In my opinion the Rincon is at or near the top in the practical areas (fit & finish, quality of Honda service manual, amount of maintenance required, resale value, reliability, cost of maintenance & repair, etc.).
For my type of riding (midwest USA, lots of tight trails & a little bit of everything else) the engine has plenty of power & the agility and comfort seems to be as good as it gets for a larger displacement ATV. I suspect that a heavy diet of mountain riding would lead me to prefer something with a front locking differential & a lower bottom gear range and desert riding would make me prefer something with v-twin horsepower.
I really like the transmission. 90% of the time I leave it in auto and let it worry about when to shift. For the scary hills I'll put it in low and esp just for comforts sake & for steady crusing I'll use esp to stop it from shifting more than necessary.
I'm used to using manual brakes (mountain bike & motorcycle background) so engine braking on steep downhills is not an issue for me.
Bottom line - For my needs and riding environment I'd buy the Rincon again without hesitation.

2007 Rincon has ZERO engine braking and no low range, therefor it is extremely dangerous in the mountains. If you are cruising along in the flatlands, you will be fine, but if you need to drive downhill on a less than perfectly groomed trail, you are in for some life flashing before your eyes moments. Same goes for driving uphill. You have to go uphill pretty fast (because there is no low range) and if you come across a small log or rock, be prepared to have your front tires come up. With no low range option, you cannot slowly manuver over obstacles. The Rinson can VERY easily flip going uphill. This should not be called an ATV because it cannot handle all terrains. Honda dropped the ball on this model. Huge engine, but you cannot use it for anything but going fast on flat ground. Honda also would benefit by making this bike with power steering. This would at least make it easier to steer while riding your brakes when going downhill. I drove an Artic Cat last year and thought it was the worst bike ever, but now it seems pretty nice compared to the Honda. But, overall, the Yamaha Grizzly is the toughest, most user friendly bike I have ever sat on. I have had the Rincon less than two days and I am already looking to sell it and get another Grizzly. I HATE this bike.

I have an 09 Rincon with 500 miles on it. I have had no problems out of it. It goes just about everywhere I want to go. Has plenty of power and is very comfortable to ride on long rides. I have no complaints and am thinking about getting another one for my wife.
I have several friends who have other ATV's and I have rode them all, would not trade any for my Rincon. Honda is the way to go, I went to PA last week to go riding with some family members who live up there. The only one who could go riding was the cousin who had a 89 Honda, all the others were broke down or were having trouble with the belts.
If you are looking for a new ATV you really should check out the Rincon or any other Honda, they are the best ATV's made.

Great machine runs awesome and has a bunch of power. Also is extremely comfortable. I can't find any faults with it.

This thing Rocks! Most all around machine. Not a utility but that never stopped my 07 from pulling a 4X4 chevy dually up a muddy hill lol true story we had 5 guys sittin on the Rincon n it was throwin mud like a pissed off bull, that says a lot about power. 4000 miles and never had 1 problem, although it does raddle when switching from forward to reverse. Ive got a 30$ exhaust tip on it that really makes it purr, something about this thing just makes you love it, it's so fun to ride you'll love playing with the auto or electric shifting 3 speed, very addictive machine you'll have a blast. I really cant wait for Honda to update the rincon though, its like anything there's always things they could improve on. I think anyone should love this thing it's easily the cheapest to own, and its got the torque to pull stupidly large amounts which you already know. Hope this helps have fun guys

I have a Rubicon 500 but ride with 9 Rincons and the only issue has been with a 2004 model broke a left rear axle. We do not modify them much beyond exhaust, wheels, winches, a few lift kits and minor carburetor/ EFI chips. We ride hard throwing on around 1000 - 1500 miles a year but generally stay up on oil changes and valve adjustments. I would recommend a set of the thickest bumpers and skids available, we all have them and get more than our money's worth! On a straight line shot the Grizzly will beat it, but not by much and the Grizzly has broken down under warranty 4 times now keeping him from outings to Colorado, Tennessee, and a weekend run in south east Minnesota (my favorite spot). The BRP is fast as hell but the only put up with its lack of reliability for 4 months. Rotax built a motor worth keeping but the chassis never stood a chance against the Rincon's. The only Suzuki in the group doesn't make it out, he has less than 1000 miles and broke his differential and has had belt problems even after sending it to 3+ different dealerships. My Rubicon will take them off the jump but they all pass me after 45-50 mph.

unbelievable ride. great suspension, acceleration, and control. super comfy with great features.

