2014 HONDA FOREMAN
Press release date: 12th March 2014
Model updates: The definitive do-it-all workhorse ATV receives a brand new chassis with more suspension travel, electronic diff. lock, adjustable spring preload front and rear plus improved durability. Also upgraded are bodywork, rider comfort, electrical system, headlights and EPS option; the engine is also 10% more fuel-efficient.
Contents:
1 Introduction
2 Updates in brief
3 Updates in detail
4 Model variants
5 Technical specifications
1. Introduction
A Honda ATV is the ultimate work mate. Each is built with the quality, technology and reliability that only Honda can inject and last for years, providing unstoppable service in all conditions and weathers.
The TRX500 Foreman is the benchmark do-it-all ATV. It’s the full-power, full-sized machine in the Honda range, made for hard work and hauling heavy loads.
With switchable 2/4wd for speed or grip and powerful hydraulic disc brakes to match, the Foreman covers rough ground with ease. And its longitudinally mounted single-cylinder drives hard through a five-speed gearbox and automatic clutch.
Getting the job done efficiently is what the Foreman is all about and for 2014 Honda has taken its heavy hitter back to the drawing board, improving performance and all-round ability with an all-new chassis and host of technical upgrades.
2. Updates in brief
3. Updates in detail
Frame
Computer Aided Engineering (CAE) was used to redesign the frame and it’s 20% stiffer than the previous model – and 2.26kg lighter. Its rigidity balance has been carefully tuned to reduce harshness and give a smoother ride; the overall result is more precise handling and control plus improved stability.
Front Suspension
The independent double wishbone design gets an extra 15mm travel, giving a total of 185mm for better front tyre traction, steering accuracy and rider comfort. The suspension settings have been revised and spring preload can now be adjusted to suit loads carried.
Rear Suspension
The rear drive shaft axle is now enclosed for greater protection and support of the drive bearings. The rear disc brake has been re-sited inside the right rear wheel, out of harm’s way. Rubber bushings absorb loads between frame and swingarm at the pivot point; they’re bonded to an inner and outer collar so debris cannot intrude. Suspension travel is again increased 15mm to 185mm.
TraxLok
TraxLok allows easy selection on the move of either 2wd or 4wd – 2wd gives lighter steering on flat ground, while 4wd maximizes traction. A differential locker system has been added; at the push of a button the Foreman will go from 2wd to 4wd with the TraxLok differential engaged; rotating the switch locks out the diff. in 4wd mode. An LED indicator light shows diff. lock engagement.
Speed Over Ride
Speed is limited to 20mph in normal use, but a Speed Over Ride feature is integrated into the starter button. For speeds up to 40mph (and to get the increased wheel speed needed to deal with deep mud) the starter can be pushed and held.
CV Joint Protection
Plastic CV Joint boots have replaced rubber. The revised inboard and outboard boot guard layout improves protection and the plastic boots themselves have 65% greater puncture resistance and twice the tear strength. Sealed steering knuckle bearings add durability.
Styling
The Foreman’s new bodywork maintains its ability to protect from mud and flying debris, plus the unique floorboards that allow the rider’s feet to grip the footrests while keeping away mud and debris. The one-piece tank cover and side panels can be removed without tools and give immediate access to the engine, the fuel tank, intake system and electrical components.
Increasing practicality the steel front rack can now carry and extra 10kg, at 40kg total; the rear rack has been beefed up to haul 80kg. The maximum weight capacity is now 250kg.
Lighting
New dual front headlights feature 35/35W bulbs, as opposed to 30/30W giving increased output with light distribution more focused in low and high beam. The assist light now operates independently of the main headlights – it can be off when on low beam, and turns on with high beam. It can also be turned off if the front rack is loaded.
Instruments
The digital odometer, trip and hour meter are joined by a clock, coolant temperature gauge, ‘maintenance minder’ system (hours and mile/km) and diff. lock indicator. It’s also easy to change between mile/km and mph or km/h.
