2017 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 ATV Review

June 6, 2017

Honda's Rubicon is no speed demon, but it is no slouch either. The 500 engine mated to a transmission that allows you to shift or go automatic, allows you to change how it works depending on your terrain.ATV Rider

Performance Chart	2017 Honda Pioneer 500
Power Rating:	4
Suspension:	4
Steering:	4
Seating comfort/ergonomics:	4
Tires:	5
Brakes:	5
Engine Braking:	5 (2mph)
Overall Handling:	4
Fit N Finish:	5
Storage/racks:	4
Total:	44

For work, leaving everything in auto mode can get the job done. The chassis is super comfortable and stabile when working around the ranch. The machine starts and stops easy and goes into reverse without a hitch if you get used to the procedure.ATV Rider

This was Hondas first machine featuring push button shifting and the first ATV with front diff lock. We had to show Honda engineers and test riders what type of trails guys do with these quads to convince them to add diff lock and we are glad they did.ATV Rider

2017 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 ATV ReviewATV Rider

Everything on the Honda is straight forward and is easy to understand.ATV Rider

2017 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 ATV ReviewATV Rider

The Rubicon features stylish steel racks with lots of tie down points. What additional storage that is provided is pretty limited but useful.ATV Rider

The Foreman has aggressive foot pegs that will keep the rider stabile in wet or dry conditions. Ergos are great with all the controls within reach.ATV Rider

If you want to ride the Honda in a sporty manner, it has to be switched into EPS mode. The shifting is quick and precise and in manual mode it never hunts for gears or shifts when you don't want it to.ATV Rider

Suspension action is surprisingly good on the Foreman. Small jumps and big bumps are plush and it was tough to find the limits.ATV Rider

No matter how hard you carve corners, the Rubicon will handle it. It's one of the most stabile 4X4's we have tested. The steering is way more predictable and neutral feeling than it is on the smaller Honda Ranchers.ATV Rider

Being there is a large range of engine and chassis sizes available in the 4x4 catagory we are in the process of looking at a group of our favorites from each brand. The comparison will be machines right at the $10,000 mark and not a specific displacement. Shear power will not have an advantage although we payed close attention to power feel, low range grunt and overall smoothness of operation. Each machine will be judged on usefulness and rideability for work and play. We rated them all using the same seat of the pants feel on technical and smooth trails as well as how they did around a working ranch. In the comparison we will explain why we rated each section as we did.