I have owned a grizzly 660 and loved the overall performance of that machine. I sold it because I got a great offer. I just recently purchased a Honda Rincon 650 and the smooth rideability is incredible!! It does lack the power of the grizzly but not by much,(just top end). The Rincon has gone and went through every mud hole that my old Grizzly had gone through. Very impressed with this machine!!! For all those guys complaing about the trans compared to the belt on others. We dont have to worry about getting our belts wet or even the need for a snorkel.HA,HA. So lets go get in the pond and see who rides in it longer.

I have been ATVing for about 10 years now. I have ridden a lot of different quads, including Yamaha 700 with power steering, Polaris 800, Kawasaki KFX 700, Yamaha Kodiak 400, Kawasaki KFX 400, Honda Rubicon 500, Honda Foreman 400, Honda Recon 250, and probably a few others. I bought a 2006 Honda Rincon at the beginning of this season because I rode my buddy's one day. It was such a sweet ride. Now that I have ridden it on about a dozen trail rides, I am very comfortable and familiar with the machine. It has been 100% reliable. It has great power on the bottom but could use a little more in the upper middle to high end. The ride is so nice and very svelt. I wouldn't say it is better than other quads, but it can compete with them and it depends on what you like to ride. It is not a utility quad by any means, but then I didn't need a work quad. I ride trails, that's it. I highly recommend this quad if that is what you do and aren't concerned about having the fastest thing out there. Personally, I don't think you can go far wrong with any quad built today. Sure, everyone gets the lemmon now and then, and some dealers rock and some suck. I wish I had enough bucks to buy 20 quads, but I don't, and my conclusion is that I will keep this quad for at least another season. It was a great summer. Check out my rides at atvidaho.net.

In the AF, as the Vehicle NCO, with a bunch of cops (who break things all the time, including our Honda 300's), even we can't break them. Other than routine maintenance...oil changes, tire swaps, etc., they have been in all...ALL climates, -30 degrees, 140+ degrees F, and no problems with tranny if you let it idle for 1-minute upon startup...read Honda owner's manual...we've pulled out several HummVee's with them....get the winch...and they are near tanks. Keep in mind, ours are in Desert, Korea, and stateside, and ours have over 3k miles and they are 2007's. They are running 24/7/365, and are still running strong. I am going to buy one in 2009 when they make their minor changes.

I have a 05 rincon it i havent had any major problems just the ones that i have made my self. I started back in 01 going on this marengo swamp in La and i use to have a big bear then a honda 450 and now a 650 man what a difference the big bear didnt last the beaten the 450 it didnt stop until i hit a tree and broke in half the wheel rod the 650 handle damn good in that Lousiana mud. Now to we're going back to retest the product yea i know its time to upgrade but man y change when it aint broke. until i mess it up bad then the 05 is what Im Flying.

I had a 05 rincon and had some issues with it such as low end power , no engine brake, not fuel injected , shitty brakes , a weired shaking in the handle bars in 4 wheel drive , the plastic breaking everytime i missed the foot peg by an inch , OK thats the bad news the good news is i bought a new 08 and honda adressed every issue, the new bike has all the power in low gear youll ever need what a difference ! the ride is better the trans is better, all shaking in 4 wheel drive gone it now has an engine brake, has ametal bar so the plastic wont break, they just steped up to plate and fixed it all a absolute fantastic machine
I took my old rincon threw hell and back and the only time it did break down the dealer fixed it with no money out of my pocket. I Ride with some guys that have polaris yamaha and an arctic cat my old rincon broke down less than all of them ! My friend with the polaris rode my new rincon and traded his polaris in for a new camo rincon that says it all

Rincons are the best ATV's out there dont believe anything else as long as you get at least an 06 I dont like the 2005's but the newer ones are alot more powerful even for low end power Ive pulled unbelievable amounts it feels full of torque, and the 3 speed transmission with a torque converter just makes it geared really high which is another benefit, there is no such thing as being geared to high thats what makes it so awesome. And if you want a big ATV its the most all around machine out there it can switch from 2 to 4 wheel drive, its fast, it pulls alot, awesome for pushing snow, its all shaft driven so you never haf to worry about a belt going out, and it even has an automatic locking front differential, Coolest machine ever made Im glad i bought one and I recommend it to anyone

