Yep, I need a big ATV with a solid motor and huge towing capacity to haul my gear up the mountain and haul the gear and an elk back down the mountain……
This is the model I chose in bronze. I just completed the initial break-in service, and so far it has surpassed all expectations. Being an old diehard manual shift trike guy (still riding my 350X and 250ES), I am completely sold on Honda reliability. However, turning 57 this year, I have decided I need to switch to a ride that doesn't beat me up so much. The Rubicon rides like a cloud, soaking up the bumps. My old back really appreciates that! The removal of the rack loop bars on the new models was a disappointment to me, since I was accustomed to using that loop on my Big Red. After needing to strap down some loads that extended over the back edge of the rack, I have reconsidered. The flat rack surface allows for more load configurations. I don't miss the loop bar at all. The low horsepower is actually perfect for this machine. It has all the power I need for any task (unless you are thinking about mounting big heavy tires and sinking it in the mud bogs) , yet is NOT so overpowered it tears itself apart. Top speed @ 46mph is just right for me, and I rarely find occasion to go that fast on any trails. I just need a reliable comfortable quad that can climb rocky Arkansas hills, traverse creeks a couple of feet deep, pull a small trailer around the farm, and not leave me exhausted and sore at the end of the ride. I found that in this model Rubicon. A perfect 'old man' ride.
I’m in the same boat as you as far as age and farm needs. I need to pull large round hay bales that can be 1,500+ pounds. This 520 has a tow limit of 1,200 pounds. Seems like I should look at another machine. What are your opinions on tow capacity? What would you consider as an alternative for heavier towing? Thx
@@NJBeachbum12 I regularly pull a trailer loaded with firewood out of my woods that weighs @ 2000 lbs. As long as the trail is dry and solid and I balance it right, it pulls that load with no problems, though the IRS will sag a bit with that tongue weight. If you tow that much weight everyday, then you would be better off getting the solid rear axle model of the Foreman, so the weight is not on the suspension. If your terrain is hilly or muddy, you'll need a heavier machine to pull that much weight, such as a tractor. Towing a 1500 lbs hay bale/trailer through a muddy pasture with a 700 lbs quad is not an ideal situation. It can be done, but I would not buy a 520 for that specific purpose. I am not familiar with the SxS models, but they should be heavier with a higher tow capacity. Maybe that would be an option as opposed to a tractor. Hard to go joy riding, camping, or hunting with a tractor, so one would have to have a powerful need for that kind of strong towing ability that can't really be useful in other roles.
I’m 60 and just want a good snow plowing machine and something to help around the place doing yard and garden work that won’t tear up my yard. Maybe I should order one???😎😎
Went to Honda Power sports dealership to go see Honda Rubicon and such a nice atv. And its alot bigger then i thought it was. Nice and comfortable to sit on
I just bought the grizzly 700 because the Honda was just too underpowered. Replaced a 04 arctic cat 650 so stepping down to a single 520 was the deal breaker with going for the grizzly. The grizzly is still underpowered I find and needs more. Yamaha and Honda need a 850 twin in the line up to compete with the rest. If Honda dropped a 800 or 850 I’d be the first on the list to order … but the 520 rubicon just isn’t cutting it anymore when you compare to the competition.
Long time Honda fan (have had more than a dozen in the last 20 yrs) but I had considered switching because their models just weren't keeping up with the competition to fit my riding style. I'm honestly glad they are choosing the 500 class to "upgrade" the trail models. I think this rubicon will be my next one. Sorry, though, the cheap looking reflectors hanging off the back just doesn't look right to me. Wish they would just put the dual tail lights in.
I wanted a new Rubicon until they got rid of the hoop on the racks. I’ve used them all the time hauling stuff around the hilly yard on my racks without sliding off. Now I would have to tie everything down. I know it’s for their new accessory applications but for other things it’s a must like hauling your Deer/Elk out. I know you have to pick up the animal over the hoop but it keeps it from sliding off even when the tie downs break. If they don’t bring that hoop back I’ll have to add them myself.
If Honda would just get their HP numbers up a little to say 40-45 and increase top end speed to around 65 mph, they would appeal to a larger range of riders and probably give Polaris a run for their money. That being said, Honda is still the way to go in my opinion.
I agree- I have a big red and keep coming to check to see if they came out with something more powerful so I could buy one. I'd get the Rincon but front diff lock is an absolute must.
