Offering a balance of toughness, comfort and advanced technology, Honda’s FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 stands as one of the most capable multipurpose ATVs around. Renowned for its durability and refined engineering, the Rubicon blends serious work capability with trail-ready performance, making it equally at home on the jobsite or deep in the backcountry. With features like a powerful engine, available automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and independent rear suspension, combined with Honda’s legendary reliability, this model delivers the confidence, control and comfort that hardworking riders and outdoor enthusiasts expect. Available in three trim levels to personalize performance and looks, the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 is planned in Georgia, developed in Ohio and produced in North Carolina.
HISTORY
Honda’s FourTrax Foreman Rubicon has stood as a flagship model in Honda’s ATV lineup since its debut for the 2001 model year, renowned for its rugged durability and all-around versatility. At its introduction, the model’s independent rear suspension set it apart from the standard FourTrax Foreman. It was powered by a four-valve, liquid-cooled 500-class single-cylinder four-stroke engine, paired with the Hondamatic™ transmission. The Rubicon received new styling for 2005, as well as TraxLok® and hydraulic disc front brakes.
For 2015, Honda took the venerated automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) from the Rancher line, scaled it up for the additional torque of a larger engine, added a dual-range Drive/Low shifter, and expanded it as an option to the Foreman Rubicon. Other changes included new styling, a new chassis and a new 475cc engine. The 2020 model year brought a larger 518cc engine, updates to the DCT and several convenience-focused changes.
TRIM LEVELS
- FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 EPS: Offering the combination of a classic, manual transmission with the convenience of Electric Power Steering (EPS), this version gives riders the ability to switch between 2WD and 4WD. It’s ideal for those who enjoy a capable, durable, no-frills ATV.
- FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 Automatic DCT EPS: This configuration replaces the traditional gearbox with Honda’s automatic Dual Clutch Transmission for seamless automatic shifting, with the option for manual override when the rider wants to take more control over gear selection.
- FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 Automatic DCT EPS Deluxe: The Deluxe version adds premium features including aluminum wheels, color-matched suspension and painted bodywork.
DESIGN / STYLING
The FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4’s ergonomics are engineered for a riding position that provides the rider with mobility, control and safety, with a contoured, comfortable seat for long days of work or play. The front bumper and grill reinforce the model’s rugged design.
On DCT versions, handlebar-mounted shifting and drive-mode controls are positioned for easy reach and give positive tactile feedback, even with gloves. The LCD display is easy to read and provides information on up to 13 functions.
A 1.9-liter utility box with a weatherproof cover is featured at the front deck. Designed to keep items like a phone, map or camera within easy access from the riding position (when stopped), this storage compartment complements the utility box that is positioned within easy reach, on the left-front fender.
The front and rear cargo racks have large surface areas and accept Honda’s Pro-Connect accessories for smooth integration. Available Honda Pro-Connect accessories are designed for an integrated function, with a precise fit and simple attachment via a quick-connection latch system.
For protection, guards extend the length of the lower-suspension arms, delivering full coverage of the driveshaft and outboard CV joints.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
The 518cc single-cylinder four-stroke engine provides strong power and torque where it’s used most—in the low end and midrange, for quick acceleration, easy ascending and impressive hauling and towing. The engine has bore and stroke figures of 96.0mm and 71.5mm, respectively. It’s compact, with a low height that helps centralize mass for optimum handling, and a narrow width that allows for a comfortable rider compartment.
Honda’s programmed electronic fuel-injection system provides clean, responsive power delivery and great fuel efficiency. A strong AC generator produces enough power to run electrical accessories.
Honda TraxLok allows the rider to switch between 2WD and 4WD riding with the flip of an electronic switch; 4WD with locking front differential (also engaged electronically) maximizes traction over rough terrain. Speed Override mode in TraxLok delivers optimized performance in deep mud and other extreme terrain, by allowing faster wheel speed with the front differential locked. The engine and exhaust system are rubber-mounted for minimal vibration.
For California models, an evaporative emissions device allows for legal year-round off-road use in public riding areas.
The FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 has a tow capacity of 1,322 pounds.
Transmission
One of the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon’s three trim levels is offered with a traditional five-speed manual transmission with reverse, and the other two are equipped with Honda’s high-tech automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT).
In the world of powersports, Honda is a pioneer with Dual Clutch Transmission technology, having introduced it on the Rancher ATV in 2009. Since then, the technology has been offered on Honda motorcycles (including touring, sport-touring, adventure and cruiser models), as well as side-by-sides and other Honda ATV models. While similar systems can be found in a number of high-performance sports cars, Honda pioneered the use of DCT in the powersports world and has accumulated experience and improved the technology along the way. The system has been well-received by customers and the media, thanks in part to the fact that it enables riders to focus attention on riding, without concern of stalling.
DCT delivers consistent, rapid, seamless gear changes, and it very quickly becomes second nature to use. It utilizes two clutches—one for startup and first, third and fifth gears, the other for second and fourth gears—with the main shaft for one clutch located inside that of the other. Each clutch is independently controlled by its own electro-hydraulic circuit. For a gear-change to occur, the system pre-selects the target gear through the clutch not currently in use. The first clutch is then electronically disengaged as the second clutch simultaneously engages. As the twin clutches transfer drive from one gear to the next with minimal interruption, gear-change shock and pitching of the machine are minimized, resulting in shifts that are not only smooth, but direct. The extra benefits of durability (as the gears are less likely to be damaged by missing a shift), low-stress riding and reduced rider fatigue add to the appeal of DCT.
With the Rubicon’s DCT versions, the rider can switch between fully automatic and manual paddle shifting. Manual-override capability allows the rider to manually change gears even when in automatic mode. (The transmission reverts back to fully automatic mode after a few seconds.) This provides a heightened level of control, making it possible to downshift on corner entry or upshift on descents.
The reverse-gear-actuation mechanism makes shifting to reverse a one-lever, fully electronic operation that is quick, simple and easy, regardless of the rider’s hand size. This process is particularly helpful for work such as plowing snow, when constant shifting between forward and reverse is required.
On DCT-equipped versions, a low-range sub-transmission effectively doubles the number of gears.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
The FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4’s steel double-cradle frame is engineered for an optimal balance of stiffness, compliance and torsional rigidity, for precise handling and a comfortable ride. On all versions, Electric Power Steering (EPS) reduces steering effort (especially beneficial when the front differential is locked), with a system that adjusts for vehicle speed and the steering force being used by the rider. EPS also reduces kickback through the handlebar. The wheel bearings, pivot bushings and ball joints are fully serviceable.
Suspension
On all versions of the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4, plush, trail-oriented double-wishbone independent rear suspension offers a smooth ride, outstanding traction and an ample ground clearance (9.8 inches on the base version, 9.7 inches on the other two). Spring preload is adjustable, to tune the suspension to match preferred riding style or load. Front and rear wheel travel is 7.3 inches and 8.5 inches, respectively.
Brakes
Dual 190mm front hydraulic disc brakes and a single 170mm rear hydraulic disc brake provide strong stopping power. The parking brake is convenient and easy to set.
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