I BOUGHT A 05 RINCON IN JANUARY OF 06. IT SEEMED TO BE A VERY NICE TOUGH QUAD AT FIRST... THE PEICE OF SHIT HAS NO LOW RANGE, NO GROUND CLEARANCE,AND IT TAKES IN WATER LIKE A FISH! THE GEARS ARE GRINDING BECAUSE THE TEETH ARE APPARENTLY WORE DOWN. I HAVE HEARD OF THIS PROBLEM HAPPENING TO SEVERAL OTHERS WITH THE SAME MODEL. YOU THINK THERE WOULD BE A DAMN RECALL. I HAVE ALWAYS LOVED HONDA BUT THEY NEED TO GET THERE THUMBS OUT OF THERE ASS AND WORK ON THIS THING. IT COULD BE A HELL OF A 4 WHEELER. IF THERE IS NOT A RECALL SOON I GUESS IM GONNA BE A YAMAHA MAN, AND I SWORE I NEVER WOULD BE.

P.O.S. Worst quad ever. If you like this thing then you clearly have never ridden anything else. No ground clearence, no low range, no power, no locker, tiny racks, suspention bottoms out, looks homo, couldn't be any slower....

Tourque converters don't make up for no low range, that's what makes auto trans work.  That's also where you loose 30% of the power in the driveline.

Hmmmm, I wonder why every other manufacturer uses CVT's with low and high range and lockers.... Uh, duh.

This is the first honda i have owned EVER, and ill never switch. my 2005 rincaddy, has 6800 miles on my 2nd set of ITP,s 14th oil change and one tie rod (my fault). This machine is flawless. its been submerged in creeks and mud. climbed ironore hills, and torn up sand pits. and guess what without replacing a belt. HA. for you rincon owners with trannys that slip run honda 5w30 like your supposed to and that will go away. by the way the rincon is not a UTILITY machine and was never intended to be so let up on the low range issue, and i dont know why anyone would run out of torque with this machine. i have enough torque to spin my rims on the tire with enough of a load. Remember, NOT INTENDED and CANT DO are 2 different things. Happy wheeling!!!

I bought a 07 Rincon brand new, I only had 65miles on it when the head gasket blew. I took it into the dealer, they did replace it now the engine seems to run rough.

Before this happened the bike worked perfectly, I have been out with all different types of bikes, and this one was the best in the snow. I havent had a chance yet in the mud, but I do wish the Rincon had the differential lock. Other than the motor problems I have already had, I still like this bike.

I have a 2005 Rincon with over 10,000kms on it and its still going strong.The thing runs like a top!!I've had a few atv's but this one is the best one yet.

i have a 2005 rincon 650,it has 3000 miles and 370 hrs, i beat the shit out of this quad all the time and the only things that have ever gone wrong with it are the tire rods ends had a recall and some sort of internal coil both things were covered by warenty and the guys that worked on the machine said the coil just went bad by chance, so back off because honda is the best

I bought two 07 Rincons because of my experiance with honda 20 years ago. They are nice looking machines. Both hammer and rattle and blow antifreeze, the automatic downshifting thing has dislocated my back on several ocasions. Both are a very comfortable ride. Both overheat when worked a very minimum, both transmissions slip when hot and when cold. Overall I would give these machines a 10 on the comfortable ride not including the downshifting. Also a 10 on looks, and a negitive number on power,reliability,performance,quality and longevity. One has 80 miles one has 60 miles. I have learned that what honda machines were 20 years ago they are not now. Both of these machines are currently for sale. I am going to go with polaris as I have had the opurtunity to test drive at length their machines. I have also learned that Honda service-at least here in Billings Montana-at Montana Honda and Marine totally sucks. I brought the 80 miler in for its first service and the mechanic didnt change the oil or clean the air filter. He mis adjusted the valves causing major engine damage. at this time I also had some warranty work replacing parts that were damaged in shipping, the total of parts was 300.00, by mistake only I saw the invoice this dealer sent to honda and it was for well over 2000.00 in parts and labor.They totally screwed Honda. I have tried and tried and tried to contact Honda regaurding this and get no response whatsoever. I do believe I am going to pursue an action against this dealer, they have done far more damage than they ever did good to the machine, the 2000.00 did not include the new engine I had to purchase after their mechanic mis adjusted the valves. MONTANA HONDA AND MARINE ARE UN EDUCATED CROOKS.

