Honda DCT One Year Later - Mistake? 

Those transmissions are garbage. Get the Rincon.

I have a 2020 Rubicon DCT. I'm on the farm with cattle, a wild cow can outrun one of these. If you just want to toddle around, they are fine. In mud and snow, a gutless wonder. Transmission robs too much power. Buy an electric or foot shift.

Do not use the dct mode will save your trans a million

I have several Honda quads, none with DCT. A 2 clutch system?? More complicated system, the more potential for problems....

thanks for the video really appreciate it

I too have the hard shift or two when it’s cold. After that it’s perfect. Would buy it again too in a heartbeat.

You referred me to your channel from Facebook Honda 520 group (glad you did BTW) but I noticed that first thing when I brought mine, i didn’t test ride it or anything before I bought it, but I just unloaded it when I got it home, it caught that 2nd gear and jerked my head off, and I started shifting it by hand like I do my 450ES, and that works great for me. However I do like how I can let less experienced people ride it, and not have to worry about them abusing it, I love that factor, for a single man, I go through inexperience girlfriends that can’t exactly see if Honda ATV, except for this one. lol. I love it so far, I use it in southern Alaska, and in this part of the world a dependable ATV can make the difference between life and death, that’s why I’ve always stuck with Honda, no matter what model Honda, a Honda is very known for their reliability.

Honda really did FAIL with their computer programming setup for their machines, i have a 2019 Rubicon Deluxe, and when i switch to low gears, only a dash shows up on the display, and it will not shift above 1st gear, its a pain in the rear, i need to tow in hard places and would love to fix the issue.. also the lurching and clunking , its def not a consistently smooth ride always , and it should be for the prices we all pay to have these machines.. Step Up Honda!!

mine craped out at 1,500 miles, trans problems

Good video. Will be my next 4-wheeler for sure!

We had one of the first Honda 450 ES way back when, when they first come out, and it did the same thing back then, and every one we have had since then did the same thing. You just have to rock it, I don't understand why.

I have a 2013 honda rubicon dct solid rear axle 11 years laters its srill running with all original parts execpt oil and tires the most reliable quad ever built

Love my foot shift foreman

My 2023 Rubicon EPS DCT clutch died at 20km. Went for repair.. then 29.9km milage, the electronic shifter quit! Back at the shop. Honda Customer Service doesn’t care if the machine quits in the first 5km… they’ll keep tearing it apart to fix without replacing the machine, even if it’s BRAND NEW.

With the DCT you get the low/hi range function. How do you like having dual ranges? Is it worth getting the DCT in order to get the low range? Thanks!

I wish Honda would have a foot shift model with a low range

stay out of the mud and water with those the mud and water will mess up all the electronic connections and shit on it

The honda foot shifts dont shift good cold either, you have to ride around for 5-10 minutes before they shift good if it's cold at all. If you shift into reverse before it's warmed up on a cold day you cant shift out of it without coming right onto the shifter. Synthetic 5-40 oil helped but didnt cure the cold shifting issues. I have a foot shift and my brother has a dct 520 rubicon, I like the dct better, the foot shift was cheaper and should have less issues in mud/water but time will tell on that. The dct has better gear ratios than the foot shift for sure.

DCT is fine and durable if used with common sense.

Hard to listen to someone that has the screws turned up on there odi grips. Lol jk. Good video

My 2020 520 deluxe shifts like shit but when it warms up its fine

I grew up with Honda. I love my auto can am but if I buy another Honda I gotta have foot shift for my nostalgia

I have a 2013 Honda 420 with the DCT and it’s been a nightmare. I’ve changed sensors, shifter motor and after 100 kms same damn thing. I know a few people with same issues. Most are going to the foot shift 520 even though they lose the rear independant suspension

Does the fluid /pump circulate in park? If not put it in neutral during warmup and let the fluid get moving and warm.

Are those your and families birth years on the firewood? If your Canadian didn't you guys vote out pump shotguns? So they're illegal now? Nice video, do you think the Hondas have any weak points like towing/hard work? I would probably use it mostly for light work and fun but... Have a good one and be safe!

My 2008 forman shifts same when its cold ! I guess its normal!!!

