| |
The
new Maxxis tires performed extremely
well on our ride with plenty of traction
and body roll resistance
|
The new Foreman also has a shorter wheelbase for
improved handling and a tighter turning radius
than in previous models, and the Dunlop tires
that were standard on previous models have been
replaced by 2-ply Maxxis tires that were specifically
made for Honda. The tires offer improved performance
with great traction. We also were impressed with
the limited side roll on the 2-ply tire, and no
one had any flat tires on our ride.
The four new models come with either manual
shifting, or Honda’s Electric Shift Program
that delivers push-button convenience for shifting.
The one thing we noticed about the ESP is that
while most Honda riders are accustomed to the
thumb shifter, it can take some getting use
to, but we can surely see why people would like
it over manual foot shifting.
The power steering on the Foreman was awesome.
In fact it was one of the best power steering
units we have tested. We deliberately hit rocks,
roots and ruts to try to see how much it could
handle and it worked flawlessly every time.
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| The
2012 Honda Foreman is very comfortable
to ride with its new ergonomics, which
is very important to anyone that plans
on spending an entire day out riding or
working |
As far as egos and comfort items go, there
is a new seat attached to the Foreman as well
that includes softer cushion material for increased
rider comfort and the ergonomics felt good as
we felt we could ride this unit all day long.
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|
| The
new Honda Foreman 500 seat was very comfortable |
The
triple headlight design is a nice feature
for improved night time visibility |
The new digital multi-function LCD meter includes
a large readout for easy reading while on the
move. Also, the addition of a headlamp mounted
on the handle bars was a great idea that we
really like for night riding as the light turns
with the bars to always keep the trail lit in
the direction you steer the ATV.
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| 2012
Honda Foreman Digital Dash |
2012
Honda Foreman 2wd & 4wd |
The 2wd and 4wd on the Foreman engages now
mechanically with a side lever and is adjustable
on the fly at any speed, but it is not recommended
by Honda due to the fact that you have to take
your hand off the handle bars to get it to engage.
We did however try it on the fly on a hill climb
and it worked very well. The Foreman does not
have a differential lock, but it was purposely
not added to keep costs down and if you are
using the machine for its intended purpose,
as a work horse, it really isn’t needed.
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The
Electric Shift Program (ESP) is handlebar
mounted for thumb operated shifting,
which is a nice feature, but it can
be a little cumbersome shifting into
reverse
|
One thing we would like to see Honda improve upon
in future models is the reverse engagement, which
has been the same on the Foreman for over two
decades and could use a more user friendly upgrade.
The combination of the Electric Shift Program
and the lever action reverse was a little awkward
to use and could be quite difficult for individuals
with smaller hands try to pull in the lever and
reach with your thumb to down shift to reverse.
This wouldn’t be as much of any issue with
a manual foot shifter model, but it is surely
something Honda should consider updating in future
releases of the Foreman.
One thing we really like about Honda is that they
always go the extra mile to ensure quality workmanship
and build products that are meant to last and
the Foreman is no exception. Nothing on this unit
felt cheap or flimsy, which really boosted our
confidence while out on our test ride.
The Foreman is really in a class all by itself
as it is the only 500cc machine that is still
a manual transmission and offers a straight
axle design with gearing instead of being belt
driven, but those characteristics help to ensure
the longevity of the machine. Overall we really
like the redesigned 2012 Honda Foreman 500 and
we feel that Honda has built an incredible American
made workhorse that is built to last and will
definitely live up to the Honda reputation for
reliability and quality. We are glad to see
Honda upgrade the Foreman line and we can’t
wait to see what new ideas they come up with
for future models.
