The all-terrain cycle was a three-wheeled off-road vehicle powered by an 89cc single-cylinder engine which produced 7hp. This was the start of what would see Honda as one of the market leaders in ATVs, with over 6.5 million sold since 1970. Fast-forward to the Honda FourTrax Foreman FPE and see what 40 years of evolution has achieved.
Engine and transmission
The Foreman is powered by a liquid-cooled single-cylinder OHV four-stroke engine, which offers the same displacement of 475cc, but features a 10% higher compression ratio (9:5.1 from 8:5.1), which improved its overall power over the previous model. Honda also claims the new Foreman has a 6% gain in torque and 10% increase in horsepower.
The engine is longitudinally placed for optimal driveline efficiency and features the option for a conventional manual shift system or the ever-popular electric shift programme (ESP), which was fitted to the model tested.
The fuel-injection system has been remapped for increased power delivery, throttle response and fuel efficiency over the previous model. The ESP gives the rider control of the gear selection via buttons on the left handlebar.
Changing through the five-speed transmission is as easy as pressing a button. The reverse selection switch is quite fiddly and requires pressing down the button and pulling the rear brake lever in.
Chassis
The chassis of the FourTrax Foreman is also new for this model. The changes are aimed at improving ride comfort and increasing durability, while also reducing the weight.
The frame has been completely redesigned to optimise handling and shares nothing with the previous model. The swing arm is a new unit as well and has a rubber bushing pivot for better shock absorption and is less susceptible to damage from the elements in comparison with a bearing design.
Suspension
A significant change was made to the Foreman’s suspension on this model. The dual-shock rear end was replaced by a single shock and steel swing arm design. The single shock is higher quality and offers five-way preload adjustability, heavier spring rates and almost 7in of travel.
The rear shock attaches to an all-new steel swing arm that is 3in wider than the prior model and features a brace. Up front, the Foreman has new shocks that are also adjustable for preload and offer 6.7in of travel.
Handling on the Honda has been further improved by the addition of electronic power steering (EPS). Although Honda ATVs have never been difficult or overly heavy to steer, EPS lightens the task, especially in rough situations, long rides or in working situations.
This is especially true for those who use their machine for one-hand, slow-speed working situations, such as spraying with a handheld lance.
Disc brakes
The Foreman is fitted with dual front disc brakes which have been increased in size from 180mm to 196mm to increase the ATV’s braking capabilities when towing heavy loads or handling heavy weights on the front and rear racks. Honda has retained its rear drum brake configuration, as it claims its stopping power has proven to be effective.
Honda has added a locking front differential for the first time on this model named TraxLok, integrating the 4X4 button and diff lock into the same switchgear.
Selecting both is easy, with just a press of a button for four-wheel drive, while the diff lock requires a flick of the switch cover over the 4X4 button and then another press to activate.
The system works well and will allow you to climb up and over whatever you come up against while off-roading.
Features
The Foreman is now fitted with a multi-function LCD digital meter which is waterproof and robust. It features large readouts for fuel gauge, gear position, speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, hour meter and oil change reminder. LED lights for reverse, neutral, oil temperature and front differential indicator are also included.
Other positive features on the Foreman include twin storage areas located on the front left fender and rear cargo box, front and rear brake levers, waterproof accessory socket, triple headlights and headlight pod for directional lighting, internal brake scraper and shaft drive.
The Honda FourTrax Foreman FPE as tested retails at €11,199 including VAT and comes with a two-year warranty.
To read the full ATVs Focus, click here.