Honda’s
2015 multi-purpose ATV line has experienced dramatic increase in the
number of models available within the FourTrax Foreman Rubicon series
and FourTrax Rancher series, as both families now offer models with
Independent Rear Suspension capable of handling a tough day on the job
or a fun romp through the back country.
Honda unveiled the new Rubicon during a press outing at its private
museum located just a few blocks from its American headquarters in
Torrance, Calif., on July 9. A Rancher model was not available for our
inspection, but Honda has promised to give us the chance to review the
Rubicon, Rancher and Foreman models as they become available in the fall
of 2014.
For 2015 the Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon is available with independent rear suspension.
The Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon is available in two trim packages
and two transmission options for 2015. The most notable styling
difference between the standard model and the Deluxe model are that the
Deluxe Rubicon replaces the standard Rubicon’s steel wheels with
fancier-looking cast-aluminum wheels and also features red-painted
suspension components along with special decals.
The Deluxe Rubicon comes with cast-aluminum wheels and red painted suspension components.
While it’s customary to talk about a new unit’s powertrain first, the
real news with the Rubicon is its new Independent Rear Suspension (IRS)
system. Incorporating the IRS required an entirely new double-cradle
steel frame that is very different from the chassis on the swingarm
version. Honda says that the new chassis is stiffer and offers more
torsional rigidity than the swingarm chassis, the goal being crisper,
more precise handling and a smoother ride with increased ground
clearance.
The new IRS system incorporates dual arms and one shock per side,
boasting 8.5 inches of travel. Honda engineers also revamped the front
suspension with a new independent double-wishbone arrangement that
delivers 7.3 inches of travel, giving the Rubicon increased ground
clearance as well. All four shocks are preload adjustable to better
tailor the Rubicon’s ride to meet varying loads and riding conditions.
Rubicons are available with optional Electronic Power Steering (EPS),
and Honda engineers have devised a new three-point mounting setup for
the EPS system that is claimed to make the steering mechanism more rigid
for more precise steering.
2015 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon EPS Camo
Both models are powered by Honda’s longitudinally mounted,
liquid-cooled, 475cc single-cylinder four-stroke, which is tuned to
produce excellent low rpm torque and a broad powerband. Aiding in both
power delivery and throttle response is Honda’s proprietary PGM-FI
fuel-injection, which feeds fuel through a 36mm throttle body.
The main powertrain difference lies in the transmission options.
While the five-speed manual transmission Rubicon can lay claim as the
industry’s first manual transmission IRS multi-purpose ATV in the class,
the marketing clout of that claim is debatable, especially compared to
the Automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Rubicon.
First introduced on Honda’s VFR1200F two-wheeled sportbike three
years ago, the DCT is a unique transmission that provides the compact
size and strength of a manual transmission with the convenience of an
automatic transmission, while giving the rider the option of push-button
manual control via Honda’s Electric Shift Program (ESP). For 2015, the
Rubicon’s Automatic DCT also features a new dual shift-mapping program
that automatically selects between two transmission shifting modes,
Cruise or Sport. Changing the mode alters the Rubicon’s shift timing:
Sport mode holds the transmission in the same gear longer before
shifting to deliver more performance while play riding, while Cruise
mode allows the transmission to shift up sooner for more casual
performance and enhanced fuel efficiency. Honda is claiming a 12% fuel
efficiency increase for 2015.
2015 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon DCT
Both the DCT and manual-transmission Rubicons come with Honda’s
TraxLok 2WD/4WD system, which offers 2WD and 4WD modes along with a 4WD
mode that locks the front differential to optimize traction. The TraxLok
also features a Speed Override mode that can be engaged when the front
differential is locked, allowing increased wheel speed in severe terrain
conditions such as deep mud. Helping to get the Rubicon’s power to the
ground are new tires designed in conjunction with Maxxis. The new tires
feature a more aggressive tread pattern for improved traction, yet their
carcass design is claimed to offer a better ride quality at the same
time.
Making the transmission operation even easier, the 2015 Rubicon gets a
new dual-purpose lever that allows the rider to engage reverse gear as
well as setting the parking brake. The rider pulls the lever to engage
reverse or pushes the lever to set the parking brake.
The 2015 Rubicon’s all-steel front and rear carriers boast more load
capacity than before – 99 pounds up front, 187 pounds in the rear – with
flat plates that facilitate loading and offer multiple tie-down points.
A heavy-duty trailer hitch gives the Rubicons an impressive 1322-pound
towing capacity.
2015 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon DCT Olive
Other new features, include an increased AC generator output to 574
Watts, which will allow the user to power up more electrical accessories
than before – although some of that additional power is usurped by a
new 50W top assist light that operates independently of front
headlights. Stopping power has also been increased via larger 190mm dual
hydraulic front disc brakes and a 170mm hydraulic rear disc brake.
If you are going to spend all day in the saddle, it’s nice to know
that the Rubicon has been designed with rider comfort in mind. In
addition to a more “open” ergonomic triangle (defined as the
relationship between the footwells, handlebar and seat), the 2015
model’s seat is now made of thicker, softer foam, and the seat cover
features a more-textured finish for better traction. The instrumentation
has also been upgraded to a new electronic digital meter display that
includes a handy Maintenance Minder system to signal when it is time to
service the machine.
An upgraded seat features thicker, softer foam and more textured cover for additional traction.
Of
course, the 2015 Rubicon also gets new styling that is designed for
hard work as well as good looks. A sturdy full-coverage front bumper
featuring integrated mounts for an accessory winch is a key part of the
package. MSRP for the entire Rubicon line has not yet been determined.