I have an 07 680 rincon and so far i love it, Im used to having polaris sportsmans but im glad i switched to honda even though i dont like a few things on the rincons such as the low ground clearance, small factory tires, small tool box, also when going down a gravel road at a high speed its all over the road where a polaris will drive straight as an arrow, I wish it had a five speed but the three speed transmission really isnt as bad as you would think if you ask me three speeds is better then the two speed polaris's im used to, i love the take off power it isn't hard to do a wheelie at all, it has really bright lights, i love having a clock because my polaris doesnt have one, very good suspension, its nice to finally have a metal rack, also it only weigh's 600 lbs. where a polaris weighs about 750 lbs. but that goes both ways theres times where i like a lighter one and times i like a heavier one, polaris have a higher top speed but a rincon is still fast enough, I dont regret buying a rincon at all, i would do it again.

Get it if you like spending mucho $$$'s on up grades. Breaks= sucks, tires= sucks, no low range= sucks, ground clearance= sucks, cooling system= sucks, carburated models(like mine 05)= sucks, engine breaking= sucks, 4x4 or should I say 3x4 (no locking differential)= sucks, engine stalls out on steep inclines (DANGEROUS)= sucks,Everything about this bike sucks except for the ride quality and reliability, I only have 755 mi on mine so the reliability issue Im not totally sold on yet. Oh yeah, then rear drive shaft seal sucks = if you play in water or mud the tines will rust inside the input to the rear diff eventually stripping the teeth off the shaft, it's only about a $700 fix. I'd have gotten a Grizzly if I hadn't gotten such a good deal on this P.O.S., griz has a belt drive but the Yamaha tranny is a solid design that performs.

Your ego is too big, it is only a rincon, the same as mine: Stock!!!Itcan only do as much as a stock rincon anyway. That was a big waste of money for you! Their awesome, they can go everywhere just like they are!

Awsome fast ATV, is beat in other areas but is fun and reliable.  No low range.

I have an 05 bought in 5/06 put 2700 miles on it pounded the absolute crap out of it believe me, i have ruined alot of wheelers in my day! All my buddies have banshees, 450 so hours of holding it pinned. 65 mph the speedometer went up in it because water got through the seals(Horrible set up). The brakes are shot, the tranny slips when cold, battery terminals kept loosening up, its a pain to put oil it. other than that awesome machine would do it all again.

very nice mechine. It does however need a low range or a better EBS. Very stable at high speeds. It has the best ride of ANY UTILITY ATV I have ridden.

I know the rincon isnt the fastest utiliy quad on the market, but if its nothing but speed that you want , then buy a aport bike. I love my Rinny and just raced my friend on his 2003 Warrior, And I won all 5 times by a few lengths. I would like to see a low range gear though. Dont put an engine brake in. just low gear. never had a problem with mine yet (knock knock) and we all know how reliable hondas can be.

I need to use my Util ATV for ranch work - specifically pulling a 1000 lb harrow, towing gravel, dirt, etc. that can weigh up to 1,000 lb. I own a Kawa Brute Force but have been burning and stretching out belts like crazy. I need a beltless drive. I'm worried about the Hydrostatic trans on teh Rincon leaking.
Do any of you use these for heavy towing a lot and have you had any trans oil leaks as a reslut?

The honda rincon is like a touring machine for gravel roads.Powerfull,smooth,great handling with high power to weight ratio.I would like to have a low gear for steep descents to alpine lakes but the disc brakes will do the job.Easy 100+ miles a day!

I have wanted a Rincon for several years, at first because it was a Honda, and the biggest Honda as well. I was raised on Big Reds and Trx 200 & 250s. On the farm and ranch they have been great, still have 2 Big Red's that are over 20 years old, and never been in the shop! Top that with a Polaris. I have tried all brands, and currently have the 2 Big Reds, a '02 recon, a '02 Foreman, a '03 John Deere Buck EX, a '05 King Quad, and the 680 Rincon, it is by far the favorite of mine and my workers. It will go to colorado this fall and be the best in my group as well.Way to go Honda!!!

Very smart machine, can do it all with comfort.

