All New 2003 FourTrax Rincon

Meet the SUV of ATVs, the ground-breaking 2003 FourTrax Rincon. The comfortable full-size ATV is feature-laden with a powerful liquid-cooled 650 engine, an all-new fully automatic transmission, TraxLok selectable 2WD/4WD, a torque-sensing front differential and fully independent front and rear suspension. 

Features | Engine/Drive | Automatic Trans | Chassis | More Features
Torque Converter | Styling/Design | Specifications (all below)
Grand Canyon Ride Review Coming Soon!

Features & Benefits

• Honda's largest liquid-cooled four-stroke ATV features a single-cylinder 649cc OHV engine that provides excellent torque and dependable power.
• Honda's first automotive-style automatic ATV transmission draws power through a hydraulic torque converter to drive three forward gears and reverse.*
• TraxLok(tm) enables the rider to shift between 2WD and 4WD with a simple thumb-operated switch. 
• A torque-sensing front differential reduces torque steer for low steering effort in 4WD mode.
• The FourTrax Rincon(tm) features Honda's first fully independent ATV rear suspension for comfortable cruising over the toughest terrain.
• Extensive weight-saving measures include the use of aluminum for the following components: forged front upper control arms, rear upper and lower control arms, rear knuckles, front and rear wheels.*
• Exciting SUV styling features flowing fenders with integrated headlights and taillights.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Liquid-cooled overhead-valve single-cylinder 649cc four-stroke engine is mounted longitudinally in the frame, allowing direct drive shaft alignment to front and rear wheels for improved drivetrain efficiency.
• Liquid cooling provides consistent engine operating temperature in extreme conditions for maximum power output and long engine life.
• Camshaft is located adjacent to the cylinder head, reducing engine height. Together with the semi-dry sump, engine height is further reduced for a low center of gravity and excellent handling.
• Four-valve cylinder head with two short pushrods provides a broad powerband for optimum performance and engine efficiency.
• Nickel silicon carbide (Nikasil(r)) plated cylinder lining is lightweight and more durable than conventional steel-sleeve cylinders.
• Snorkel-type air intake system is specially designed for water crossings. 
• 37mm constant velocity (CV) carburetor features a unique ribbed float that minimizes fuel sloshing when riding over rough terrain, minimizing the evaporation of unburned hydrocarbons.*
• Integral electric carburetor-heater system improves driveability and ensures smooth operation in cold conditions.
• CD ignition with electronic advance for excellent performance and reliability.
• Engine design produces low emissions and meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road emissions standards. - Stainless steel exhaust system provides superior corrosion resistance.
• Unique semi-dry-sump oiling system locates the oil tank inside the engine cases, lowering engine height and allowing optimum engine placement for excellent ground clearance and superb handling.
• Standard high-flow oil cooler assures optimal engine lubrication under difficult operating conditions.
• The multiple-scavenging oil system utilizes an oil pump with three sintered steel rotors (one for feed, two for scavenge) to provide a stable oil supply in diverse riding conditions.
• Unique temperature indicator uses two sensors to monitor both oil and coolant temperature.
• High-capacity coolant radiator is rated at 20.2 KW for efficient engine cooling in extreme operating conditions.
• Compact, flat-shaped radiator fan motor is lightweight and contributes to optimum engine placement.
• Rubber-cushion engine mounting system and gear-driven counterbalancer reduce engine vibration.
• Closed crankcase vent system safeguards against engine oil contamination.
• TraxLok is easily engaged with a simple thumb-switch on the right handlebar. An electromagnetic mechanical clutch unit (EMCU) located on the center of the propeller shaft engages 4WD with a quiet two-way roller clutch. Unlike mechanical designs, TraxLok ensures smooth operation by employing a magnetic switching mechanism that engages when front and rear wheel speeds vary by less than 6 mph.
• A unique torque-sensing torque-sensing front differential provides superior traction compared to conventional limited-slip designs and reduces torque steer substantially for less steering effort.
• The rear drive-shaft joins the rear final-drive gearcase at a 77° angle, eliminating the weight and complexity of an additional shaft and joints. The design also contributes to the Rincon's considerable 8.0 inches of rear wheel travel. Honda Automatic Transmission 

