This year Honda updated its long-established Foreman TRX500 with a new, more powerful model.

At first glance the TRX520 could be mistaken for a TRX500. Look closer and you’ll see a new grille design, a beefed up bull bar, redesigned front and rear racks and a new 1.9l waterproof storage compartment. Upgrades underneath include larger guards protecting suspension arms, driveshafts and CV joints.

The most substantial change of all is an updated transmission and power increase.

Control layout remains pretty much unchanged on the TRX520.

Engine and transmission

The TRX520 is fitted with a 518cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke engine, 43cc more than the outgoing TRX500 model. This increase in power results from a 4mm larger cylinder bore which Honda believes improves torque and acceleration. Like its predecessor, there are three transmission options;

  • TRX520FM2 - manual foot shift transmission.
  • TRX520FE2 – electric button shift transmission.
  • TRX520FA6 –automatic dual clutch transmission (DCT) and electric shift.
  • The model we had was the top-spec FA6 with all the bells and whistles fitted. Honda, unlike many of its competitors, has stuck with a mechanical transmission as opposed to the popular belt driven type CVT transmission now found in the majority of ATV/UTVs. The Foreman’s mechanical transmission proves much less power-consuming compared to a belt drive. This is partly why Honda’s range competes so well with its rivals even while appearing to be underpowered in terms of engine size.

    The new Foreman has a redesigned grille and beefed up bull bar.

    Driving

    After spending time in both transmission modes, each seems to have its place. With the older model’s DCT, you’d be more reliant on switching to electric shift when towing. Whereas now the more fine-tuned automatic gear shifts are timelier, not perfect but a big improvement on the previous DCT gearbox.

    It’s now possible to override automatic gear shifts, a nice feature approaching a steep hill, before reverting to automatic. In electric shift, the gearbox defaults back to first gear regardless of the gear selected when stopped. Neutral is now skipped when going from forward to reverse, for speed. The option of high- and low-range allows for greater torque when towing.

    Initially gear changes were a little rough and delayed. But as the hours clocked up, shifts became more seamless in both modes which was possibly due to the quad being new and not yet run in. Although not as smooth as belt-driven competitors, Honda’s proven five-speed mechanical transmission has its benefits. Lower working engine revs meaning better fuel economy and reduced maintenance – exactly what every farmer wants to hear.

    Part of our review involved climbing mucky, hilly ground with exposed tree roots in a forest to test the quad’s traction. Engaging the front differential made a notable difference in addition to 4WD, allowing the quad to keep climbing.

    Comfort and build

    Over the time spent with the TRX520, comfort never proved an issue. Its full independent rear suspension (IRS) absorbed all ruts and roots with ease in the forest. When towing, the quad’s rear suspension naturally squatted a lot compared to a solid axle, which in our view is still better for towing. The ball hitch is mounted higher on the IRS model, causing many ATV trailers to not sit level.

    Control layout is almost identical to before, clean and simple. The new electric trigger for engaging reverse is an improvement. The display screen is small, something we are used to on the Foreman range. However, all necessary information is easily navigated using one small button which could be a little bigger. If the battery ever dies an accessible pull cord is there to manually start the engine.

    It has a towing capacity of 600kg which it is more than capable of from our time hauling around a loaded trailer across mixed mucky terrain. Cargo rack capacity is 45kg on the front and 85kg on the rear. While ground clearance is good, we feel the 7m turning circle could be better for more nimble experience around the farmyard.

    Verdict

    The TRX520 was pretty much bang on the money bar a few minor gripes. The extra power for the most part isn’t overly noticeable given that the outgoing model had ample power for most farm tasks, including herding cattle alongside towing the odd trailer here and there.

    The biggest improvement we felt was the new and updated transmission features adding to a better overall driving experience.

    Apart from what we mentioned, the TRX520 differs little from the previous TRX500 model. If you were after a basic manual footshift Foreman, it may be worth looking into one of the last TRX500 models which may now be picked up at value. It’s the higher specification DCT model that sees the greatest improvements, we feel.

    Specs

    Engine: 518cc single-cylinder four-stroke, liquid-cooled

    Transmission: Five speed automatic DCT, high/low ratios

    Drive: 2wd/4wd switchable

    Differential: Locking front diff

    Suspension: Double wishbone (front), independent dual arm (rear)

    Ground clearance: 24cm

    Turning circle: 7m

    Towing capacity: 600kg

    Cargo rack capacity: 45kg (front), 85kg (rear)

    Weight: 331kg

    Price as tested: €12,499 plus VAT