The FourTrax Foreman Rubicon(r) with the revolutionary Hondamatic transmission is the king of ATVs. 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 FourTrax Foreman Rubicon to be the most versatile ATV available anywhere.

Features & Benefits

New for 2003

• Yellow color joins Red and Olive.

Unique 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(tm) transmission is a continuously variable, hydro-mechanical design that eliminates belts altogether. It is compact, quiet, maintenance-free and very rugged. The Hondamatic features true engine braking, unlike conventional 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 FourTrax Foreman Rubicon's dry weight at 600 pounds.

Engine/Drivetrain

• 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.
• Camshaft is located adjacent to 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 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 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 17.2 kW for efficient engine cooling in extreme operating conditions.
• Compact, flat-shaped radiator fan motor is light weight and contributes to optimum engine placement.
• Rubber-cushion engine mounting and gear- driven counterbalancer reduce vibration.
• Integral electric carburetor 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 CD ignition 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.

Hondamatic Transmission

• 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 ESP(tm), Honda's exclusive Electric Shift Program(tm). 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 conventional 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.

Chassis/Suspension

• 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.

Additional Features

• Engine design produces low emissions and meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road emissions standards.
• 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 3.7-gallon capacity, including 1.0-gallon reserve.
• Fuel gauge is standard equipment.
• Snorkel-type air intake system is specially designed for water crossings.
• 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.
• Reusable foam air filter.
• USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.
• Powerful, 330-watt AC generator.
• Tough, 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.
• Easy-to-use parking brake.
• Top-mounted choke lever for simple operation.
• 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.

Available Accessories

• Flag kit.

Specifications

Model: TRX500FA
Engine Type: 499cc liquid-cooled OHV dry-sump longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke: 92.0mm x 75.0mm
Carburetion: 33.5mm CV
Ignition: DC CDI
Starter: Electric with auxiliary recoil
Transmission: Fully automatic hydromechanical, continuously variable with electronic controls
Driveline: Direct front and rear drive-shafts with torque-sensing limited-slip front differential
Suspension

Front: Independent double-wishbone; 6.7 inches travel
Rear: Swingarm with dual shock absorbers; 6.7 inches travel

Brakes

Front: Triple-sealed hydraulic drum
Rear: Sealed mechanical drum

Tires

Front: 25 x 8-12
Rear: 25 x 10-12