I've got a '20 Rubicon and I had shift problems on occasion. Mine never happened in AUTO mode but most of the time I run manual mode. Out of nowhere it would just miss a shift and I would get the blinking dashes and it would be stuck in whatever gear you were in. If you pull to a stop and cycle the key the bike automatically would shift itself to neutral and would be fine again. This would happen once every ten rides or so. After I got the bike reprogrammed with the latest code I have only had it happen once. I could tell the shifts are different after the flash almost like they take a little longer. I feel like the issue is probably a shift motor that is not powerful enough. They do give you a manual shift lever that you can stick on the bike if you ever get in trouble but I have not had to use it. The dealer said things probably need to wear in and that maybe I am not riding aggressive enough. LoL. I also have a '16 Rancher DCT and it shifts flawlessly and the shifts are definately crisper and faster on it.

Fm1>dct

I got the foot shifter hopfully thats better

I don't have an atv,i have the Pioneer with the dct. 2019 model and so far i've had the sub trans replaced,and 4 shift control motors and a new ecm or whatever honda calls it. it's been sitting in the shop since January waiting for parts.it's had nothing but issues.worn out doors.foot pedals,steering rack,fuel pump,injector wires.steaming pile of shit.i bought a new can am atv without even considering a rubicon.the Pioneer is a yard machine now.it will never see another trail.

I really enjoy your videos. Keep up the good work in regards to this video hear about the DCT making the banging noise when shifting I was wondering what year your quad is I have a 2014 rancher DCT has never made that noise at all. Just curious as to your year. Any help would be appreciated. Thank you so much and keep up the good work. Thank you Thomas.

My wheels fell off. The engine blew up. The dealer said it's normal. LOL.

I ended up going with Can AM because of so many complaints about the DCT with Honda, and I test drove a used 2022 Honda Rancher with DCT and the thing had such a delay in shifting, even after ten plus minutes of riding, I passed on it. I had a rancher DCT 2013 and it NEVER did that!

The electric shift is not meant for the cold the angle sensors always give out get a foot shift

I have 2021 rubicon dct it’s a pile of junk. I have a can am 650 xt also it eats the Honda. Yes I know it’s a 650. But we have always had Hondas on the farm. The old 300 was a better machine. Shifting is terrible. Stupid thing always shifts at the wrong time and seems gutless! Oh and currently at 200 miles it is all apart in the shop as it is stuck with code 32!

you should by a yamaha my friend they are best machine on the market

I've had a very bad experience with a brand new kodiak 450 2022( vibratiion and freeplay in the drive train) and even worst experience with an incompetant yamaha dealer. Plus the arrogancy of yamaha canada. Will be trading it for a 2023 rubicon eps footshift ....and losing a lot of money.

Could you swap a foot shift into a dct or would you need to drill and tap the case

Has yours smoothed out any while jn Auto? I just got a 2024 Rubicon and when I got home and rode it and realized how hard it shifted while in Auto, it was very concerning. I grew up riding a 2004 Honda Rancher and smooth as butter. When I called the dealer to ask him about it, he said it will break in and learn shift points and be butter smooth by 100 hour mark. Idk if I believe that….

I have the same atv just wondering what kind and size of tires you are using thanks

Weak battery

I have never had a DCT and my first was a foot shift and the rest gave all been ES and I love the Electric Shift very much. I tried to buy a new Rubicon with the DCT and they couldn't get one (2021) so I bought a CF MOTO CFORCE 600 2021 and I have been pretty happy with it with over 1000 miles and no problems I have three Hondas and one being my 2004 Foreman with 9000+ miles with $86 in repairs in 20 years and I just had to put breaks on it $56 parts and $275 labor. I do love my Hondas

2003 trx 450 es, 15,000 km shifts perfect with good batteries. Loved the shifting in that bike just needed more hp. 2015 trx 500 dct rubicon. Shifting is not as reliable, and more clunky, but always works and gets you home. Amsoil 0 w 40 helps the shifting also. Worth the money. These bikes are never a speed demon but turns 27" tires just fine in the mud. Worst part about a honda is doing the valve adjustment at 10,000 km. But most quads never get that many km's anyways.