I gotten the 2021 model rubicon and love it added some things over time changed the headlights out to Led and same with the handlebar headlight gotten new rims since honda had a 400 dollar accessories promotion going on got over 500 miles on it today
Thanks bud, I really appreciate the kind words as I've been trying my best to improve these videos from where we were at less than a year ago. This has been a LOT more difficult than I imagined lol but baby steps!
Thanks for the video, I could only get a deposit down on the manual shift rubicon, so was hoping not to regret taking the manual… I feel better after this video
Yessir, thank you for watching! I don't think you'll regret it one bit, the DCT is nice and will spoil you no doubt about it and has been reliable but many years down the road... running into possible transmission issues is something you won't have to worry about and that's a nice peace of mind at the end of the day, especially if you're someone that keeps your toys for an extended amount of time ;)
If they bumped to 600cc and closer horsepower rating to the King Quad or Grizzly I would be all in. My 21 King Quad 750 seemed to have more ass in when I tested them both out.
I really like the 2022 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 Automatic DCT EPS Deluxe (in the blue). One thing I wish this come with is a winch in the price. Going to the Honda site and adding this bumps the price tag up around $700+. That alone caused me to go with the 2022 Yahama Kodiak 700 EPS SE. You get the winch plus more horsepower. It's just a little more for your money. Honda, please come up with a little better package, while at the same time, staying compatible with the competition! When you do that, count me in.
I own a 2009 Foreman… still runs awesome and i really don’t see any major upgrades so.. why bother. Certainly NOT getting any cheaper, im keeping it till’ the wheels fall off.
If you live in the USA and purchased a 2022 model year with a straight axle, it's either a Recon, Rancher or Foreman. There are no straight axle Rubicon models for the 2022 year model lineup from Honda, trust me ;) If you'd like help determining what you really have etc, you're more than welcome to shoot me an email to Kevin@HondaProKevin.com and I'll help out.
Honda needs to make a factory 2 seater model,i cant have a passenger because the seat i put on the rear rack isn’t “ factory “ i wonder if they made the honda connect system with a rear seat if that would be good enough so i can ride with a passenger 🤔🤔
A 2up from Honda woukd be sweet & I would buy but I read an article once explaining why Honda won’t make one & why they made the 50” Pioneer. Honda did have a lawsuit with their ATC’s & Odysse/Pilot ATV’s. Their always thinking of safety in mind & I doubt they would ever make a seat to go on the rack. I’ve seen after market ones with a warning label saying it’s a seat when your parked & not intended for passengers.
I like the looks of the wheels and tires but 14" are too big for that vehicle with that horse power. Ist would be awesome with that same tire and wheel but only in a 12".
Love Honda and when it comes to there reliability I am sold,but do wish you could get more options, and wish they would get the big boy ricon up with the Rubicon
just wish that honda will have the rincon in as a spec'd out option with esp. since it is the fastest 4x4 in the lineup. but other than that, i think the rubicon is awesome from what i can tell.
I have never used an ATV for snow removal, but am considering buying one for next winter season, I am unsure which ATV to buy, but several say Honda is one of the best, what do you say
Great video. Unfortunately no matter how much I want that Honda reliability I had to just buy a Polaris 570 Trail edition because the Rubicon is under powered to do what I need on my little hobby farm. I rode my brother’s 2018 Rubicon and it seemed to have less power than my 2004 Polaris 600, of course it doesn’t, but it felt like it. I think if they could jump the 520 to over 42hp Honda could get back in the conversation.
Appreciate it! You're definitely not alone there bud. As more and more years go by, people are becoming more unhappy with Honda's low horsepower numbers. Their reliability can't be matched BUT the other guys are getting more reliable year after year while offering higher hp numbers while Honda is keeping their reliability strong but not improving where they need it - like the competition. I'm as big of a Honda fanboy as they come but I can also recognize the holes in their game when it comes to stacking up against the other guys. Here's to hoping we see some horsepower bumps soon as the Foreman / Rubicon / Rincon models desperately need it - in my opinion.
