The Foreman Rubicon with the revolutionary Hondamaticª transmission is the
new king of
the Honda ATV lineup. Honda's largest and most powerful ATV features a continuously
variable automatic transmission that provides quiet, maintenance-free operation
in a compact, rugged design. Riders seeking a reliable automatic transmission
with the power and durability of a Honda will find the Foreman Rubicon to be
the most versatile ATV available.
Engine | Transmission | Chassis/Suspension | Additional Features
FEATURES & BENEFITS EXCLUSIVE FEATURES
- Honda's first liquid-cooled four-stroke ATV engine is a single-cylinder 499cc overhead-valve design that provides tremendous torque and dependable power.
- Hondamatic transmission is a continuously variable, hydromechanical design that eliminates belts altogether. It is compact, quiet, maintenance-free and very rugged. The Hondamatic features true engine braking, unlike belt-drive designs.
- Full-time four-wheel drive and a unique torque-sensing, limited-slip front differential provide superior traction compared to conventional limited-slip designs and reduces torque steer substantially for less steering effort.
- Extensive weight-saving measures keep the Rubicon's dry weight below 600 lb.
- Liquid-cooled overhead-valve single-cylinder 499cc 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.
- Unique underhead camshaft (UHCª) is located just below the cylinder head, reducing engine height. Together with the external engine-oil tank, engine height is further reduced for a low center of gravity and excellent handling.
- Four-valve cylinder head, with the UHC camshaft, utilizes two short pushrods to provide a broad powerband for optimum performance and engine efficiency.
- Unique dry-sump oiling system attaches the oil tank to the front of 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 3 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 17.2 kW for efficient engine cooling in extreme operating conditions.
- Compact, flat-shaped radiator fan motor reduces weight and contributes to optimum engine placement. ¥ Rubber-cushion engine mounting and gear-driven counterbalancer reduce vibration.
- ATV-mounted carburetor electric heater system improves driveability and ensures smooth operation in cold conditions.
- Convenient electric starter, with auxiliary recoil starter and an automatic internal decompression system.
- Solid-state DC capacitive discharge ignition (CDI) with electronic advance for excellent performance and reliability.
- Stainless steel exhaust system provides superior corrosion resistance.
- Closed crankcase vent system safeguards against engine oil contamination.
- The Hondamatic transmission utilizes variable hydraulic pressure and mechanical torque amplification to provide seamless job-handling power and excellent acceleration. Engine power drives a hydraulic pump. The pump, in turn, drives a hydraulic motor with variable fluid capacity. Utilizing pump and motor pistons and a variable-pitch motor-side swash plate, hydraulic capacity and pressure are varied, producing continuously variable output speed. In addition, torque is increased as output-shaft speed is reduced.
- Dash-mounted knob switches to one of three electronic shifting programs: D1 for maximum performance, D2 for maximum torque, and ESPª, Honda’s exclusive Electric Shift Program. D1 and D2 modes provide continuously variable transmission output; ESP allows the rider to "shift" the Hondamatic with the touch of a thumb using two push-buttons mounted on the left handlebar.
- The Hondamatic is extremely efficient, with operating efficiencies ranging from 75-81 percent in full-reduction mode and from 87-92 percent when input and output speeds are the same (1:1 ratio).
- The Hondamatic transmission is compact and maintenance-free, with no belts to wear out and replace.
- The Hondamatic is fully sealed and impervious to external contamination.
- The Hondamatic features true engine braking, unlike belt-drive designs.
- Versatile rider controls provide a shift lever to select Drive, Low, Neutral, and Reverse.
- The Hondamatic uses multi-filtered (one large-capacity filter and three strainers) engine oil as hydraulic fluid, simplifying maintenance and ensuring an adequate oil supply in all operating conditions.
- Rugged frame and suspension provide an exceptional 10 inches of ground clearance.
- Steering mechanism design features light effort and a tight turning radius of 10.8 feet.
- Independent double-wishbone front suspension uses premium shock absorbers to provide 6.7 inches of suspension travel for a plush, comfortable ride.
- Steel swingarm and dual rear shock absorbers provide 6.7 inches of suspension travel for superb comfort and compliance.
- Attractive, large-diameter 12-inch aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight for excellent ride and handling. ¥ Tough, large-diameter 25 x 8 -12 front, 25 x 10 -12 rear tires provide added ground clearance while maintaining precise handling.
- Triple-sealed front hydraulic drum brakes and sealed rear mechanical drum.
- Thickly padded seat provides all-day comfort.
- Uniquely designed floorboards allow the rider's feet to grip the footrests while keeping mud and debris off of the rider's feet.
- Standard over-fenders give excellent mud protection.
- Multi-function LCD digital instrumentation is compact, tough and waterproof, featuring large readouts for Hondamatic transmission modes, gear selector position, speedometer, odometer, resettable tripmeter and hourmeter/clock. Instrument housing includes LED lights for reverse, neutral and temperature warning indicator.
- Waterproof accessory socket provides 12-volt, 12-amp power with a built-in temperature- type fuse.
- Large, lightweight plastic fuel tank with 3.4-gallon capacity, including 1.0-gallon reserve.
- Fuel gauge is standard equipment.
- Snorkel-type air intake system is specially designed for water crossings.
- Reusable foam air filter.
- USDA-qualified spark arrestor/muffler.
- Powerful, 330-watt AC generator.
- 12-amp-hour maintenance-free battery.
- Twin-headlight system features 30-watt halogen bulbs with multi-reflector lenses for optimal light distribution. Rear lighting features twin 5-watt taillights.
- Large front and rear cargo racks are rated at 66 and 133 pounds respectively.
- Heavy-duty trailer hitch with towing capacity of 850 pounds.
- Unique rear-opening storage compartment allows access when rack is loaded.
- Constant-velocity-joint boot guards help prevent damage to boot covers.
- Durable, comfortable, easy-to-use controls.
- Keyed ignition switch for added security.
- Triple skidplates.
- Top-mounted choke.
- Handlebar switches, controls, indicator lights and warning labels use internationally approved ISO graphic symbols.
- Standard tool kit includes a tire pressure gauge.
- Optional flag kit.
- G.V.W.R. is 1111 pounds.
- Transferable six-month limited warranty.