The “2011 Honda ATV Models First Look - Motorcycle USA”

2011 Honda ATV Models First Look - Motorcycle USA

Posted: 12 Mar 2010 06:22 PM PST

ATVs and dirt bikes aren't exactly flying off the showroom floor these days, but apparently some are still doing pretty well as Honda has recently released the first wave of 2011 models. Four utility ATVs are confirmed back as early-release units: Honda Recon, Honda Foreman, Honda Foreman Rubicon and Honda Rincon. All are available in multiple options including electronic shifting, power steering and GPS-equipped.

"Honda has enjoyed an extremely positive rollout of 2010 models," said Powersports Press Manager Bill Savino in a press release. "We've asserted our leadership role by introducing 11 brand-new models for 2010, all of which have been received with great enthusiasm. Now we're moving forward with the introduction of early-release 2011 models, beginning with these four popular ATVs. Relative to this model release, we'd like to recognize all the associates at the Honda South Carolina (HSC) plant who produce these machines."

Honda FourTrax Recon / Recon ES
The FourTrax Recon comes with a manual-shift or electric shift (ES) five-speed transmission with reverse. It's a full-size quad with a small, user-friendly motor. Honda's Recon features a carburetor-fed, 229cc engine longitudinally mounted in the chassis. Electric start makes it simple to get going and a direct rear driveshaft is low-maintenance. A straight axle out back transfers the power to the ground. The new model is available in Red and Olive colors.

Honda FourTrax Foreman 4x4 / Foreman 4x4 EPS / Foreman 4x4 ES / Foreman 4x4 ES EPS
The Foreman model is also available in manual or electric-shift trim. Each version is also available with power steering which means owners will have four options for the 475cc machine. The motor uses a 36mm carburetor and a sealed shaft drive. The rear end uses a straight axle but is suspended with dual shocks. Honda's Traxlok and torque-sensitive front differential provide selectable 2WD/4WD operation. It's available in Red, Olive and Natural Gear Camouflage and has flexible fender flares.

Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon / Foreman Rubicon GPScape
The Rubicon adds another spoonful of displacement and some additional technology. A fully automatic Hondamatic transmission negates the need for a clutch lever. The 499cc ATV uses a 92 x 75mm bore and stroke to churn out power to the front and rear wheels. It uses independent double wishbone front suspension and a straight-axle rear end with dual shocks. It's also the smallest of Honda's utility quads to offer GPScape. This feature provides GPS navigation wired directly into the machine for a constant power source, and integrated into the digital handlebar display with oversized buttons for better user interface. It gets the Traxlok system and comes in Red, Olive and Natural Gear Camouflage.

Honda FourTrax Rincon
Honda's largest utility ATV is back again with a 675cc engine. This one trades in the carb for a fuel injection system and makes use of Honda's automotive-style automatic transmission which uses a hydraulic torque converter to power forward and reverse gears. Fully independent suspension allows the rear end to articulate over obstacles and smooth out inconsistent terrain. It's also the only work quad in the lineup to feature disc brakes front and rear. It's available in Red, Olive and Natural Gear Camouflage.

Utility ATVs that are on the 2010 model line but have yet to be announced for 2011 include the FourTrax Rancher and FourTrax Rancher AT, which we are currently reviewing.

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