2023 Honda Foreman Rubicon 4x4 EPS 520 with DCT Review

In today's video we compare the Honda Foreman Rubicon 520 with the Polaris Sportsman 570 with snow removal in mind.
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Honda Foreman Rubicon 520 VS Polaris Sportsman 570 58
Honda Foreman Rubicon 4x4 520 63
2021 Honda Foreman Rubicon 4x4 EPS 520 with Manual Shift Test Review 64
2021 Honda Foreman Rubicon 4x4 EPS 520 with DCT 64
2023 Honda Foreman Rubicon 4x4 EPS 520 with DCT63

[@paulsumpter9573]

I have a 2005 Honda 500 Rubicon I bought new and for being almost 20 years old it has been flawless and reliable. I trail ride and snow plow with it and happy with purchase.

[@secondcreekworkshop3908]

I would not worry about the electronics, I have a 2002 Honda Foreman 450 electric shift and it has been very reliable with no electrical issues , it was trapped under a log jam under water for a day or two from falling off a river bank.

[@TheHomePros6221]

You did very well I have owned both machines and the 570 is JUNK! Tons of problems with it, I have never had a single problem with my rubicon. I’ve owned well over 100 atvs and I work and fix them and I promise you you will be very happy with this machine vs the Polaris, this atv will last forever if you want to know all the problems I had with my 2018 570 I’d be glad to name them. Another big thing to consider is resale value of the Honda is MUCH more everyone knows Polaris is junk and they don’t have even close the resale value of the honda

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks! I’m glad to hear that. It’s always hard to make big purchase decisions.

[@Swindy1794]

I agree…. Do not buy the Polaris JMO… Honda .. much better machine.

[@doolittlegeorge]

@@ThriftyGarage definitely want hand guards and pricing is absolutely outrageous so I would go with a Honda if compelled to buy spot on. Still if not compelled wait until Tesla Cyberquad appears is my personal view again given current prices. In the alternative is a Mercedes Benz Unimog....again given these prices. *"Might as well have the whole thing"* for this as your US Dollar amount payment.

[@panzermagier]

Couldn’t agree more, I owned my self several Honda over the years, and its funny you say that last year I had a debate with a Polaris guy who was very rude and the only thing I said to him was, well you can like Polaris all you want but I don’t really like going back home walking and he just left and didn’t say nothing 😂

[@truckcamper5751]

Polaris makes junk snow mobiles, too

[@buikemm]

I'm a missionary in an extremely rural place in Nigeria, Niger state. Our cars can't go to many places. Makes it look like such ATV can help us a lot in moving around in our very bad rural roads. We've no money, so I can only admire

[@bigds6692]

Nice quad! You definitely did your homework, with the snow removal in mind this machine makes a lot of sense. It is a nice looking quad too! I can't wait to see it in more videos and at work!

[@iwanaGoFast2010]

Nice QUAD. DURRRRRRRRRR

[@jameshanna8762]

Valve adjustment is pretty easy on these. Mud Puppy has a great video on how to and what tools you need. I watched it a few times and did my own work with zero issues. Saved a lot of money. I also did my own winch and pull start installations, just from yt vids. Max's Moto Shop channel and a few others for the winch install. Although, I only found one video on the pull start install, it was good enough to get me through. Don't remember the channel name on that one, though. I bought a Honda OEM Foreman 420 pull start on ebay, and it was a perfect fit, so it seems they kept the same attachment point for the new 520 engines. The capacitor just plugs into an existing plug next to the battery. You'll need at least a 1/2 impact driver to get that crankshaft bolt out. A long, like 2 foot, extension for the driver will be great for that. I had to go get one, because my impact driver just didn't fit in the frame close enough to get to it, otherwise. Edit to add: I'm pretty certain the override is for the speed limiter while in diff lock, so you can go faster than 20mph if you need to, while holding it.

[@johnferreira174]

When you did your valve adjustment was it out of spec or was it fine?

[@jameshanna8762]

@@johnferreira174 One of the valves was perfect, and the other was barely perceptibly loose. Honestly, I could have left them both as they were, but did the slight adjustment just for giggles.

[@photochub]

Great review!!! 😊 Thanks.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks!

[@paulbrungardt9823]

Well Done ! Thank you.

[@farmking5088]

Nice quad and good choice! I have the first year Rubicon 2001 bought new and she still runs like a top, always loved the Hondamatic great for farm use.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Good to hear it has served you well!

