The Honda Rancher 420 is a popular all-terrain vehicle (ATV) that is known for its reliability and good performance. It is a mid-sized ATV that is suitable for both recreational use and work-related tasks.
With its strong and durable build, the Rancher 420 can tackle a variety of terrain types, from muddy trails to rocky hills.
One aspect of the Rancher 420 that interests many ATV enthusiasts is its top speed. How fast can this ATV go? Can it keep up with other high-performance ATVs on the market?
In this review, we will explore the factors that affect the top speed of the Honda Rancher 420, as well as discuss the stock top speed and the possibility of modifying the ATV for increased speed.
First, it is important to understand that the top speed of an ATV is determined by a combination of factors. These include the power output of the engine, the weight of the ATV, the aerodynamics of the vehicle, and even the type of tires it is equipped with.
All of these elements can have an impact on the maximum speed that the Rancher 420 is capable of reaching.
In the next section, we will delve deeper into these factors and discuss how they contribute to the Rancher 420’s top speed. We will also examine the role of horsepower and torque in determining the ATV’s maximum speed, as well as the effect of weight and aerodynamics. Stay tuned for more on the Honda Rancher 420 top speed.
Factors That Affect The Top Speed Of The Honda Rancher 420
As mentioned earlier, the top speed of the Honda Rancher 420 is determined by a combination of factors. In this section, we will take a closer look at these factors and how they influence the ATV’s maximum speed.
One of the most significant factors is the power output of the engine. The Rancher 420 is equipped with a 420cc engine that produces a maximum of 22 horsepower.
This is a decent amount of horsepower for a mid-sized ATV, but it is not necessarily the most powerful engine on the market. Ultimately, the amount of horsepower an ATV has will determine how fast it can go. In general, the more horsepower an ATV has, the higher its top speed will be.
In addition to horsepower, the torque of an engine also plays a role in determining an ATV’s top speed. Torque is a measure of the rotational force produced by the engine, and it is what gives an ATV its acceleration.
The Rancher 420 has a maximum torque of 23.9 pound-feet, which is fairly average for an ATV in its class.
Another factor that affects the top speed of the Rancher 420 is its weight. The heavier an ATV is, the more power it will require to reach and maintain high speeds. The Rancher 420 has a dry weight of 659 pounds, which is on the heavier side for a mid-sized ATV.
This weight should also go hand in hand with the weight limit of the ATV, Honda Rancher 420 weight limit is 485 lbs so be sure not to overload this ATV for best performance and speed.
This weight, combined with its relatively moderate horsepower and torque, means that it may not be able to reach the highest top speeds compared to some other ATVs on the market.
The aerodynamics of an ATV can also impact its top speed. The shape and design of the ATV’s body can either help or hinder its ability to cut through the air as it speeds up. The Rancher 420 has a fairly standard ATV body shape, with a front-mounted radiator and a flat rear cargo bed.
While it is not designed with maximum aerodynamics in mind, it is not particularly hindered in this regard either.
Finally, the type of tires an ATV has can also affect its top speed. Tires with a lower profile and a harder compound will generally offer better traction and a higher top speed than softer, more treaded tires.
The Rancher 420 comes standard with 25×8-12 front tires and 25×10-12 rear tires, which are fairly average for an ATV in terms of both size and tread. The bigger the ATV tires the slower the speed.
The top speed of the Honda Rancher 420 is influenced by a combination of factors, including the engine’s horsepower and torque, the ATV’s weight, its aerodynamics, and the type of tires it is equipped with. In the next section, we will discuss the stock top speed of the Rancher 420 as stated by the manufacturer.
Honda Rancher 420 Top Speed
Stock Top Speed Of The Honda Rancher 420
Now that we have explored the factors that can affect the top speed of the Honda Rancher 420, let’s take a look at the stock top speed of this ATV as stated by the manufacturer and also the speed based on our independent
According to Honda, the top speed of the Rancher 420 is around 55 miles per hour (mph). This top speed is achieved when the ATV is ridden on flat, smooth terrain with a single rider who weighs less than 220 pounds.
