FourTrax Foreman Rubicon

The 2003 FourTrax Foreman
Rubicon features a powerful 500cc
engine and the revolutionary
Hondamatic transmission. It is 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

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, 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 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(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 trip-meter 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.

• Ownership includes one-year complimentary Membership in the Honda Rider's Club of America(tm). Benefits include discounts, travel benefits, roadside assistance and much more. For HRCA(r) details, call 1-800-847-HRCA.

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: CD with electronic advance

• Starter: Electric with auxiliary recoil

• Transmission: Fully automatic hydromechanical, continuously variable with electronic controls

• Driveline: Direct front and rear drive-shafts with torque-sensing front differential

• Suspension Front: Independent double-wishbone; 6.7 inches travel

• Suspension Rear: Swingarm with dual shock absorbers; 6.7 inches travel

• Brakes Front: Triple-sealed hydraulic drum

• Brakes Rear: Sealed mechanical drum

• Tires Front: 25 x 8-12

• Tires Rear: 25 x 10-12

• Length: 81.6 inches

• Width: 46.6 inches

• Height: 47.0 inches

• Seat Height: 33.9 inches

• Ground Clearance: 10.0 inches

• Wheelbase: 50.9 inches

• Turning Radius: 10.8 feet

• Dry Weight: 600 pounds

• Fuel Capacity: 3.7 gallons, including 1.0-gallon reserve

• Colors: Red, Olive, Yellow