New!! for model year 2001, 500cc Foreman Rubicon™

The Foreman Rubicon, Honda’s largest ATV, features a revolutionary new beltless automatic transmission called the Hondamatic™.

The Hondamatic transmission is compact, quiet, maintenance-free, rugged, impervious to external contaminants, and features engine braking—qualities that existing belt-drive ATV transmissions lack. 
The liquid-cooled, 500cc, four-wheel drive Rubicon, named after a famous California trail, was displayed as a prototype 2001 model and is due to be released in May 2001. Although complete specifications are not yet available, it is clear that the Rubicon is going to be the ATV to beat in the popular large displacement multi-purpose market.

In the predominant multi-purpose ATV segment, which encompasses farming, ranching, industrial, commercial, utility, and recreational uses, automatic transmissions have become increasing popular. Competitors, like Polaris and Yamaha, offer belt-drive systems that are succeptible to dirt and water and require frequent maintenance. The fully-sealed Hondamatic offers superior performance and reliability and will send competitors hurrying back to the drawing boards.

Foreman Rubicon highlights
The Rubicon is powered by a liquid-cooled, four valve, 500cc four-stroke single cylinder engine that Honda’s engineers claim outperforms all of its competitors.

The engine is notable for several reasons. Engineers were determined to lower the engine’s overall height to improve ground clearance and still maintain a low center-of-gravity for superb handling. A four valve head design was critical for performance, a feature that usually requires an overhead camshaft. By placing the engine’s camshaft below the cylinder head, the overall height of the engine was lowered. Similarly, the engine’s oil supply, traditionally carried in the bottom of the engine, was relocated to an external tank, further reducing the engine’s height.

Significantly, the Hondamatic features engine braking, an elusive feature in belt-drive systems that riders greatly appreciate when negotiating hill terrain.

The Hondamatic features an equally versatile set of rider controls. A tank-mounted shifter lever selects Drive, Low, Neutral, and Reverse. There are two rider-selectable automatic modes: D1-Maximum Performance and D2-Maximum Torque. The D1 mode emphasizes higher engine horsepower output for riding performance, while the D2 mode maximizes torque output performance, and a third position called ESP™, Honda’s exclusive electric shift program. ESP allows the rider to “shift” the Hondamatic at the touch of a thumb using two push-buttons mounted on the left handlebar. Honda’s exhaustive testing of the electronic controls in extreme riding environments ensures trouble-free operation.

The Foreman Rubicon features full-time four wheel drive and an AP-type front differential that substantially reduces torque-steer for improved handling in all riding conditions.

The Foreman Rubicon is Honda’s largest ATV, yet extensive weight saving measures have kept the Rubicon’s dry weight below 600 lbs, allowing this workhouse to be highly maneuverable and fun to ride when the chores are done.

Basic specifications

• Engine: liquid-cooled OHV 500cc four-stroke single cylinder, four valve head

• Lubrication: dry sump system with engine mounted oil tank

• Ignition: Electronic

• Starter: electric starter with auxilliary recoil

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

• Driveline: full time 4WD with AP-type front differential

• Suspension: front - independent with 6.7 inches of travel. rear - solid axle with twin shocks, 6.7 inches of travel

• Brakes: front - hydraulic triple-sealed drums. rear - hydraulic triple sealed drum

• Tires: front - 25x8-12, aluminum wheels. rear - 25x10-12, aluminum wheels

• Lighting: front - twin 30-watt halogen headlights. rear - twin 5-watt tail lights

• Instrumentation: digital readouts for speedometer, odometer/tripmeter, oil temperature, transmission mode, and clock/engine hours; lights for reverse, neutral, oil temperature warning

• Length: 81.5 inches

• Width: 46.7 inches

• Dry weight: 597 lbs

• Availability: May, 2000

More to follow. Be looking for more info about this new quad in the future right here.

For full story see Honda's Website