Honda's latest announcement confirms "the originals" will be returning for 2025 (Rubicon, Foreman 4×4 And Rancher):

https://atvconnection.com/articles/h...turn-for-2025/

 

I believe Honda does a lot of testing before they ever bring out a completely new model. I know some people want to see something different, but Honda has IRS, Power Steering, locking Differentials now. They have improved their DCT automatic, the LED headlights seem to make since, and will likely come stock on new future models. Other than a big bore apart from the Rubicon 700 Honda pretty much has what other manufacturers have.





Tutuapp 9Apps

 

Can anyone tell me what hand guards will fit my atv? I can't seem to find any online for a 2025 model. Thanks!

 

Hondas haven't changed much since 2014 I would think any guards for Hondas made since then will fit, reverse buttons did change a bit, current types were fitted since 2018.

 

I very much understand the Honda quality. And quality does matter. But honestly, most ATVs are built with a lot of quality these days. I've seen Polaris, Suzuki, Kawasaki, etc. with thousands of miles on them. And so Honda doesn’t really have a lot of advantage there anymore. But, on the flip side of the coin they are giving up so much. I think the most powerful ATV they sell is 38 horsepower. That’s a bare bones entry level machine in any other brand. Honda also doesn’t offer a CVT which is MUCH more user friendly and puts more torque to the ground in very low speed conditions. They don’t have a 2” receiver hitch receptable. They don’t have Bluetooth connectivity so you can pair your phone. They don’t have 2-up versions. They don’t have special editions for people who ride mud, or offer factory winches, or any of that stuff. They’ve basically done nothing to stay competitive. It’s kind of sad.

 

Honda can keep prices down by not fitting winches and bluetooth as standard. Very few farmers round here have fitted winches. As for a 2" receiver hitch, if that is the box section thing fitted to the back of Suzukis, it is a rattle trap, I usually wrap the tow hitch adaptor with old inner tube to keep the noise down.

I too would like to see them go to belt drive CVT, their electronic override manual box autos are often clunky and seem a bit unreliable, I fitted a new return spring stop to the selector mechanism of one yesterday and rodent damage to the complex electronics is always a nightmare to fix. However many other makes now have overcomplicated electronics and Honda still waterproof every electrical connector, other makes don't, and get far more electrical problems as a result.

From about 2006 to 2014 Honda really did "loose it", the air cooled 500 had a terrible gearbox which rarely lasted the guarantee out on early models. I am repairing one now which requires £1200 worth of new gears. The old model 420 had an appallingly bad rear axle and Honda would not supply the much better IRS rear end on manual versions, so you either chose a bad rear axle or clunky auto gearbox. However 2011 on 500s and 2014 onwards 420s have been much better bikes and restored Honda's reputation for reliability.

 

But that's just the thing...their prices are not down. Hondas are priced higher than a cat's back. It's ridiculous. The Rancher here locally is selling for around $9,000. The Rubicon Foreman is $10,000. Are they kidding? At those prices you can buy a 850cc to 1000cc machine from other brands with winches, 2" hitch, bigger tires, CVT, and all the greatness that I mentioned in my previous post. Maybe that's why Honda sales are slipping and other brands are moving up the list.

I don't have anything against Honda. My first ATV was a Honda in 1987 and I bought a new Rancher in 2021. All I'm saying is they are giving nobody a reason to buy one. They are not trying to stay competitive.

 

Prices must be a thing local to you. Suzuki 400KQ was about the same price as a similar spec Honda 420 round here. Suzuki 500KQ are about the same as Honda 520s. Trouble was, after covid dried up supplies, there was such a demand that makers could charge what they liked, and put prices up a lot. The shortage has now gone and I hear Honda are dropping prices.