Honda Automatic Transmission

• The automotive-style Honda automatic transmission features a hydraulic torque converter, three hydraulic clutches and an electronic control unit (ECU) to automatically select one of three forward gears and one reverse gear. The ECU monitors throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, gear selector position, brake application and engine oil temperature. *
• The Honda automatic transmission shifts electronically--eliminating unsightly and trouble-prone vacuum lines--and features engine braking, unlike conventional belt-drive designs.
• The Honda automatic transmission features a filtration system to protect against external contamination. The compact and maintenance-free design means there are no belts to wear out and replace. Using multi-filtered engine oil as hydraulic fluid, the design also simplifies maintenance and ensures an adequate oil supply in all operating conditions.
• An Electric Shift Program ESP allows the rider to manually select gears by simply pressing two push-buttons mounted on the left handlebar.
• A handlebar-mounted control switches the automatic transmission between ESP mode and automatic operation.
• A convenient column-style shift lever permits the rider to easily select Drive, Neutral or Reverse.

Chassis/Suspension

• A rugged steel perimeter frame and four-wheel independent suspension provide an exceptional 10.0 inches of ground clearance.
• A separate rear frame utilizes the final-drive gear case as a stressed member, reducing overall vehicle weight.
• The Rincon's steering mechanism design allows a light steering effort and a tight turning radius of 10.8 feet.
• Independent double-wishbone front suspension uses premium shock absorbers to provide 6.9 inches of suspension travel for a plush, comfortable ride.
• Honda's all-new independent rear suspension uses a double-wishbone design and features forged aluminum knuckles and upper/lower A-arms to substantially reduce unsprung weight. The rear knuckle pivots use lightweight metal bushings in place of conventional ball joints and radius arms, eliminating toe-in as the rear suspension travels through its stroke. This simple design maintains rear wheel alignment and further reduces unsprung weight, contributing to responsive overall handling.
• Lightweight single-tube gas-charged rear shocks and an anti-sway bar provide plush, well-controlled damping throughout the Rincon's exceptional 8.0 inches of wheel travel.
• Triple-sealed front hydraulic drum brakes are virtually impervious to dirt and water.
• A new rear center hydraulic disc brake and self-adjusting mechanical rear parking brake are mounted on the rear propeller shaft, further reducing unsprung weight and contributing to the Rincon's considerable ground clearance.*
• SUV-type radial tires provide a smooth ride and exceptional handling. Tough, large-diameter 25 x 8-12 front tires and 25 x 10-12 rear tires provide added ground clearance.
• Attractive SUV-style large-diameter 12-inch aluminum wheels further reduce unsprung weight and contribute to superb handling.*

Additional Features

• Multi-function LCD digital instrumentation is compact, tough and waterproof, featuring large readouts for gear selector position, speedometer, odometer, resettable tripmeter and hourmeter/clock. Instrument housing includes LED lights for Drive, Neutral, Reverse and temperature warning indicator. A fuel gauge located within the instrument housing comes as standard equipment.

• Durable, comfortable, easy-to-use controls include a keyed ignition switch for added security, parking brake and a handlebar-mounted choke lever. - Convenient electric starter, with a lightweight auxiliary recoil starter and an automatic internal decompression system.
• A tough rubber cover protects the gearshift button from dirt, water and mud.
• Handlebar switches, controls, indicator lights and warning labels use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols
• Waterproof accessory socket provides 12-volt, 12-amp power with a built-in temperature-type fuse.
• Thickly padded seat uses dual-density foam to provide all-day riding comfort.
• Large, lightweight plastic fuel tank with 4.5-gallon capacity, including 1.0-gallon reserve.
• Side-opening compartment has 4 liters of storage capacity and can be opened when the rider is seated.
• Dual headlight covers are integrated into the flowing front fender design. The inner reflectors are adjustable and feature computer-designed multi-reflector 40-watt halogen bulbs. The new stop/taillight covers complement the rear fender design and house dual-filament 21-watt bulbs.
• Uniquely designed floorboards allow the rider's feet to grip the footrests while keeping mud and debris off the rider's feet. - Integrated skid plates protect the undercarriage from rocks and debris.
• Large front and rear cargo racks are rated at 66 and 133 pounds respectively.
• Optional heavy-duty trailer hitch with towing capacity of 850 pounds. - Constant-velocity-joint boot guards help prevent damage to boot covers. - G.V.W.R. is 1113 pounds. - Reusable foam air filter.
• USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler. - Powerful, 360-watt AC generator.
• Tough, 14-amp-hour maintenance-free battery. - Standard tool kit includes a tire pressure gauge.
  