Remove the hp and you will see that a Honda Rubicon is a better utility machine when you account for Honda's reputation of reliability. I would rather have the Honda Rubicon for the use case you described.The below are specs that I would personally consider if I had a small hobby farm. Honda Rubicon Deluxe EPS Towing Capacity: 1322 lbs. Front Rack Capacity: 99 lbs. steel rack Rear Rack Capacity: 187 lbs. steel rack Breaks: Dual lever hydraulic discs with additional foot break Transmission: 5-speed manual with Automatic DCT option Dimensions: 84.5 L x 47.4 W x 48.6 H with a 51 inch wheel base Wet Weight: 722 lbs. Polaris 570 Sportsman EPS Towing Capacity: 1350 lbs. (2022 models updated from previous 1225 lbs.) Front Rack Capacity: 90 lbs composite Rear Rack Capacity: 180 lbs. composite Breaks: Single level hydraulic disks with additional foot break Transmission: Automatic PVT (CVT) Dimensions: 83 L x 48 W x 47 H with a 50.5 inch wheel base Dry Weight: 753 lbs. (couldn't find a wet weight but it would obviously be more) Don't get me wrong, the Sportsman 570 is an AMAZING machine! I would not hesitate to buy a 570, especially if top end speed was high on my priority list. The 570 has proven itself as a reliable engine over many years.
lol I know guys who haul thousands of lbs of wood on trailers with a lot less HP than this. What is it with guys these days convinced they need so much more power ????
I wonder why the rubicon has a higher towing capacity then the Forman with the same engine?. I would think the Forman with the solid axle would have a higher towing capacity. I only use mine for the farm so I chose the ranch 420 solid axle and I tow extremely heavy with it. I figured having the independent rear axle would really sag and squat once you put a heavy load on it.
Hey Dustin, that's an interesting question... I'm just a Honda enthusiast (not an expert), but I'll take a stab at your question. First of all, in terms of actually pulling, I think you're right, the SRA would be my preference even when pulling a heavy load (especially on flat ground). My guess is that it's a safety requirement because of the different break types. The Rubicon has (in my opinion), a better break set up with the dual disc breaks front/back, providing better stopping power than the drum break on the Foreman SRA. Also, I know that Honda has re-geared the Rubicon in the low-mid range which might also be helping it. That said, I have used Honda SRA machines for nearly 40 years and they are rock solid tanks that can pull more than the spec sheet indicates. I currently drive a Rubicon, but I freaking LOVE the Foreman SRA machines. If a world wide apocalypse started tomorrow I would take the Foreman SRA over any other machine on the market without question.
When is honda ever going to put in v twin engine that puts out 89 horse power with foxes 3.0 shocks in there atvs? With the dinosaur atv they should put in engine Talent in with with 100hp atv with foxes 3.0 shocks and a cold air intake and performance exhaust system and keep the front diff lock in it and the should think about a 2up atv and a diesel engine atv with front diff lock and a manual foot shift
The last ATV I had was a Honda Rincon excellent machine had great suspension had a wanke 3-speed transmission but at least it was a lot better than a rubber band. I wish Honda would come back with a decent mid-size ATV that has the capability to sit two up and have that great suspension the way the Rincon did but put in the transalp 755 motor with the DCT 6-speed transmission. Employ a whole bunch of electronics and you would have one heck of a winner people would pay for that no problem at all. Honda you already know this why don't you just build the damn thing.
@@HondaProKevin Thanks! aha yea it does I'm going on 3 weeks waiting now,, one of these days will be a good day as it should be here any day now,, I'm just happy to actually be able to get one its like a 8 month waiting list here where I live "on an island " covid has everything messed up
Well done! If we ever take back our country I’m downsizing from a Can Am Outlander Max Xt 570, a great machine but we never go to trails as planned, to a 420. Thanks
Thank you that was a great video. I want to get tracks cuz I'm tired of not being able to get into my normal places after snow storms and then the mud after it's melts. Were I ride is super rocky rough an steep. Were the dirt is clay. Harder then a rock in summer but will turn to soup in winter. Which Rubicon model would you choose for my needs. I was thinking the 6 model or the deluxe.
That's a difficult decision that only you can answer bud ;) Personally, Yamaha is the next in line to what I'd buy if it's not a Honda as it's hard to go wrong either way. The Grizzly murders it in the power department but the Rubicon has features the Grizzly doesn't and vice versa. I'd check them both out, weigh the nitty-gritty differences between them and see which one pulls at your heart-strings the most.
at what coolant temp does the fan kick in? how much noise does it make? does it move hot air over your legs or is it ducted away from the rider? Thanks & Cheers from Louisiana.
