger Seat & Larger Rear Carrier
  • TraxLok 2WD/4WD
  • Digital Meter
  • Honda’s Automatic DCT transmission
  • Independent Rear Suspension and rear disc brake

Standard Features:

  • Compact, 420 cc OHV PGM-FI engine

MSRP: $7,499
Color: Olive, Red

FourTrax Rancher 4x4 Automatic DCT IRS EPS

Honda FourTrax Rancher
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Premium Features:

  • Larger Seat & Larger Rear Carrier
  • TraxLok 2WD/4WD
  • Digital Meter
  • Electric Power Steering
  • Honda’s Automatic DCT transmission
  • Independent Rear Suspension and rear disc brake

Standard Features:

  • Compact, 420 cc OHV PGM-FI engine

MSRP: $8,199
Color: Reactor Blue, Red, Honda Phantom Camo

Honda FourTrax Rancher Specifications

Engine & Drivetrain:
Engine: 420 cc liquid-cooled fuel-injected OHV wet-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x Stroke: 86.5 mm x 71.5 mm
Induction: PGM-FI
Ignition: Full-transistorized type with electronic system
Starter: Electric with optional auxiliary recoil
Compression Ratio: 9.9:1
Clutch: Automatic
Transmission: Five-speed manual with reverse
Driveline: Direct rear driveshaft
Chassis:
Front Suspension/ Travel: Independent double-wishbone/ 6.69 inches
Rear Suspension/ Travel: Swingarm with single shock/ 6.69 inches
Front Brake: 190 mm Dual hydraulic disc
Rear Brake: 160 mm Sealed mechanical drum
Front Tires: 24 x 8-12
Rear Tires: 24 x 10-11
Dimensions & Capacities:
Length: 82.8 inches
Width: 47.4 inches
Height: 46.2 inches
Wheelbase: 50 inches
Seat Height: 33.7 inches
Ground Clearance: 7.2 inches
Curb Weight: 580 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 3.9 gallons, including 1.3-gallon reserve
Turning Radius: 9.2 feet
Front Rack Capacity: 66 pounds
Rear Rack Capacity: 133 pounds
Details:
Model ID: TRX420TM1
Warranty: One Year Included, Transferable, limited warranty with optional extended coverage available with a HondaCare Protection Plan®

Further Reading

Honda

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Allyn Hinton
Allyn Hinton
Writer and Associate Motorcycle Editor - [email protected]
If it had moving parts, it had Allyn's interest from a very early age. At age 11 when bicycles were too simple to hold her interest any longer, her father found her taking apart the lawn mower. When he asked why she was doing it, she replied, “I need to see how it works.” That curiosity and mechanical drive served her well over the next 40 years as she pursued careers in both the automotive and motorcycle industries. Having shared her love of motorcycles with her now husband, biker TJ Hinton, Allyn brings that love and knowledge to TopSpeed as writer and associate motorcycle editor.  Read full bio
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All images featured on this website are copyrighted to their respective rightful owners. No infringement is intended. Image Source: honda.com

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