I heard through the grapevine today that Honda is releasing a new model in December. They said it is rumored to be a large 500+ cc 4x4 utility machine to compete with the Sportsman and Grizzly, or possibly a sport 4x4. Just as I was about to buy a Scambler 500. Now I have to wait and see. Does anyone have any information other than this? Thanks for your time.

Jarrod Holland
(undecided on purchase)

 

Jarrod, Thanks for the info. I've been looking and waiting to hear something/anything. Do you think it will be an automatic tranny? I was hoping that Honda would go with a 600cc engine since they already have the 450cc utility quads. Has anyone else heard anything?

 

I heard it was a spotr 4x4 and it was powerful. I would still be happy for what ever quad came out. Even though I don't own 4x4 and don't want to, I still love learning about them

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*400EX* *LT250R* Evan Johnson Email: JaVa003@AoL.CoM

 

I am really hoping to see a sport 4x4 because that is what I am in the market to buy. I really don't see a need for another utility quad, but if that is what it is I do hope it is an automatic. I never cared for the push-button shift too much. The ideal thing for me would be a 400ex with push-button 4-wheel drive and a reverse. They could even leave it as a manual clutch transmission. I don't mind changing gears. Well, that's what I'd like to see. Any other comments?

Jarrod

 

I don't believe it will be a big bore utility machine due to the way Honda does business. The are not concerned about having the biggest, they just want the best. Best don't mean biggest. It is just whats required to do the job and to do it will. Most loyal Honda fans don't care if the side of their four wheeler shows the highest number for displacement(800cc). I believe Honda's theroy is to make what the market demands but make it well. They don't normally venture into a particular market until it is proven, and honda want make a product unless it'll be the best overall quality machine. They can't afford the mistake by being the industry leader and also to protect their proven name. I don't think displacement is a factor due to Honda still carries the 400cc and 450cc machines. Why would it want to introduce yet another big bore and have three machines in it's on lineup to compete with each other? If you even want to consider the 400cc big bore anymore. Also, honda really emphasizes its utilty market anyway with all it's current models, 300/400/450.


The only type atv that honda does not currently make is a sport/utility. They have sport, and they have utility. My quess(wishful thanking) would be a Recon type 400/450 4x4!! I believe they are going to introduce this type due to the success of the Scrambler and the Wolverine. Many Honda riders whom I have spoken and just listen to talk in here ride Honda utility machines because they are Honda and that's the closest atv available that suits there riding needs that is made by the particular manufactorer(sp). They would prefer a "sportier" type atv but one is not available. Atv'rs buy the after market accessories to make the atv "sportier" ie, suspension, lift kits, power kits, but still want that 4x4 mud devil, ie. bigfoot tire kits. They buy whats available and adapt it to their riding style. We all want the fast and fun of a sport machine, but also want the stump pulling, mud slinging power and capabities of a 4x4 utility. We want to be able to crawl through 4ft of mud and climb a 600 ft hill and upon reaching the top of the hill fly down the twisty turny tight trails at ungodly speeds and hit the open fields and go 70 mph! Why don't they just make what we are building? Other manufacotorers have. Honda, as we all know is slow to the came, but when they come, LOOK OUT!!
Same could apply to other manufactorers, but I am not familiar with that.

In my own personal opinion, I don't think honda will ever make an automatic (cvt)type machine. If they ever do, I believe it'll be a totally different technology, but doubt it'll ever happen.

As someone else says in here: "It's just my opinion, I could be wrong!!" Don't start flaming, we're all on the same team here!!



I am excited, and can't wait till December!! Cross your fingers boys!!

[This message has been edited by Gap_Arrington (edited 07-29-1999).]

[This message has been edited by Gap_Arrington (edited 07-29-1999).]

[This message has been edited by Gap_Arrington (edited 07-29-1999).]

 

The only type of quads they don't make are sport 4x4 and big bore sport/utility, remember Gap, 2 different types of machines.
I hope to see a modified 400EX with reverse and 4x4 and a little larger frames and stance. The shockes would have to change too I think.

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*400EX* *LT250R* Evan Johnson Email: JaVa003@AoL.CoM

 

it called a rubicon

 

Hey people last time I checked it is already December, where the heck is this thing?

 

It is due out in April or May of 2000. About $6900. See www. hondamotorcycles.com 500cc, 4valves, 4 stroke. 597 pounds. New AP differential. 25" tires, aluminum wheels.

[This message has been edited by TxDoc2 (edited 12-16-1999).]

 

Are you guys talking about the Rubicon or a new one besides that?