[@gillt1975]

Great video! I'm looking at getting one of these and you showed me a lot to help me decide. Thank you.

[@ThriftyGarage]

What else are you considering?

[@gillt1975]

@@ThriftyGarage 2023 Honda Rancher as the price is more in my budget for a new honda

[@ThriftyGarage]

I wanted the 520 for the snow plow. What’s the price difference for the 420?

[@ItsLeeeroy]

My dad has the very first one made. Its crazy how we’ve came such a long way since then technology wise

[@JeffBezis-my7bn]

Wait until you see what Polaris is doing that technology shit pile will make you have a stroke

[@deeeeeeps]

I like that brake design in the rear. Keeps everything safe, out of elements, needs lockers though. I do realize it would put strain on your rear end. However, I rarely use brakes on ATVs.

[@icebawkz]

it has lockers

[@TheJohndeere212]

I don't like Polaris because of troublesome. I have a 2013 Honda Rancher 420 4x4 and I love it!!

[@MrTJohnston]

You made the right decision. Honda is the only way to go when it comes to work machines

[@ThriftyGarage]

It has been great so far!

[@donaldsaunders4736]

I just bought a new one and I noticed the power steering is not working and I noticed a 40 amp fuse in the compartment. Maybe I have to install the fuse first before it will work. Great video thanks

[@ThriftyGarage]

The 40 amp fuse should be a spare for the main fuse.

[@spyder000069]

I have the '20 Rubicon 520 as well as a '16 Rancher 420. I was dissappointed that the rancher was actually faster than the 520. I went to a larger tire on the rubicon and that helped. Then put a hmf exhaust and power commander and tuned the 520 and now its a little faster. The 520 did have shift problems. They eventually came out with a new flash that seems to have fixed it but I think it could be a crap shift motor too. The 520 was also burning through fuel until I tuned it and now its on par with the 420. Overall its a nice bike. However, my recommendation would be if you don't have to have the front locker (only use it rarely) the rancher is the better deal. The 420 is an exceptional motor and the rancher is much cheaper and is on the same frame/body panels.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Awesome feedback. Didn’t really look at the 420. Wanted something in the 500 class to push snow. Don’t need the locker but the low range is super nice for loading on ramps.

[@off-roadnpew2183]

I have a 21 Rubicon and I still prefer riding ranchers.

[@Swindy1794]

That’s a nice machine… I’m 53 and I’ve had several ATV’s in my days ..including Polaris which from my experience was a pile of doo doo.. 💩.. never again. Currently 09’ foreman.. soon time to upgrade….edit… btw that rev limiter button is a “god send” people have been crying about that for years and Honda listened… if stuck in the mud and trying to reverse out, it always had a rev limiter, not anymore. ❤👍

[@keithsark8632]

I own the 2020 Honda Rubicon 520. I use it for snowplow with a 60" blade. Works amazing with tracks. I did have to replace the shift motor after 15k kms. Love the 4wheeler. Maybe I'll post a few videos for you. I'm from new Brunswick Canada.

[@ThriftyGarage]

If you post be sure and message me! You can also DM on Instagram. Would love to see your setup!

[@greym6436]

I’m thinking between the Rancher model or a Can Am 500 base. I wish I could justify the Rubicon as I am a Super fan the Rubicon. I’m utilizing my machine for exploring overland adventures here in my state Arizona.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I didn’t need the Rubicon. Honestly for a utility machine I would have preferred a solid axle on the rear. Limited inventory affects decisions. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great machine. I chose Honda for their reputation and reliability. The horsepower specs on the Polaris and I’m sure the Can Am probably blow the Honda out of the water.

[@SunnybraeCroft]

The override is for the front diff lock, max speed is 20mph but by pressing the button this can be increased

[@ThriftyGarage]

Gotcha. I’ve tried using it but to no avail. That makes more sense.

[@SunnybraeCroft]

@@ThriftyGarage Pushing and holding the start/over ride button in this mode allows you to momentarily over-ride the 32 km/h (20 mph) speed limiter, up to 64 km/h (40 mph), to help you free the vehicle in more severe conditions. You should only use this feature where maximum traction is required and only in low speeds. For normal riding, use 2WD and 4WD modes.

[@radioace318la]

I'm considering this very bike. My question is about liquid cooling. Considering this time of the year and working and playing in the snow, I would not think the cooling fan would ever switch on unless you idle for a very long time. Has it temp ever tripped the fan on for you? Thanks and Cheers from Louisiana.

