Built for off-road adventures, the 2017 Honda Rubicon 500 is a premium ATV that is injected with a powerful performance. This new model also stands out for its utmost rider comfort as the bike integrates a plethora of convenience features.
2017 Honda Rubicon 500 – Design and Features:
The design of 2017 Honda Rubicon 500 is as functional as it could ever be. The Honda has used a new ultra comfortable seat along with “gripper” texture and thick foam features. This seat also qualifies as the best for any ATV around. The Deluxe model comes with cast aluminum wheels which have polished highlights.
The riders get to enjoy off-road touring at its fullest as 2017 Rubicon 500 incorporates EPS (Electric Power Steering). It is always responsive regardless of the load and terrain type. Speaking of its cargo load, the rear rack can hold up to 187 pounds and front rack up to 99 pounds. These racks have multiple tie-down points which add convenience to its rider.
This new Honda Rubicon 500 comes with 3 functional headlights. Two of them are mounted on the front fenders while the other one sits on the handlebar. All of these 3 units use multi-reflector lenses for superior light distribution.
Chassis:
The chassis (including brakes and suspension) of Rubicon 500 has undergone considerable revisions. The details go as:
- Front Brake – Hydraulic Disc; 190 mm
- Rear Brake – Hydraulic Disc; 170 mm
- Rear Suspension – Independent dual-arm with 8.46 inches travel
- Front Suspension – Independent double wishbone with 7.28 inches travel.
Both front and rear suspension have preloaded adjustable shocks with which riders can optimize performance accordingly. The one of the newest addition is the digital display that includes Maintenance Minder.
In terms of practicality and functionality, this ATV creates an ideal balance of work and play. The 2017 Rubicon comes in 4 different versions viz.
- Rubicon 4×4 DCT EPS Deluxe
- DCT EPS
- DCT
- EPS.
2017 Honda Rubicon 500 – Powertrain:
The 2017 Honda Rubicon 500 uses the same 475cc liquid-cooled OHV single cylinder 4 stroke engine. As this engine has a longitudinal mount, the camshaft timings are increased which contributes to improved performance. The engine has a longitudinal layout and sits in the middle of the drivetrain to reduce powertrain friction. This layout also eliminates unnecessary right-angle detours.
As to its transmission, the Rubicon use an automatic DCT unit (with Drive/Low) while Rubicon 4×4 EPS uses a manual transmission. Further details on this powertrain go as:
- Power – 27 HP at 6,250 RPM (approx.)
- Torque – 28 lb-ft at 5,000 RPM (approx.)
- Bore and Stroke – 92.0 mm ×5 mm
- Starter – Electric with auxiliary recoil (optional)
- Ignition – Fully transistorized
- Induction – PGM-FI
- Fuel Economy – 33.6 mpg (approx.)
- Driveline – Direct front and rear driveshaft with locking front differential and TraxLok®
- Towing Capacity – 1,322 lbs
- Fuel Capacity – 3.9 gallons
- Emissions – CARB.
2017 Honda Rubicon 500 – Colors, Warranty, and Price:
The 2017 Honda Rubicon 500 will roll out with 3 different color options which include Olive, Active Yellow, and Red. The new model comes with a 1-year factory warranty (including Honda Protection Plan) and starts at around $8,599.