It is important to note that the top speed will vary depending on the weight of the rider, the terrain, and any additional cargo that may be carried on the ATV.
While the manufacturer’s stated top speed can give us a good idea of the Rancher 420’s performance, it is always a good idea to verify this information through independent testing. We tested our Rancher 420 here at Offroad Roast and the Honda Rancher 420 top speed achieved was 53mph. This was an average of three runs.
There are also several other people that have conducted their own tests to determine the top speed of the Rancher 420. These tests generally show that the ATV is capable of reaching speeds of around 50-55 mph, which is consistent with the manufacturer’s claim.
It is worth noting that the Rancher 420’s top speed may be limited by its relatively moderate horsepower and torque, as well as its relatively heavy weight. As we discussed in the previous section, these factors can affect the ATV’s ability to reach high speeds.
However, it is still a capable and reliable ATV that is suitable for a wide range of activities, from recreational riding to work-related tasks.
In the final section of this review, we will discuss the possibility of modifying the Honda Rancher 420 for increased top speed. We will explore the various modifications that can be made to the ATV, as well as the potential drawbacks of making these modifications. Stay tuned for more on this topic.
Modifying (Tuning) The Honda Rancher 420 For Increased Top Speed
In the previous sections of this review, we have discussed the factors that can affect the top speed of the Honda Rancher 420 and the stock top speed of this ATV as stated by the manufacturer and based on our own tests. In this final section, we will explore the possibility of modifying the Rancher 420 for increased top speed.
There are several modifications that Rancher 420 owners can make to their ATVs in order to increase its top speed. These modifications generally fall into two categories: engine modifications and physical modifications.
Engine modifications are changes that are made to the ATV’s engine in order to increase its power output. Some common engine modifications include exhaust and intake upgrades, as well as re-jetting the carburetor.
These modifications can help to increase the horsepower and torque of the engine, which can in turn lead to higher top speeds.
Physical modifications, on the other hand, are changes that are made to the physical structure of the ATV in order to reduce its weight or improve its aerodynamics. Examples of physical modifications include removing unnecessary parts from the ATV, such as the spare tire carrier or the rearview mirrors, and installing a lighter battery or wheels.
These modifications can help to reduce the weight of the Rancher 420 and improve its acceleration, which may result in a higher top speed.
It is important to note that making modifications to the Rancher 420 can potentially void the manufacturer’s warranty. This means that if any problems arise with the ATV after making modifications, the owner may be responsible for the cost of repairs.
Additionally, making engine modifications can affect the reliability of the ATV. While these modifications may increase the power output of the engine, they can also increase the risk of engine damage or failure.
Furthermore, it is worth considering the legal implications of making modifications to the Rancher 420. In some areas, there may be laws or regulations that prohibit certain types of modifications or limit the maximum speed of an ATV.
It is important to be aware of these laws and to ensure that the Rancher 420 is compliant with them.
It is possible to modify the Honda Rancher 420 in order to increase its top speed. However, it is important to be aware of the potential drawbacks of making these modifications, including the risk of voiding the manufacturer’s warranty, decreased reliability, and potential legal issues.
It is always a good idea to weigh the pros and cons carefully before making any modifications to an ATV.
Conclusion
We have explored the top speed of the Honda Rancher 420 and the various factors that can influence it. We have discussed the role of horsepower and torque in determining the ATV’s maximum speed, as well as the impact of the Rancher 420’s weight and aerodynamics on its top speed.
We have also examined the stock top speed of the ATV as stated by the manufacturer and looked at the possibility of modifying the Rancher 420 for increased speed.
The Honda Rancher 420 is a reliable and versatile ATV that is capable of reaching speeds of around 55 mph on flat, smooth terrain. While it may not be the fastest ATV on the market, it is still a capable machine that is suitable for a wide range of activities.
It is important to be aware of the factors that can affect the Rancher 420’s top speed and to consider the potential drawbacks of making modifications to the ATV. Ultimately, it is up to the owner to decide whether increasing the top speed of the Rancher 420 is worth the potential risks and costs.