2017 Honda Foreman Rubicon Preview

Lucas Cooney
by Lucas Cooney
New painted plastics highlights 2017 Rubicon


Honda is bringing back its top 500-class ATV for 2017 – the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon. This is an ATV Honda says “represents an ideal balance of work and play.”

While the Rubicon is essentially the same ATV that was redesigned for the 2015 model year, Honda did dress it in painted plastic for 2017 – a first for a Honda ATV.

Four Rubicon models are available for 2017: Rubicon 4×4 EPS, Rubicon 4×4 DCT, Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS and Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS Deluxe. The base Rubicon 4×4 features a five-speed manual transmission, while the three DCT models boast automatic dual clutch transmission.


2017 Honda Rubicon Models


Foreman Rubicon 4×4 EPSForeman Rubicon 4×4 DCTForeman Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPSForeman Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS Deluxe
TraxLok 2WD/4WDYesYesYesYes
Independent Rear SuspensionYesYesYesYes
Electronic Fuel InjectionYesYesYesYes
Manual TransmissionYesNoNoNo
Automatic DCT Transmission with Drive/LowNoYesYesYes
Electric Power SteeringYesNoYesYes

Each 2017 Rubicon is powered by a 475cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine that is mounted longitudinally in the ATV and produces a claimed 29 horsepower.

Also making its way across the Rubicon family is independent double wishbone front suspension controlling 7.28 inches of travel and independent dual A-arm rear suspension doling out 8.46 inches of travel.

2017 Honda Rubicon 4x4 DCT Red

2017 Honda Rubicon 4×4 DCT

Other features include electronic fuel injection, dual 190mm front disc brakes and single 170mm rear disc brake, 25-inch tires, 9.4 inches of ground clearance, 3.9-gallon fuel capacity, 1,322 pounds of towing capacity and a curb weight ranging from 690 to 719 pounds.

Upgrade to the Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS Deluxe and receive cast aluminum wheels, polished headlights, red-painted suspension components and decals.

2017 Honda Rubicon 4x4 DCT Deluxe

2017 Honda Rubicon 4×4 DCT Deluxe

Pricing for 2017 Rubicon models starts at $8,599 and you’ll start seeing them at your local Honda dealership in August.


2017 Honda Rubicon Colors


  • Foreman Rubicon 4×4 EPS: Red, Olive, Active Yellow
  • Foreman Rubicon 4×4 Automatic DCT: Red, Olive
  • Foreman Rubicon 4×4 Automatic DCT EPS: Olive
  • Foreman Rubicon 4×4 Automatic DCT EPS Deluxe: Honda Phantom Camo, Matte Gray Metallic


2017 Honda Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS Specs


ENGINE
Engine Type475cc liquid-cooled OHV longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke engine
Bore And Stroke92.0mm x 71.5mm
InductionPGM-FI
StarterElectric with optional auxiliary recoil
DRIVE TRAIN
ClutchAutomatic
TransmissionFive-speed automatic dual-clutch transmission with reverse
DrivelineDirect front and rear driveshafts with TraxLok® and locking front differential
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION/BRAKES
Front SuspensionIndependent double-wishbone; 7.28 inches travel
Rear SuspensionIndependent dual-arm; 8.46 inches travel
Front Brake190mm hydraulic discs
Rear Brake170mm hydraulic disc
Front Tire25 x 8-12
Rear Tire25 x 10-12
DIMENSIONS
Length84.5 inches
Width47.4 inches
Height48.6 inches
Wheelbase50.9 inches
Seat Height35.8 inches
Ground Clearance9.4 inches
Curb Weight719 pounds (includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel—ready to ride)
Fuel Capacity3.9 gallons, including 1.3-gallon reserve
Towing Capacity1,322 pounds
OTHER
Model IdTRX500FA6
EmissionsMeets current California Air Resources Board (CARB) and EPA off-road emissions standards
Available ColorsOlive
NoteNo operator under age 16. Honda recommends that all ATV riders take a training course and read their owners manual thoroughly.
Lucas Cooney
Lucas Cooney

I have been working exclusively in digital media since 1997. I started out with TSN.ca, spending nearly nine years creating and editing content on Canada's leading sports website. I left to join VerticalScope, Inc., one of the world's largest online publishers, to start a number of powersports publications. While at VerticalScope, I've helped create and oversee content for a wide variety of different publications, including ATV.com, Off-Road.com, ArcheryTalk.com, Tractor.com, RVGuide.com, and many more.

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