Just bought a brand spankin' new Honda yesterday. This is the first ATV that I've bought. I've always just used or rode with someone else. I'll primarily be using it for hunting and recreational rides. Didn't do a whole lot of research as far as comparing to other models and makes.

I mainly chose this particular model based on reviews and @ $3500 - I couldn't hardly pass it up.

So far, I feel that the racks are a little small for what I want to use it for. My brothers 1989 Suzuki 250 has bigger racks form the factory. I may have to weld up some additions to expand them a little.

I'll have to get back to you on how it performs for me. I've only had a chance to ride it for about 1 hour or so last night.

Anyone have any pointers or suggestions on this particular model. Performance, Maint., Service, etc.


Thanks,

Don King

 

I imagine you have seen this , but just in case: http://forums.atvconnection.com/mess...did/491544.cfm

 

Welcome to the forums. $3500 for a 2005 Rubi is a hell of a deal, but I guess I don't have to tell you that[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]I had a Rubi before the King and it went above and beyond everytime I rode it. Definition of reliability. Does the 2005 come with switchable 4x2-4x4, or is it all-time 4x4? If it's Traxlok (switchable), then you REALLY did get a deal and that ups the fun factor on the recreational rides quite a bit. Congrats.

 

They call both the Foreman 500 and the Rubicon a "Foreman". Which one is yours??? At that price, I was guessing it was the 500........

 

When I was at the honda shop the other day for rancher parts, the sales lady explained the current 06 honda atv nomenclature to me - at least as to the recons, ranchers and foremans.

"TM" = two wheel drive manual shift
"FM" = four wheel drive manual shift
"TE" = . . . electric . . .
"FE" = four . . .
"FA" = four wheel drive automatic (both the rancher AT and the rubicon, if I recall correctly)

Of course, all recons are either TM or TE. If they put a number after the TM, FM or whatever then that is the year, e.g., TRX350FE6 is an 06 4x4 rancher electric.

Rodney

 

well by looking at what he named it 2005 Honda TRX500TM it's not 4x4. trx500 Two wheel Manual. so it's not a rubi and not 4x4. but it should serve him well. heck it's a honda. but a winch on it and it'll do anything you want it to.

HR

 

Not a 4X4, so that helps explain the cheaper price.

 

Yes, mine is the 2wd 4x2 model. It is not the Rin. or Rub. It is just the standard Foreman 500. Still have not had a chance to do much riding yet. It's been killing me, but the weekend was already planned out and this was a last minute purchase because of the clearance of 2005 models.

I decided to go 2wd because of the terrain that I mostly use is pretty negotiable. I've used my brothers 2wd 250 for years and have never had an instance where I had to have 4wd. Sure 4wd would have made some situations a little easier and quicker, but for the most part this 500 class in 2wd will be more than enough for me. I'm very particular about my toys/vehicles and at my age, I've learned the value of taking care of my stuff. This Honda will serve me for quite a few years.


DK

 

Still a great buy. It's a Honda[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]While we're on the 500/Rubicon/Foreman subject, has anyone tried yet to plug a CTE Rubicon ECM into a regular American version? I'm sure this has been discussed somewhere before, but I never saw it and I've always been intrigued by the idea.

 

I had a 2wd Rancher, and it was a peach! The extra weight of a 4X4 is on the front end where it does the most harm. If you don't need the 4X4, it's just dead weight that impedes performance.