Electrical Power Steering (EPS)
The EPS unit now mounts in three places rather than two adding a greater rigidity balance to the steering. It features a revised ECU map that significantly reduces low speed steering effort whether loaded or unloaded. Kickback is also decreased, aiding rider comfort and the steering’s linearity/damping is enhanced.
Electrical system
The Alternating Current Generator (ACG) has been uprated 16% from 416W output to 481W, giving an improved margin for running electrical accessories. A wet-type GYZ16 battery has replaced the dry-type YTX14 unit. It features 16Ah capacity and offers improved reliability.
Engine
A real ATV powerhouse the 475cc liquid-cooled OHV engine is unchanged. Unique to Honda it’s longitudinally mounted and ensures a low centre of gravity, plus delivers direct and efficient drive top to the drive shafts. The fuel injection and air-intake system have been fine-tuned to give even smoother power delivery and throttle feel; a new automotive-spec fuel pump increases durability and is easier to service. It uses a cam lock ring and O-ring to secure it in the tank and its filter now has a 100,000km (rather than 18,500km) life.
The 10% increase in fuel economy – with no loss of drivability or power – has been achieved by using a ‘leaner’ fuel map for when cruising, and a ‘richer’ map at high engine speed and large throttle openings. An 02 lambda sensor in the exhaust constantly adjusts the fuelling, lowering emissions.
4. Model variants
Foreman 2/4wd (TRX500FM1E)
Switchable 2/4wd, manual five-speed gearbox and automatic clutch.
Foreman 2/4wd (TRX500FE1E)
Electric Shift Program (ESP) adds effortless handlebar-mounted push-button gear changes.
Foreman 2/4wd (TRX500FE2E)
Electric Shift Program (ESP) adds effortless handlebar-mounted push-button gear changes + Power Steering
5. Technical Specifications
TRX500FM1E
ENGINE |
|
Type |
Liquid-cooled single cylinder, 4-stroke, OHV pushrod and rocker arm |
Displacement |
475cc |
Bore ´ Stroke |
92mm x 71.5mm |
Compression Ratio |
9.5 : 1 |
Max. Power Output |
28.7 BHP @ 6250rpm |
Max. Torque |
28.0 lb/ft @ 5000rpm |
Oil Capacity |
3.3L |
FUEL SYSTEM |
|
Carburation |
FI |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
14.7L |
Fuel Consumption |
14.3 km/l |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
|
Ignition |
Full transisterised Ignition |
Starter |
Electric and Recoil |
Battery Capacity |
12V 16Ah |
ACG Output |
481W @ 5,000 r/min |
DRIVETRAIN |
|
Clutch Type |
Multiplate wet clutch |
Transmission Type |
5 speed manual + reverse |
Final Drive |
Shaft |
FRAME |
|
Type |
Steel double cradle |
CHASSIS |
|
Dimensions (L´W´H) |
2103 x 1205 x 1219mm |
Wheelbase |
1268mm |
Caster Angle |
40kg / 80kg |
Trail |
14kg / 385kg |
Seat Height |
869mm |
Ground Clearance |
190mm |
Kerb Weight |
287kg |
Turning Radius |
3.2m |
SUSPENSION |
|
Type Front |
Double wishbone |
Type Rear |
Trailing type |
WHEELS |
|
Type Front |
Tubeless (composite & steel press) |
Type Rear |
Tubeless (composite & steel press) |
Rim Size Front |
12x6.0 |
Rim Size Rear |
12x7.5 |
Tyres Front |
AT25 x 8-12 |