  Available Accessories 
  - Flag Kit. 
  - Trailer Hitch. 
  * Honda First--Represents the first use of a significant technology on a mass-production ATV.

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Honda's Torque Converter

How it Works 
Honda's innovative Rincon boasts the only true automotive-style automatic transmission in the entire ATV world. The use of a torque converter makes this possible, and the Rincon's torque converter is truly a unique piece of engineering.

Many items distinguish the Rincon's torque converter from automotive-style torque converters, but two innovations stand out: An one-way lock-up clutch mechanism, and another system Honda calls "creep control."

Honda's Innovative Creep Control System
A torque converter transmits torque even when a vehicle is idling, causing some amount of forward motion, or "creep" to occur. In the case of an automobile, creep can add a measure of smoothness when the vehicle begins to move, but it also requires the operator to keep a foot on the brake when the vehicle is stopped in gear.

To allow the Rincon to idle in gear without moving forward, Honda's new creep control system detects the idling of the vehicle while it is stationary, and disengages a hydraulic clutch mechanism within the transmission in order to cut creep. In addition, an ECU computes the necessary hydraulic pressure according to throttle position and engine speed in order to engage the clutch gradually. The result: the ability to idle in gear without creep, while maintaining the smooth engagement of power off-idle that torque converters deliver.

One-way to Engine Braking
Another shortcoming of traditional torque-converters is a lack of engine braking. Because of their power transmission efficiencies, torque converters can only provide a small amount of engine braking, which is not a desirable trait in an ATV. To counter this, Honda engineers designed the Rincon's torque converter with a built-in one-way lock-up clutch--the first time in the world that this construction has been employed.

The problem of engine braking has been overcome in some four-wheel drive vehicles with a hydraulically controlled lock-up clutch. However, such systems are immensely complex, large and heavy, and not at all suitable for an ATV. Honda's solution was to incorporate a one-way clutch mechanism for engine braking that transmits power to the crankshaft instead of the torque converter during deceleration. As a result, the Rincon features the same kind of direct engine braking feel as that of ATVs with conventional transmissions.

Torque Converter Basics
Though it features several innovations that cater specifically to ATV application, the Rincon's torque converter operates in principle much like other torque converters: In the most basic sense, it serves to link the engine to the automatic transmission much like a manual clutch connects an engine to a manual gearbox. Both systems are used to drive a vehicle, and they also come into play when the vehicle stops.

With a manual transmission, manual actuation of the clutch serves to temporarily disengage the engine from the transmission when coming to a stop. In similar fashion, a torque converter performs this very important connect/disconnect function between the engine and the transmission, but automatically, as needed. Moreover, with a torque converter and automatic transmission, the rider need only operate one control, the brake, when stopping the vehicle.

A torque converter can accomplish this because it is a fluid coupling, rather than a solid coupling. At low engine speeds, the torque converter can slip internally, which allows the engine to spin independently of the transmission. As a result, the engine of the stopped vehicle is allowed to run at an idle while the transmission is in gear. When it's time to roll, the rider simply opens the throttle to increase engine speed, and the torque converter then transfers power to the transmission to make the vehicle move.

How is this accomplished? Picture in your mind a pair of electric fans facing each other. Turn on one fan, and the blowing air creates enough force to spin the blades of the second fan-power is transferred. In a similar fashion, a torque converter incorporates a driven impeller to pump a fluid that drives the turbine portion of the torque converter. The driven turbine, in turn, then powers the transmission.

In the Rincon, the engine output shaft drives the torque converter's impeller, which uses fins to pump fluid-in this case, engine oil. As this fluid drives the vanes of the torque converter's turbine, the spinning turbine then powers the automatic transmission to propel the vehicle. The Rincon's automatic transmission employs three hydraulic clutches and an electronic control unit (ECU) that automatically selects one of three forward gears (or reverse if reverse is engaged). The ECU monitors throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine speed, gear selector position (if engaged), brake application and engine oil temperature, and processes this information to select the correct drive gear for the appropriate conditions.

