CHOICES, CHOICES
Honda doesn’t have “options” for its
4x4 models. As a result, there are four
new Rubicon models: the Foreman
Rubicon with manual shift and auto
clutch, and three with automatic DCT
(dual-clutch transmission)—DCT IRS,
DCT IRS with electric power steering
(EPS) and DCT IRS with EPS Deluxe.
The Deluxe is a special higher-trim
edition with machined aluminum
wheels and red suspension parts.
The fuel-injected 475cc engine from
the new Foreman 500 replaces the
previous Rubicon’s carbureted 499cc
engine. Like the 2014 Foreman and
Rancher, the chassis is all new, stiff-
er and less resistant to twisting. But
instead of a swingarm rear suspen-
sion with 6. 7 inches of travel, the
Rubicon gets new, independent, dou-
ble-wishbone front suspension sport-
ing 7. 3 inches of travel and new,
independent, dual-arm rear suspen-
sion with 8. 5 inches of travel. All four
shocks have adjustable spring pre-
load. There are also disc brakes front
and rear. The Rubicon also benefits
from the Rancher’s more open riding
position, thicker but softer seat, and
upgraded bodywork that looks more
Honda’s IRS system gets those same
type of tough driveshaft CV-joint boots
that were introduced on the 2014
Rancher. Travel numbers are up, and
every shock on the quad is preload
adjustable.
The Rubicon has a powerful new han-dlebar-pod-mounted headlight that
joins the two lights in the fenders.
The Deluxe in black has extremely glossy plastic. We are curious how it will look
after a mud bath.
Diff-lock, baby! We love diff-lock, and
all of the IRS Rubicons have it. Push in
the button and slip the lever over it for
diff-lock.
