Honda ATVs - review of popular models

Honda is known not only for its cars and motorcycles, but also for its all-terrain vehicles. In fact, the Japanese company became a pioneer in the field of off-road technology. The first device was created back in the 70s of the last century. The three-wheeled all-terrain vehicle was equipped with a 90 cc engine and a 4-speed gearbox. However, already in 1986, full-fledged Honda ATVs appeared. The company produced dozens of sports, utilitarian and children's models, which enjoyed considerable popularity.

The lineup:

• Honda utility ATVs. This is a functional technique that can be used for walking, hiking, fishing, hunting, transporting goods and agricultural work. The manufacturer produces several lines of devices: Rincon, FourTrax Recon, Rancher and TRX, which is the flagship of the brand. UTVs and MUVs also belong to the utilitarian category.
• Sports models. Honda racing ATVs are of particular interest. Sports all-terrain vehicles include the following line of vehicles: TRX, Sportax and Foreman. Don't forget about the three-wheeled ATC 200x and 250 R models, which were released back in the 80s.
• Children's devices. Unfortunately, only two ATVs were created for young riders - the TRX 90 and 90X. Both cars appeared back in 2000 and have long been out of production. But if desired, the buyer can find a used device.

In recent years, the Japanese brand has noticeably lost ground. Now the manufacturer produces only 4 utilitarian ATVs and one children's device.

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The model line of Honda utilities is known quite well; each of this trio is already more than one year old. However, it was never possible to experience them all at one time and in one place. It was in this face-to-face comparison that we were able to understand the features, differences and similarities of the red three. In addition, let me remind you that Honda, unlike the vast majority of all-terrain vehicle manufacturers, fundamentally does not install CVT transmissions on quads, preferring unconventional methods of transmitting torque. Each of the three devices is equipped with a unique transmission, and it was especially interesting to feel the operating features of each, not in absentia, but in fact.

The one-day test program included a cross-country track and a short run over rough terrain, so there was plenty of opportunity to comprehensively study the features of each model.

Photo gallery

We bring to your attention a small photo selection of various models of ATVs from Honda. Stylish and bright design can be seen in all ATVs of the company. Apparently it’s not for nothing that these all-terrain vehicles have received recognition all over the world.

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Honda TRX420FA: utilitarian ATV, 2011, 420 cm³, 282 kg, RUB 345,500.
Honda TRX420FA: utilitarian ATV, 2011, 420 cm³, 282 kg, RUB 345,500.

Honda TRX420FA. The youngest in the line of Honda ATVs is equipped with a single-cylinder engine with PGM-FI fuel injection and Honda’s latest development in the field of transmissions - the HFT (Human Friendly Transmission) robotic manual gearbox. You can read in more detail about the operating principle and design of the “human-friendly transmission” in “Moto” No. 1–2011. But let's talk about the operating features in more detail. Honda's first attempt at installing a dual-clutch transmission turned out to be quite successful, but with some reservations. The mechanical part works truly flawlessly. Gears change very quickly, so it’s almost impossible to get caught in a puddle due to loss of speed at the moment of shifting. The flow of power is interrupted only for a fraction of a second. There are some complaints about the smoothness of shifts; of the three options for Honda transmissions, this is the toughest. Of course, it is far from the box of a KrAZ truck, but in comparison with its brothers - alas. This is especially noticeable during active driving. The main problem with HFT lies in the firmware of the “brains” that control the box. The electronics do not always respond adequately to rapidly changing road conditions and sometimes hesitate a little before offering the desired mode. So, for example, during races on a cross-country track, the gearbox cut off an overdrive during a jump, and upon landing we had to waste time for the gearbox to realize that the speed had not increased and tuck it back into a downshift. The same problem arose with a sharp change in the steepness of the climb. When entering a steep hill, the quad tries to overcome the first meters in the gear engaged, sometimes there is not enough power and the speed is lost, and only after some hesitation the “robot” shifts into a lower gear. In a word, this device is most suitable for thoughtfully picking in the mud and moving along the intersection, dragging heavy objects, such as a trailer with firewood, or delivering yourself and a wild boar killed during a hunt to the sanctuary. The disadvantages are the mental speed of the “brains” of the box, the advantages are the simple and reliable design of the usual mechanics, which is almost impossible to kill using traditional methods: the electronics will not allow you to engage the wrong gear or burn out the clutch discs. Of course, all of these disadvantages do not apply to the operation of the box in manual mode - the symbiosis of the human brain and ideal mechanics produces amazing results. By the way, according to not very experienced riders, the “four hundred and twentieth” turned out to be the most attractive. By all accounts, it is the easiest to manage. So you can safely take it as the first quad.