2008 honda 420 DCT Canadian Trail Edition. Rock solid. Keep a spare electric shift motor to swap (disassemble and clean the old one) and keep your battery in good shape. DCTs like good voltage.

Everyone talks about Honda's reliability and yes they were, thing is they was 20 years behind the other manufacturers with drum brakes and just a basic, air cooled engine and horrible suspension. Don't get me wrong, I like Honda and they are finally starting to add some technology to their machines but with technology comes problems, simple works but simple is comfy and easy. Good looking machine, I think those make great working use atvs and no doubt Honda will stand behind their product always.

I'm between a 570 sportsman or this Rubicon 520, what's your input on polaris to this Rubicon. Thanks

Are you still happy with the 26 inch tires ? Did they rob any performance or handling from the stock size ?

Does the rubicon 520 share dct with the pioneer 520? Because I have the pioneer 520 and it shifts reliably but it’s rough and clunky as hell. Which isn’t what Honda is typically known for. Just turned 200 hours and hasn’t gotten any better.

I have had a can am and a Polaris hate both they have belts I live in British Columbia Canada I do serious riding in wet areas both have let me down because of water belts slip going back to manual shift

What are those tires?

WHAT SIZE ARE THE TIRES?

Thanks for this! Helped convince me to get the base foot shift.

I have a 2013 Honda Rancher 420 4x4 and I absolutely love it. I was looking at a new one earlier this year and was thinking of getting a new one but i decided to keep my old Honda instead.

tried and true HONDA

Anywhere to buy after market accessories for it?

How many kms do you get per tank roughly?

I have an older model, how much shorter are the seats on the newer models, than those older ones?

What is best for doing yard work and trail riding, foreman or rubicon?

Run like hell from DCT,

I own a 2023 Rubicon and it's in the shop. It starts and it shifts into drive, neutral and reverse but won't go anywhere when you hit the gas. 20 hrs and 159km. Disappointed I am! Here's hoping I didn't get the lemon of the bunch.

Bangs like butter ❤

Honda killed itself when they said cvt was a terrible idea,and they would never use it. They are killing themselves,by not admitting their mistake. Polaris has taken over with their innovation and fearless attitude towards new machines. If it wasn’t for Polaris we would still be driving a two wheel drive 250.

Full synthetic 5w30 hp4s helps tremendously with the cold shifting.

How big are those tires? Bighorns? 2.0 or regular? And were you able to fit bigger/wider tires on stock wheels? I just picked up the rubicon deluxe and I love it so far. Just need to replace the small tires it came with.

Please speak english. I don't know what a kelo meter is. I know what a mile per hour is. This is America we speak english

I've got a 2017 Honda Rancher with the DCT and it's a total piece of crap! As of April 8th of 2023 it's in the shop again with 300 miles and 70 hours usage. This is the second time it has broken down and won't start. The first time it was only a week old and it took the dealer 3 weeks to fix it. I can't tell you how many times that I've had to turn it on and off a dozen times to get it to go into neutral and start. Please don't tell people to buy these as everyone that I've talked to that has a Honda with DCT regrets buying it. I only use mine on occasion to check my fence line a couple of times per year thus the low miles, never swamped it or abused it in any way. Still looks brand new but after I get it back this time is going to be sold and I'm getting something else.

I’ve owned a couple Hondas in the past but for even general riding, just not enough power to be any fun. I’ve had an older Suzuki King Quad 750(08 model) that I bought used just over 5 years ago. Love this machine. Got just over 7000 miles or around 11k km on it and other than routine maintenance and 4th set of tires, no issues. Still original belt even. Plenty of power for most people, very capable and good range for a tank of fuel. I’d highly recommend one for anyone. I like the new Can Am 700 as well as I saw you mentioned it in another comment. Some can am fans are bummed the 650 twin is gone but the new single looks solid and will go head to head with the King Quad 750 and Grizzly 700 and will be strong competition for both. The 850 and 1000 are still available if you want to spend the extra money for ultimate performance.

What a useless review for someone wanting a long term machine of any kind. My Honda rancher still foot shifts fine after 20 years. The most important thing to me is dependability or longevity. You can’t judge this by just one year.