The Farmers Mart Oct-Nov 2019 - Issue 65

52 ATV SPECIAL OCT/NOV 2019 • farmers-mart.co.uk Honda updates market leading Fourtrax 420 and Foreman 500 ATV models HONDA created the original All- Terrain Vehicle back in the 1970s and today is the world’s leading ATV manufacturer. Offering the market’s most comprehensive and diverse range of All-Terrain Vehicles including two-wheel and four-wheel drive options, the Honda ATV range provides a variety of transmission types, plus a huge choice of engine sizes ranging from 86cc to 675cc. Following the release of the updated TRX420 and TRX500 range FARMERS MART attended the HONDA press launch on Friday 6th September at the idyllic Wormsley Estate in Buckinghamshire. The event was superbly organised with a full technical presentation followed up by a full test drive of all models in the Wormsley estate woodlands where a special test track had been created by the HONDA team. Followed up by a Q and A session, lunch and a short enlightening presentation from the Wormsley Estate Manager Available to buy now, these new models have benefited from a number of enhancements to deliver improved performance, usability and versatility, while the Foreman 500 has received an engine upgrade and been renamed the Foreman 520. Prices start from £6,425 (exclud- ing VAT) for the TRX 420FM1 with the range topping TRX520 FA6 costing £8,600 (excluding VAT). Forward/reverse skip switch The first change is an all-new forward/reverse skip switch for Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) and Electric Shift (ES) models, offering easier and quicker shift in and out of reverse with just one lever. This fully electronic operation is perfect for applications such as snow ploughing or yard clearing, where constant shifting between forward and reverse is required. Manual-override capability DCT models also get a new manual-override system, allowing the operator to manually change gear even when in automatic drive, with the transmission reverting back to fully automatic mode after a few seconds. Such capability gives more control of speed and power than ever before, ideal for upshifting on descents or downshifting into corners. New shift map A further change for DCT and ES models is a new shift map which monitors engine RPM in real-time during shifting, rather than just before shift, delivering much smoother transition between gears. Front-mounted 1.9-litre water resistant utility box and redesigned front and rear cargo racks All models also benefit from an integrated front-mounted 1.9-litre utility box with weath- erproof cover, designed to keep personal items and tools safe and protected from the elements. The new box is easy to access from the riding position for added convenience and usability. Newly engineered front and rear cargo racks on all models provide greater surface area for carrying larger loads. New full-length suspension guards All models get new guards covering the full-length of the suspension arms, providing comprehensive coverage of the driveshaft and outboard CV joints, for even further trademark Honda durability. Engine upgrade for Foreman 500 models The Foreman 500 has been renamed the ‘Foreman 520’ thanks to an engine upgrade. The new engine delivers 518cc up from 475cc on the outgoing model. With updated mapping the TRX520 delivers stronger low-mid range power and torque, for quicker acceleration and better ascent. Other changes for the Foreman range include the addition of 50 watt LED lights, and a new front bumper and grille. Honda’s Fourtrax 420 and Foreman 520 ATVs set the stand- ard in the utility market and are built-for-purpose and developed using Computer Aided Engineering at Honda’s R&D facility in Ohio. Both ranges feature a longitudinal- ly-mounted liquid-cooled engine to deliver smooth power to the rear wheels, and a double-cra- dle steel frame for exceptional durability and handling. All models also offer Honda’s own Traxlok® system, allowing the operator to quickly switch between the ‘go-anywhere’ traction of 4WD and the increased manoeuvrabil- ity and lighter steering of 2WD. The Fourtrax 420 is the UK’s best-selling ATV, a mid-sized all- rounder with class-leading power and ability, offering a towing capacity of 385kg. It’s bigger brother, the Foreman 520, is the ultimate workhorse, a heavy hitter for hard work and hauling big loads and offers a towing capacity of 600kg. These new models are available now from Honda’s UK network of Authorised Dealers and also benefit from the addition of Datatool, the state-of-the-art tracking equipment, free-of- charge. The TQA-approved TrakKING Adventure package uses GPS chip set technology to offer theft protection, instant notifi- cations and full journey history logging. The only cost to the customer is a nominal monitoring subscription of £9.95 per month or £109 for a year (incl VAT). Honda offers free specific EASI Rider Courses with every new Honda ATV or Pioneer utility vehicle at no extra cost. Customers can register for a train- ing course at their local Honda Authorised Dealer. The course can qualify riders in risk assessments for PUWER or HSE requirements. For commercial users, HSE risk assessments may require further training, for example through Lantra, or as part of a tractor loading and towing course. For further information or to find your nearest dealer please visit www. honda.co.uk/atv.

The Farmers Mart Oct-Nov 2019 - Issue 65 | Page 52