In its final four-wheel powersports new-model announcement of the year, the leading manufacturer of multipurpose ATVs today unveiled four 2018 models, including the family of FourTrax Ranchers—America’s best-selling line of ATVs. At the same time, Honda announced the hard-working FourTrax Foreman, the sporty TRX90X and the Pioneer 500 side-by-side.
Honda’s commitment to the multipurpose segment continues, with the Rancher available with a wide variety of options. Only Honda offers three different ATV transmission technologies, including foot-shift manual, push-button Electric Shift Program (ESP) and the industry-leading fully automatic Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), a Honda exclusive in powersports.
“Customers have demonstrated that they continue to appreciate multipurpose ATVs, which are still the market’s most popular models,” said Lee Edmunds, American Honda’s Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “Honda is obviously a believer as well, dominating the segment with a lineup of incredibly versatile models, and much of that success is thanks to the amazingly popular FourTrax Rancher, which is equally at home hunting, ranching, or hitting the trail.”
FourTrax Rancher
In an age of increasing specialization, versatility can be extremely refreshing, and it’s difficult to find a better example of do-it-all effectiveness than Honda’s family of capable FourTrax Rancher ATVs. No matter the application—whether it’s accessing a favorite deer stand, repairing a fence on the back 40, or just exploring the local OHV area with friends—there’s a Rancher that’s ideally suited. Available in six configurations, the FourTrax Rancher is offered with manual transmission, push-button Electric Shift Program ESP, or automatic DCT, and there are also choices between IRS and a solid rear axle, as well as 2WD and 4x4. The 420cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder engine offers the sort of unrivaled reliability that keeps Rancher owners using their vehicles for many years, and the spread of power is well suited for almost any situation.
Colors
- FourTrax Rancher 4x4 Automatic IRS EPS: Active Yellow, Honda Phantom Camo
- FourTrax Rancher 4x4 Automatic IRS: Red, Olive
- FourTrax Rancher 4x4 Automatic EPS: Red, Vapor White, Honda Phantom Camo
- FourTrax Rancher 4x4 ES: Red, Olive, Honda Phantom Camo
- FourTrax Rancher 4x4: Red, Olive, Orange
- FourTrax Rancher: Red, Olive
Price: Starting at $5,349
Availability: July-September (depending on model)
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2018/fourtrax-rancher.aspx
FourTrax Foreman
Like all Honda ATVs, the FourTrax Foreman knows how to have fun, but where it really shines is when there’s work to be done. With a solid rear axle and swingarm rear suspension, along with a liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder 500-class engine that is longitudinally mounted in the chassis (thereby placing the crankshaft inline with the drive system for a more efficient transfer of power), this midsize ATV is an absolute workaholic. TraxLok is standard, enabling the rider to switch between 2WD and 4x4 with the push of a button, or to lock the front differential when traction is at a premium. Electric power steering is available, and cargo can be carried on the heavy-duty front and rear racks. With three headlights (two frame-mounted and one on the handlebar to increase visibility in corners), the work doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down.
Colors
- FourTrax Foreman 4x4 ES EPS: Red, Shale Blue, Honda Phantom Camo
- FourTrax Foreman 4x4: Red, Olive, Shale Blue
Price: Starting at $7,299
Availability: July-September (depending on model)
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2018/fourtrax-foreman-4x4.aspx
TRX90X
Honda’s proven TRX90X is one of the best first steps that a young rider can take on the journey toward a lifetime of off-road recreation. This air-cooled four-stroke has all the right ingredients to be the ultimate first machine: electric starting, manageable power, consistent handling, compliant suspension and uncomplicated controls. The TRX90X brings unmatched durability to the market—every component is built to Honda’s high standards to withstand even the most demanding conditions. The TRX90X is routinely used as a first-time trainer, as a platform for sharpening skills on family trail rides, and for burning lap after lap with a dusty, grinning, energetic young rider behind the handlebar. It’s no wonder this model sets the gold standard for what a modern entry-level ATV should be.
Colors: Red, Olive
Price: $3,049
Availability: August
Info: http://powersports.honda.com/2018/trx90x.aspx
Pioneer 500
This no-nonsense side-by-side is both beginner-friendly and expertly tuned; it can be easily operated by a first-time side-by-side owner and still be enjoyed by an experienced pilot. In the dirt, its longitudinally mounted four-stroke engine allows for comfortable cruising, while the automatic five-speed (plus reverse) gearbox can be operated in both automatic and manual modes for superb ascending, skillful rock crawling, and dependable exploration. Although compact in design to fit easily in garages, full-size pickup-truck beds, and narrow trails, the Pioneer 500’s 8.5-inch ground clearance and 450-pound payload capacity are nothing to scoff at. For those unsure where to begin the journey into the world of off-road recreation or work, the capable Pioneer 500 is a great place to start.
Colors: Red, Olive, Honda Phantom Camo
Price: TBA
Availability: October