Thanx Kevin I enjoyed the video….. I’m kinda looking for two 520 Rubicon s deluxe I believe it’s the FM7 ….. my dealer is only getting one I believe….. I like the Blue color since I don’t need camo….. was looking at the 2021s but like the 2022 you just showed me….. thanx again 👍
Thank you, really appreciate the kind words bud! Technically, the FM7 was a Deluxe but it was the foot-shift model and Honda dropped it in 2017 if my memory is correct. I may be off by a year though, I'd have to look it up to be 100% sure. In the current lineup, the FA7 is the Deluxe. A = Automatic and M = Manual and the 7 means Deluxe. Oh yeah, that new blue looks killer in person! Sadly, everything is so hard to come by these days. Before this rona mess, you could walk into any Honda dealer and they've have what you wanted or could get it in a matter of days but maaaan oh man have things changed sadly!
@@cmg1238 Correct, I never said they don't make a foot shift Rubicon anymore ;) They dropped the foot shift Rubicon FM5 & FM7 models but have kept the FM6 around.
Yessir, hard to beat a foot-shift when you're thinking long term ownership and knowing that there's soooo much less to potentially tear up down the road.
Horsepower haha I still ride a older 2000 Suzuki king quad 300 4x4 I get by because of the low center of gravity and having High,low and super low with differential lock for get Horsepower
You mentioned the EPS system has been fairly bulletproof, do you have any experience with the DCT system? The foot shift seems a more logical choice for Honda's atvs, but interested in your opinion.
Yessir, quite a bit of experience with the DCT system after selling these over the last 15 years. The only DCT models I have seen first-hand have some "hiccups" was the 2016-2017 Pioneer 1000 models but then Honda ironed that out completely in 2018 after updates etc. Of course you'll be able to find an outlier here and there online but for the most part, they've been great and I have yet to see an ATV have a DCT problem since their first one rolled out in 2014. Just make sure to use Low properly (a lot of people don't) so you don't burn through the clutches and you're golden. The foot-shift models are definitely the most reliable at the end of the day as you just have less to go wrong and when you start ramping up the number of units sold, there will be less with problems so-to-say. However, I wouldn't let that sway me from buying a current generation DCT if I wanted the ease of an automatic and also wanted that sub-transmission.
@@HondaProKevin great information ! My question is: are these two different transmissions, or same mechanical internal functions with one being actuated manually by foot and the other through electronic components ? DCT ( Dual Clutch Transmission) the manual shift transmission does not have the dual clutch ? I’m a little bit confused. My other question is which one do you think would provide the best fuel economy, manual or DCT ?
@@NorthwoodsNomad Thank you, I don't know if I'd say "great" but I have a lot of useless Honda info stuck in my head lol ;) Good question! They are two entirely different transmissions. Now the ES models have the same gearbox as the manual shift models but with electronics controlling gear shifts. But with the DCT models, it's a different ballgame internally. Here's a link explaining more about how the DCT works www.hondaprokevin.com/2022-honda-rubicon-520-deluxe-dct-eps-4x4-atv-review-specs-trx520fa7 and then here's another link showing how it all works too but with more pictures explaining the process www.hondaprokevin.com/automatic-motorcycles-dct-review-dual-clutch-transmission-specs-auto-clutch-bikes-model-lineup-overview/ . The last link is technically showing motorcycles with the DCT but it's the same with how the internals operate and having auto / manual modes etc. When it comes to fuel economy, they are so close you wouldn't be able to distinguish a difference between them. Hopefully that info helps and answers your questions bud ;)
@@HondaProKevin Excellent ! Thanks for sharing these links , this was a very detailed and comprehensive breakdown . I’ve never had or rode an automatic transmission ATV , I’m kinda old school about having a machine that’s just durable , reliable and simple without a lot of gadgetry , but this certainly captures my curiosity after watching these videos . That DCT appears to be state of the art technology that has a proven track records to date . I don’t know 🤷♂️ I enjoy driving manual shift vehicles/ motorcycles etc , it just gets you as a rider more engaged in the whole riding experience. I might feel lazy or like something is missing if went to an automatic lol 😂
@@HondaProKevin How does DCT handle water? I mean technically it's still a manual since there's no belt right? I just go through a fair bit of water and don't want to deal with any slipping or problems and don't want to have to snorkel unless I want to. I could go through deep water with an unsnorkeled 2011 Grizzly 700 and never had a problem.
Exactly! There's nothing more I despise than a CVT setup, I just don't care for how they feel when riding. On a scooter they're okay but everything else - no thank you. Some people love them but I've never been a fan.
@@HondaProKevin i can imagine why Honda doesn’t put bigger engines on there ATV’s but then do want go 70plus on heavy narrow atv? Nah just save it for the Talon.
