The revolutionary FourTrax Foreman Rubicon features a powerful 500cc engine and the ingenious Hondamatic continuously variable automatic transmission. The new GPSCAPE model now comes with Honda's unique integrated GPS unit to add to your back-country adventure fun.
Features & Benefits
New for 2004
GPSCAPE® model features GPS to help plan that back-country adventure.
Unique Features
GPSCAPE model features GPS unit with easy-to-read LCD display. GPSCAPE is contained within the standard meter assembly and features storage for up to 100 waypoints, digital compass function indicating travel direction and an automatic compensating clock. When traveling or returning to a designated waypoint, GPSCAPE will tell the rider distance and direction from present location.
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 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-sensitive, 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 dry weight of the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon™ 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 oper-ating 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 lightweight 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™, 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 is fully sealed, compact and maintenance-free, with no belts to wear out and replace.
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 7.8 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 away from 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.
G.V.W.R. is 1111 pounds.
Assembled in Timmonsville, South Carolina.
Transferable six-month limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider's Club of America™. Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance and much more. For HRCA® details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.
Available Accessories
Flag kit.