Four-wheel fun comes in different sizes. ATV just happen to be one of them. We recently had the opportunity to test Honda’s all-new ’15 Foreman Rubicon 4×4 on the Hatfield-McCoy Trails in West Virginia. This versatile ATV goes beyond the standard utility quad by offering performance-driven options and a new suspension design that ties in well with its aggressively styled body and legendary 475cc fuel-injected engine. The Honda Rubicon is the first manual-shift fullsize ATV with independent rear suspension (IRS), offering up to 81⁄2 inches of travel. In the front, independent double-wishbone suspension delivers 7.3 inches of travel. One of the benefits to IRS is increased ground clearance (9.8 inches on the Rubicon 4×4), perfect for tackling lumpy trails.
To keep with the model’s utility heritage, Honda increased the payload capacity of the Foreman Rubicon by 44 percent (front rack, 99 pounds; rear rack, 187 pounds) and the towing capacity by 55 percent (1,322 pounds). The new double-cradle steel frame offers increased stiffness and better torsional rigidity for precise handling and a smooth ride—making this ATV a good choice for work or play.
Some additional features on the Honda Rubicon that piqued our interest are the Honda TraxLok 2WD/4WD system, front electronic differential lock, transmission options (automatic dual clutch [DST] or manual shift), electric power steering, and new drive/low-range subtransmission, which lowers the final-drive gear ratio for even more crawling power.
The Honda Foreman Rubicon 4×4 is heralded as the best-handling and most comfortable ATV Honda ever. We’ve thrown our leg over a few Hondas over the years and would agree that this new machine has good power-to-weight ratio, can maneuver with ease through fast or technical terrain, and is comfortable to ride. If you’ve been looking for a fullsize ATV that works hard and plays hard, the Honda Foreman Rubicon 4×4 may be the best quad to be had.
Specifications
Year/Make/Models
2015 Honda Foreman Rubicon 4×4 TRX500FM5, TRX500FM6 (with EPS), TRX500FM6 Deluxe (with EPS)
Drivetrain
Engine Type:475cc liquid-cooled OHV longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore & Stroke (mm):92.0×71.5
Compression Ratio:9.5:1
Induction:Programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI), 36mm throttle body
Ignition:Full-transistorized with electronic advance
Starter:Electric with optional auxiliary recoil
Clutch:Automatic
Transmission:5-speed with reverse
Driveline:Direct front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok and locking front differential
Suspension
Type:Independent double-wishbone; 7.3 in. travel (front); independent dual-arm; 8.5 in. travel (rear)
Brakes:Dual hydraulic 190mm discs (front); single hydraulic 170mm disc (rear)
Tires:25×8-12 Maxxis front, 25×10-12 Maxxis rear
Dimensions (in)
Length:83.7
Width:47.4
Height:49.1
Seat Height:36.1
Ground Clearance:9.8
Wheelbase:50.9
Turning Radius (ft):11.5
Fuel Capacity (gal):3.9, including 1.3 reserve
Curb Weight (lb):679 (TRX500FM5); 696 (TRX500FM6); 688 (TRX500FM6 Deluxe). Includes all standard equipment, required fluids, and full tank of fuel—ready to ride.
Colors:Rubicon 4×4 Red, Olive Rubicon 4×4 EPS Red, Honda Phantom Camo Rubicon 4×4 EPS Deluxe White
Note:Meets current EPA and CARB off-road emissions standards.