The other key component within a torque converter is the stator, which redirects fluid flow within the torque converter to create torque multiplication. This occurs when the engine is spinning much faster than the transmission, i.e. when the rider quickly opens the throttle from a standing start--just the time that more pulling power is needed!

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2003 Rincon Styling and Design

The styling of the new Honda didn't happen by chance, nor did it happen quickly. In fact, oft times the form and face of a landmark new model begins taking shape long before the engineering team launches into development of new hardware.

In the case of Honda's innovative Rincon, styling concepts and sketches began taking shape back in 1999, within the top-secret confines of Honda R&D Americas (HRA). There was no Rincon at that time; instead, this internal design study began a life of its own as a series of ideas and sketches aimed at exploring the outer limits of ATV styling and configuration for an undetermined future use.

With this project, the overarching direction consciously departed from the pure utility aspect of FourTrax design. More specifically, the design team's goal was to create a high-end ATV with a more refined look, featuring sporty styling that would offer a broader appeal to a wider-than-ever range of recreational riders. To that end, the HRA design team blended a number of innovative elements: a higher fender line for an airy, lighter look; strengthening bumps on the fenders that would also lend a modern and muscular appearance; full integration of bumpers, headlights and taillights to create a smoothly flowing line and style.

As one Senior Designer at HRA, explained, "We took the ATV away from a boxy, utility look and found a new balance favoring a distinctly sporty impression. As a parallel, look how Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) have evolved in the automotive marketplace over the past decade from a pure utility vehicle to upscale luxury status. Where you once had loggers and surveyors slogging personnel and equipment to the boonies in utility four-wheel-drives, you now have a couple going to the theater or a family driving to the mountains in comfort with their SUVs. In a similar manner, we wanted to create a new upscale kind of ATV. Today there's a large contingent of buyers who have created a new, wider spectrum of recreation applications for ATVs, and we wanted to expand that role.

"Our job here at HRA is to push the limits of design, and our ATV internal design study definitely accomplished that goal--which is to say, not every element that we experimented with made it into the final production-model Rincon. However, many of the styling elements that we worked with in sketches and clay mock-ups fit well within the final design. Look at the Rincon and you'll see many of the styling breakthroughs we defined in our design study. The body lines of the Rincon are very integrated, free flowing and refined. Also, elements such as the forged aluminum suspension are not only strong and light, but they also lend a very modern, high-tech appearance. These pieces look like components from an Acura NSX sports car, not an ATV.

"The direction we took with our design study matched up perfectly with the new path the Rincon is taking--a blend of recreation and utility use, with the larger emphasis on recreation. Granted, many people may very well end up using this new breed of sport-utility ATVs in work applications, and it's capable of fulfilling that role equally well. However, our goal was to offer a whole new look and new options in order to fulfill the emerging demands of a new market segment. ATV usage is evolving at a record pace, and I think we've helped Honda establish a new leadership position in this area."

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2003 FourTrax Rincon Specifications   
Model: TRX650FA   
Engine Type: 649cc liquid-cooled OHV semi-dry-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke   
Bore and Stroke: 100.0mm x 82.6mm   
Carburetion: 37mm CV   
Ignition: CD with electronic advance   
Starter: Electric with auxiliary recoil   
Transmission: Automatic with hydraulic torque converter, three forward gears and reverse   
Driveline: Direct front and rear drive-shafts with torque-sensing limited-slip front differential   
Suspension Front: Independent double-wishbone; 6.9 inches travel   
Suspension Rear: Independent double-wishbone; 8.0 inches travel   
Brakes Front: Triple-sealed hydraulic drum   
Brakes Rear: Single hydraulic disc   
Tires Front: 25 x 8-12 radial    
Tires Rear: 25 x 10-12 radial
Length: 83.7 inches
Width: 46.1 inches
Height: 47.5 inches
Seat Height: 34.5 inches
Ground Clearance: 10.0 inches
Wheelbase: 50.8 inches
Turning Radius: 10.8 feet   
Dry Weight: 600 pounds   
Fuel Capacity: 4.5 gallons, including 1.0-gallon reserve  
Colors: Red, Olive
MSRP: $N/A
Available: 

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