Tyres Rear |
AT25 x 10-12 |
BRAKES |
|
Type Front |
Hydraulic disc |
Type Rear |
Mechanical drum |
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS |
|
Instruments |
Digital |
Headlight |
35/35W |
Taillight |
LED |
TRX500FE1E
ENGINE |
|
Type |
Liquid-cooled single cylinder, 4-stroke, OHV pushrod and rocker arm |
Displacement |
475cc |
Bore ´ Stroke |
92mm x 71.5mm |
Compression Ratio |
9.5 : 1 |
Max. Power Output |
28.7 BHP @ 6250rpm |
Max. Torque |
28.0 lb/ft @ 5000rpm |
Oil Capacity |
3.3L |
FUEL SYSTEM |
|
Carburation |
FI |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
14.7L |
Fuel Consumption |
14.3 km/l |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
|
Ignition |
Full transisterised Ignition |
Starter |
Electric and Recoil |
Battery Capacity |
12V 16Ah |
ACG Output |
481W @ 5,000 r/min |
DRIVETRAIN |
|
Clutch Type |
Multiplate wet clutch |
Transmission Type |
5 speed manual + reverse |
Final Drive |
Shaft |
FRAME |
|
Type |
Steel double cradle |
CHASSIS |
|
Dimensions (L´W´H) |
2103 x 1205 x 1219mm |
Wheelbase |
1268mm |
Caster Angle |
40kg / 80kg |
Trail |
14kg / 385kg |
Seat Height |
869mm |
Ground Clearance |
190mm |
Kerb Weight |
287kg |
Turning Radius |
3.2m |
SUSPENSION |
|
Type Front |
Double wishbone |
Type Rear |
Trailing type |
WHEELS |
|
Type Front |
Tubeless (composite & steel press) |
Type Rear |
Tubeless (composite & steel press) |
Rim Size Front |
12 x 6.0 |
Rim Size Rear |
12 x 7.5 |
Tyres Front |
AT25 x 8-12 |
Tyres Rear |
AT25 x 10-12 |
BRAKES |
|
Type Front |
Hydraulic disc |
Type Rear |
Mechanical drum |
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS |
|
Instruments |
Digital |
Headlight |
35/35W |
Taillight |
LED |
TRX500FE2E
ENGINE |
|
Type |
Liquid-cooled single cylinder, 4-stroke, OHV pushrod and rocker arm |
Displacement |
475cc |
Bore ´ Stroke |
92mm x 71.5mm |
Compression Ratio |
9.5 : 1 |
Max. Power Output |
28.7 BHP @ 6250rpm |
Max. Torque |
28.0 lb/ft @ 5000rpm |
Oil Capacity |
3.3L |
FUEL SYSTEM |
|
Carburation |
FI |
Fuel Tank Capacity |
14.7L |
Fuel Consumption |
14.3 km/l |
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM |
|
Ignition |
Full transisterised Ignition |
Starter |
Electric and Recoil |
Battery Capacity |
12V 16Ah |
ACG Output |
481W @ 5,000 r/min |
DRIVETRAIN |
|
Clutch Type |
Multiplate wet clutch |
Transmission Type |
5 speed manual + reverse |
Final Drive |
Shaft |
FRAME |
|
Type |
Steel double cradle |
CHASSIS |
|
Dimensions (L´W´H) |
2103 x 1205 x 1219mm |
Wheelbase |
1268mm |
Caster Angle |
40kg / 80kg |
Trail |
14kg / 385kg |
Seat Height |
869mm |
Ground Clearance |
190mm |
Kerb Weight |
294kg |
Turning Radius |
3.2m |
SUSPENSION |
|
Type Front |
Double wishbone |
Type Rear |
Trailing type |
WHEELS |
|
Type Front |
Tubeless (composite & steel press) |
Type Rear |
Tubeless (composite & steel press) |
Rim Size Front |
12 x 6.0 |
Rim Size Rear |
12 x 7.5 |
Tyres Front |
AT25 x 8-12 |
Tyres Rear |
AT25 x 10-12 |
BRAKES |
|
Type Front |
Hydraulic disc |
Type Rear |
Mechanical drum |
INSTRUMENTS & ELECTRICS |
|
Instruments |
Digital |
Headlight |
35/35W |
Taillight |
LED |