2001 Rubicon 500
#2
2001 Rubicon 500
That is the 1st year they made them, one of my riding partners has one. Overall it’s an excellent utility machine. The auto transmission is the best in the business when it comes to functionality (instant engagement and smooth operation). It also has the option of “electronic” push button shifting but what this really does is confine the hydrostatic transmission to a specific range. You don’t “feel” a shift like you would in a conventional manual transmission. One side note about the transmission, it’s only been around since 2001 and has not been thoroughly proven for long term durability and there have been reports here and there of people having trouble with it (generally an expensive fix). It is a full time 4WD quad (limited slip front diff) and has a mildly tuned 500cc engine. If you don’t like full time 4WD you can buy an aftermarket “unlocker” for it so you can then have switchable 2 / 4 WD. The machine has plenty of grunt / gearing and hookup to get you pretty much anywhere. The steering is a little stiff when compared to other 2WD / 4WD machines when they are in 2WD. The engine braking on this quad may be the best in the business for an automatic transmission (you actually have to hit the gas when going down steep hills to keep it from coming to a stop). It can tow up to its specified limit (850 lbs) without any trouble at all. Handling is OK but the ride is harsh when compared to IRS quads. Front & rear suspension has about 6 ˝ inches of travel…
#3
2001 Rubicon 500
I own two of these Rubicons (mine and the wifes). About 1500 mile on each. No harsh riding or swamp use. No problems so far....except one choke cable corroded to the point of no return. A new $7.00 cable fixed the problem (DIY). Most riding consists of deep snow, fire roads and trail use in the summer.
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#8
2001 Rubicon 500
Well I work at a Honda dealer Have to say great ATV but the down side that no one said was the oil filter is on the bottom pain in the *** far as oil changes go. Have had a few that had some problems with low oil pressure taking out the tranny and the crank small wrist pin bearing. But on the up side Honda stepped up and took care of those. Honda is real great to those even if outat warrenty just gotta know how to talk to them. Far as the auto tranny been around at Honda for a long time been in a scooter over there and a MX bike not production. the other thing is don't use D2 it can and will blue the primary clutch that sorry to say Honda stopped buy those. The onther thing is don't use systhics in them or 20w50 motor oil.
#9
2001 Rubicon 500
My wife's 2001 Rubicon has been flawless with the exception of the $10 choke cable I replaced a few months ago. I have heard of very few problems, and they were all people that ride in mud and deep water.
BTW - My wife's Rubicon is for sale for $4500 firm. How much are you looking at in NY?
BTW - My wife's Rubicon is for sale for $4500 firm. How much are you looking at in NY?