Purchase terms

To buy a Honda 420 ATV, you need to place an online order on our company’s website. All applications are processed as a priority, so equipment is sent as quickly as possible. Delivery of equipment is carried out throughout Russia with a company warranty from the manufacturer. Payment is accepted in cash and by bank transfer, as well as by bank card and through the YandexMoney service. Delivery of all-terrain vehicles is carried out by transport companies, a list of which is presented in the corresponding section of our website. There is also a pick-up point in Moscow. All Honda ATVs are new, cleared by customs, sold in green at a price of 422 thousand rubles.

In our store you can also order and purchase spare parts and accessories for Japanese SUVs. The catalog of spare parts includes dampers, shock absorbers, variator belts, drive belts, spacers and brake pads. The range of accessories includes many models of winches, variator belts, fender and wheel extensions, protective elements, trailers, cases, stands for shotguns and chainsaws, luggage racks and much more. All accessories and spare parts are original and meet international quality standards.

Additional is not only a wide range of accessories, spare parts and equipment for active leisure, but also our own service center, which provides repair, maintenance and tuning services for Honda ATVs, the prices in Moscow for which will pleasantly please the clients of our company. Services are provided by experienced professionals who can solve problems of any complexity. All types of work performed are guaranteed.

You can obtain additional information on the products and services of our company from our specialists by contacting the phone numbers listed on the online store website, or by asking a question through the feedback form.

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Honda TRX500FA: utilitarian ATV, 2011, 499 cm³, 273 kg, RUB 401,100.
Honda TRX500FA: utilitarian ATV, 2011, 499 cm³, 273 kg, RUB 401,100.

Honda TRX500FA. The 500 is the only model that still does not have fuel injection installed (although Honda promises to do this in the near future). But the good old carburetor will certainly appeal to those who adhere to the opinion “the simpler the better.” But the same cannot be said about the transmission. Perhaps the most exotic Hondamatic hydrostatic type gearbox is installed here (read more about the device in “Moto” No. 2–2011). The half-liter engine has a slightly stronger thrust than its younger brother, but this is practically not felt in terms of acceleration dynamics. The difference in 31 mm wheelbase and 19 kg curb weight makes it subjectively more massive, but this difference is only noticeable if you change from one to the other. The continuously variable transmission is truly the highlight of this quad. Since there is no “preselectivity” here, as on HFT, that is, the box does not try to predict the development of events and does not prepare the next gear in advance (with the choice of which it sometimes makes mistakes, and is only able to quickly work with adjacent gears), it instantly reacts to any mode changes movements. The box can change the gear ratio from maximum to minimum in a split second, as well as vice versa. Despite the fact that the entire continuously variable range is divided into six virtual gears (fixed positions), switching occurs absolutely smoothly, because from one fixed gear to another there is not a jump, but a smooth change in the gear ratio. The Hondamatic is the smoothest and quickest-acting gearbox around. Ideal for high-speed cross-country shooting, serious trails with complex and rapidly changing terrain, and for transporting a heavy trailer. In short, the “five hundred” with Hondamatic is the most versatile and easy to drive car.