@@HondaProKevin lastly if Polaris or can am gives Honda crap. About the Talon power Honda could just Drop a Similar engine to the K series or even J series. Then that be the end of other brands. Happy Hondaing 😎
Foot shift models but they left out the low range,that's crazy,low is mandatory in so many situations,I would have a order in for one right now if they had it.
I’ve thought about that same question for a long time & only reasonable answer I could think of is safety. They had lawsuits in the past with the ATC, Odyssey & Pilot ATV. Anything bigger than a 700 should probably have a roll cage like in there Pioneer & Talon. They never been in tbe CC wars & I can’t see them putting a 1000cc in a Quad. Even if they did put a bigger motor in it they would limit on how fast it goes. There’s no sense of me going over 50mph on my Rubicon & that’s the fastest I ever gotten on a county road. Can’t go real fast in the mountains anyways because there windy, steep & rocky plus so many people on the trails to look out for. My top speed is mostly 25mph. I can’t see why I need anything bigger than a 500 & anything heavier I couldn’t manhandle it to get myself unstuck. I never wished it had more power because it tows & climbs everything I’ve thrown at it. Maybe this is how Honda thinks & mostly caters to the utility side to be used for Farmers, Ranchers & Hunters I know Honda is still in the Stone Age & they surprised me with the locking front end.
Honda has always and will probably always be very vague on this subject as there are soooo many variables and every engineer or engine builder that you asked will have a different response. If you read Honda's manuals front to back, the only thing you'll find is "avoid full throttle starts and rapid acceleration" during that initial break-in timeframe. So in other words, if you want to follow Honda's guidelines don't be at a complete stop and give it 100% throttle and don't go wide open when accelerating lol. Hope that helps bud ;)
Honda need's 2 cylider and 1000cc engines with DCT and also foot shift. I think a lot of people is wauting for these😁 me also. But i think these wouldnt come to Finland ever🤦🤦 or its gona cost more than house🤣
i feel like they need to add power like 50 or 60 if the can cause i love honda's but i feel like the they need to spice things up even tho the 520 is already bullet proof and another thing is i think its the valves that tick but idk every honda that i have heard has it and the plastics omg they scratch and fade very easy i feel like they are very cheaply made
As much as I'd love to see 50-60 horsepower, I doubt we'll see those numbers anytime soon. I could see Honda eventually doing a Rincon 1000 with the Pioneer 1000's tune so it'd be around the 70hp mark and if they'd at least get the 520 in the 40'ish hp mark with the Rancher right at 30, it'd be a step up from where we're at currently with their slightly anemic numbers and make a lot of people happy. Of course I'd rather see that 50-60 mark than 40'ish though lol but here's to wishful thinking! lol yessir, their valves have been pretty audible for quite some time - whether it be an ATV, motorcycle or car! I'm hoping painted plastics start to become more of a standard thing as they hold up so much better and don't scratch just by looking at them like their regular plastics. You'd think after so many decades and all of the manufacturers using plastics that we'd have some miracle substance made that would help keep these plastics looking good over time. Heck, it's wild how many new units come in fresh in the crate that have tons of scratches all over them with 0 miles on the clock! It's 2022, we need to figure this out sooner or later lol!
@@HondaProKevin yeah that sounds very nice but like u said unless they just magicaly figure it out how to get the 50hp mark just as reliable as the simple but rugged design as the the 520 i dont think it would be possible anytime soon
I wish I could but since I'm not employed by a Honda dealer anymore after the doors closing earlier this year, I can no longer sell the HondaCare Protection Plan. Thank you for checking with me though, I really appreciate it ;)
100%! A lot of people don't think about how much adding more rotational mass slows them down and changes how they handle etc. Plenty of pros and cons either way but like with anything though, we all like to modify them differently and sooooo many modify theirs off of just looks alone so whatever floats your boat so-to-say lol ;)
Yes sorry as much as Honda is built to last supposedly they're just under powered. So driving something that's half the power of other machines just doesn't work for me but I have to do that to get it to be bulletproof I might as well get out of the sport
Ahh, thanks for the heads up on that! In 15 years of selling Honda ATVs, I never once had a customer get me to install a windshield or even have one come back in with a windshield lol so I'm clueless when it comes to firsthand experience on them. Utah is on my bucket list of places to go ride off-road! I've lost count of all the videos I've watched from people out there and the trails / views look amazing...
I think it should be sacrilegious to make an automatic four-wheeler. They should all come manual with foot shifter. Back in the 80s when we had a 3-wheeler that's exactly the way they came. With a foot shifter. Fuck all of us automatic bulshit
