We found if you want to ride more aggressively and really have complete control which gear you are in, we preferred to shift the machine ourselves using the electronic shift program. This gave us the ability to shift through the gears faster without having any lag. Although the Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS wasn’t built for speed, we were able to flip through the gears and reach about 40+mph down the trails.
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We prefered shifting through the gears with electronic shift program (ESP) when riding aggressively. By shifting the Honda Rancher yourself with your thumb, it gives you more control of which gear you want to ride in |
The fully automatic transmission is also a great option to have, we used to this feature when we just wanted to relax and take in all the beauty around us. New for 2015, Honda revised the algorithm in the automatic shifting patterns to reduce shift-shock even further for improved shift timing for a smoother transition between gears. The Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS transmission is controlled by the ECU that automatically adjusts between two shifting maps—Cruise or Sport mode depending on how much you get on throttle.
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The new DCT mapping on the 2015 Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS has smoother shift patterns and isn't constantly looking for which gear to be in |
The DCT transmission uses gears and not pulleys and belts, which means there are no belts that can wear or break leaving otherwise stranded on the trail. The DCT Transmission is also sealed protecting it from harsh conditions for better durability, which is what Honda is known for.
The 2015 Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS is powered by an electronic fuel injected 420cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine that produces a fair amount of power for an entry-level machine. While testing this unit, we were riding at over 6,000 feet above sea level and it felt like the Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS still had plenty of power to have fun with. The EFI engine features Programmed Fuel Injection that instantaneously adjusts depending on your riding condition and altitude. The fuel injection system also reduces emissions and increases fuel efficiency. The fuel capacity was also improved by adding a large gas tank that will hold almost a half-gallon more – 3.9 gallons in total.
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Even at 6,000 + the 2015 Honda Rancher DCT had plenty of power |
Since the Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS is the premier model in the Honda Rancher Lineup, the Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS comes with optional electronic power steering (EPS). The electronic power steering is a great feature that not only helps reduce the mount of effort it takes to steer; it also reduces the amount of kickback felt through the handlebars. EPS will help you from getting tired after a long day of riding and we feel it is worth every penny.
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The 2015 Honda Rancher DCT w/ IRS comes with optional electronic power steering (EPS) that greatly reduces the amount of effort it takes to turn the handlebars. The EPS not only makes it easier to turn but it also acts as a steering dampener that reduces kick back that otherwise may be felt through the handlebars |