Bad costumer service, Honda knows of speedometer problems and won't do anything about them or tell anyone about them.
Don't buy

Honda is the best i have the honda rincon 650 2005 and the honda rincon 680 2006 and they are awesome. The gps is awesome they have power and the best utility atv on the market

It's a great overall machine, reliable and fun. Without Mods, it's not the best machine for mudding and rock climbing but if your a serious mudder or rock climber you need a special machine anyway and it takes away from reliability, and comfort-yuck! I can't understand the 3 or under star ratings here-this machine doesn't deserve it and I suspect they were done by people who never owned one.

I have owned many Honda's. I strayed a few times to Polaris, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and even have a John Deere. I am a farmer and put them all to a daily test. Not to mention the yearly trips to Colorado.. Not long ago I stepped back a few steps and looked at my operation. I had two Polaris's in the shop, needed to take the Kawasaki, and had a recall notice on the Deere. While these were being worked on, we put new baetteries on my two '85 Big Reds and a TRX 250 foretrax '86 model, that's right, 20 years old, and used them for over two weeks while the new "others" were in the shop. That spoke for itself, and I have just purchaced two new Rincons to get back to dependability and long lasting.Honda , until you have owned one, you won't understand, but get one that fits your needs, because you won't wear it out.

i say that honda is the best and that every other atv maker out there sucks and they all use belts and that aint good at all and that id like to see the rincon with a low gear maybe a little more ground clearance and a v twin engine for maximum power because honda has the best motors around and the v twin would be awesome

first I have had many Honda's many people are bad mouhting this machine becuase don't have low gear would one be nice yes olf course , but to be honest so far havent need one . I really like the new 2006 has increased engine power , better engine braking , and allot better brakes . this unit preforms and handles very well.

I have 300+ miles on my 06 rincon. I have owned 7 atvs in the past and this is the best handleing and smoothest ride on the market bar none power is great trans could use a low range but so far I havnt found a place in Idaho that needs it. I would out it up against any utility atv on the market! The devils color is blue always ride red!

sounds like it knock when u first start it / like sorry oil pumping //and transmission slips when freezing cold only at 100 miles made me buy the 3 year warranty because i was afraid it would turn to junk

I ve got a 03 Rinny 2600 miles not one i repeat 1 problem love the machine and the ride feel sorry for those who dont have one.

I have a 2003 Rincon with 1200 miles on it. The flywheel bolts came loose and caused 1600.00 damage. Of course Honda won't cover any of it. Beside that the whole drive train is junk. Poor design on Hondas part.

hondas stink to begin with and this is the worst one of them all

The honda rincon was a mistake on hondas part. This bike is a total junker. It can berely climb like a 5 foot hill and the 3 speed auto is total junk.

they kill if you let off the throttle when under a load like climbing a steep hill Dangerous. over heat easy

Honda rules the ATV world if you ask me. This one and Foreman are King. Wish I had purchased one instead of the P.O.S Bombardier that I did buy!

BEST MACHINE IVE RIDDIN SO FAR

DOWN SIDE- would like a low range selector. Vibrates at idle and don't like how it free wheels on hills.Needs a better parking brake if it is gonna free wheel. Could definetly use disk brakes on the front(Drum brakes are weak and out-dated).Transmission slips in cold weather until it reaches operating temperature. UP SIDE-- Rides great,will climb any hill,rocks,or mud you can throw at it.Pulls an 800 lbs. load with ease.Very reliable and love the back up pull start in case battery goes bad in the middle of nowhere.

The best ride out of all the big bore atv's in this class. Best overall looks as well. 1300+ miles on mine so far. ZERO problems. I ride mud, hard pack, creeks, mx tracks, snow, etc. This atv also will not wear you out after riding all day. It is just a joy to ride! Swap out the stock tires to any aftermarket 6-ply tire and the bike performes even better! No low range, but what people forget about this 650 is that it has a torq converter to make up for that. It does just fine pulling heavy trailers, rock crawling, or playing in the thick mud.

sucks should have bought a yamaha

I recently purchased my Rincon because I wanted a quad that could handle any terrain, but looked sporty enough in a crowd, without looking dull and old like some of the utility bikes on the market. This ATV is a great crossover bike that will play like a sport quad, but will go where all others only dream of. The power is more than you will ever need, so hold on tight because it will pull your arm sockets out!