Features of all-terrain vehicles

Despite the low assortment, fans of the brand will be able to find suitable equipment for themselves. Nowadays, the company’s flagship TRX 680 FA is especially popular among tourists. Fans of fishing and hunting are better off choosing something smaller, for example, the TRX 500 model. Teenagers and extreme sports fans should pay attention to the TRX 250.

Advantages of Honda ATVs:

• Reasonable cost. The price of the equipment depends on the “filling”, engine power and configuration. For example, the manufacturer’s flagship (TRX 680 FA) will cost 1 million rubles. But a budget utility, with a 500 cc engine, costs only 693 thousand rubles.
• Reliability. The Japanese ATV is synonymous with durability. Even with active use, Honda all-terrain vehicles last about 7 years.
• Comfortable. The manufacturer pays special attention to the convenience of the driver and passenger. This allows you to use Honda cars for tourism and expeditions.
• Appearance. Owners of Honda all-terrain vehicles note the simple, and at the same time elegant design of the equipment.

However, the brand’s devices have a significant drawback - low maintainability. Honda cars are not very common in the CIS, so finding spare parts will pose serious problems. The rider will have to order even small parts and wait 2-3 months for their delivery.

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Honda TRX680FA: utilitarian ATV, 2011, 675 cm³, 277 kg, RUB 459,400.
Honda TRX680FA: utilitarian ATV, 2011, 675 cm³, 277 kg, RUB 459,400.

Honda TRX680FA. The flagship of the family, like both younger brothers, is equipped with a single-cylinder, longitudinally mounted engine. The same proprietary PGM-FI injection system is responsible for mixture formation here. Traditionally, quads differ from their counterparts in their own transmission. A hydrodynamic transmission is installed here (see “Moto” No. 2–2011), only unlike automobile systems, with clutches and satellites, after the familiar transformerless one there is a two-shaft three-speed gearbox. The torque converter itself is capable of changing the gear ratio significantly, so three mechanical gears are quite enough here. The trick of this scheme is the almost instantaneous reaction of the box to changes in driving mode and the absence of a rigid connection between the wheels and the crankshaft. This scheme is not afraid of overloads and in general is most painless in dealing with any abuse, be it climbing steep slopes or slipping, stuck in the mud up to the seat. Hence the reliability.

A heavy quad with a noticeably more powerful and high-torque engine produces different impressions on people with different driving experience. Beginners are afraid of it, complaining about the sluggishness, rolliness and harshness of the engine, while more experienced riders, on the contrary, appreciate its smooth ride (due to the large mass), responsive engine and the ability to actively use the traction capabilities of the engine when driving. It’s really difficult to make a heavy car go in the right direction simply by turning the steering wheel, but if you master slipping turns, driving the vehicle becomes easy and pleasant, and how much drive comes from driving with an almost constant skidding of the rear axle! In short, the older “red horse” is a device primarily designed for experienced pilots, at the same time the most comfortable and, perhaps, driving. True, you have to pay for these benefits with large physical costs for driving, time for training driving skills, and, well, your wallet.

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By all accounts, the TRX420 was the easiest to handle.
So you can safely take it as the first quad. By all accounts, the TRX420 was the easiest to handle. So you can safely take it as the first quad.

Test organized

Red Cavalry: Utilitarian Honda ATVs

Children's ATV

In 2000, the Japanese brand Honda introduced the TRX 90X model, designed for riders from 6 to 14 years old. Thanks to its successful design and “filling”, the device gained significant popularity, which led to its further modification. Even now, the company produces an ATV that is loved by millions of riders.

TRX 90X parameters:

• Four-stroke air-cooled engine.
• Engine displacement – ​​86 cubic meters. cm.
• Electric starter.
• Transmission – automatic.
• Drum and disc brakes.
• Ground clearance – 100 mm.
• Turning radius – 2.5 m.
• Model weight (dry) – 114 kg.
• Independent suspension (front and rear).
• Stamped steel wheels.
• Fuel tank volume – 7.5 l.

The price of the new TRX 90X starts from 326 thousand rubles. The cost depends on the configuration and color of the ATV.