[@ThriftyGarage]

We will see how it does this winter. I haven’t had it out much yet in the cold.

[@icebawkz]

Im in Massachusetts, riding this past few weeks, the fan has kicked on numerous times. Its loud, you'll notice it if not moving

[@JH-un1vt]

Any updates? Does the plow on the Honda work off the winch or a different system?

[@ThriftyGarage]

It uses a winch. I have a KZbin Short that shows the plow setup. We have used it for a few seasons for snow plowing.

[@alexanderlacy4005]

There is no Honda ATV that has more then one rear brake. Also, as far as Honda goes, they usually don’t have any rear brakes at all, past year one, or 50hrs whatever comes first. I noticed that for the straight axle swing arm models still have the same shitty rear brake drum, just like they had back in the late 80’s, early 90’s. I just bought the same 2024 as you have here, the very same exact one, just green. I’ve only owned Honda ATVs my entire life, when it comes to Honda VS Polaris, it’s no contest really, Honda is the very best of the best, although they have been way behind on their brake designs, until now they redeem themselves with the 520 rubicon in a big way, i know I LOVE mine, the DCT trans took a minute to grow on me, but I love it now, I believe it is by far the best ATV I’ve ever had, and I’ve owned ever make, and most there is, at one point or another, dating all the way back to 1986, for now 37 years.

[@guntario5712]

You have low range on the foot shift its 1st and second. Its probably more low range than the dct to be honest. I still run a 84 big red ." 5 high , 5 low theres no where this bike wont go". After abusing it for over a decade and needing something more comfortable on the back i was sold on the 2024 520 foreman. Needless to say i went solid rear axle and foot shift . Only thing ive ever seen go wront on old fourtrax is DCT failures and constant blown fuses from hand warmers.

[@rhealboucher3294]

On the automatic mode you can feel the gears changing ,do you have to released the throttle every time .

[@ThriftyGarage]

No, it’s very much like driving a car. Just push the gas and it goes.

[@gatorunleashed275]

If I was gonna do nothing but pull something or use a snow plow I would then consider this Honda over the Polaris 570, however I'm still not sure I wouldn't get the Polaris. The Polaris LITERALLY runs circles around this machine in every single aspect of riding an ATV. The comfort alone makes it almost impossible to go with the Honda. I see people bash the Polaris but here we ride with every make and model of machine that's out there and honestly it's EXTREMELY rare that any products have mechanical failures. All of them are rock solid.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Thanks for sharing your experience. That is great to hear that many of the brands have reliable machines.

[@richardgoings9686]

I have a question I just got my first rubicon 2023 and this thing rattle at high rpm only when driving is that normal

[@backspace4093]

That’s Just the nature of that engine. Mine has done that since new. It now has over 5000 miles on it. Just keep it serviced and don’t worry about it.

[@Mjr1348]

I have both and each has their strong and weak point , BUT I’ll take the Honda reliability all day long.

[@Icefisher420]

You get what you pay for. You paid for the Honda, smart man..

[@iggy658]

Honda is super easy to adjust valves on no shims my friend search KZbin for a video on it!

[@ThriftyGarage]

Good to know. Thanks!

[@michaelschwerin5353]

What brand snowplow are you going to use

[@ThriftyGarage]

Warn

[@dene1976]

I have a 2020 honda rubicon deluxe and it shifts rough ...shifts late

[@shawnhorne9296]

It's a Honda no problems, there bullet proof

[@HoldThePickles]

Will this tow a 12×15 shed around 20 feet?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Depends on the shed. If it has skids that will help. Also something to aid in rolling will help. Several round pipes will help it roll.

[@HartingFarms]

Just one question is this fuel injected?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Yes

[@PondstompingAdventures]

How many km or miles per tank do you get on average. Fuel range wise.

[@ThriftyGarage]

I haven’t gone through a full tank yet but looks like 40-50 miles possibly.

[@backspace4093]

I get close to 80 miles before refueling.

[@nseric1233]

You should have skipped the pull start kit They come with it in Canada It’s junk it fills with water rust and stops working very quickly I had to remove mine clean/grease it and then sealed it up within a year

[@ThriftyGarage]

That’s seriously disappointing to hear.

[@nseric1233]

@@ThriftyGarage Try sealing it up. I siliconed the drain hole and the pull handle on mine so it might work when I need it. The drain hole is in the case in the bottom, it's hard to see, I think that's where the mud/water comes in. The other option is to use it on a regular basis and spray rust check or fluid filum in it.

[@danjennings6817]

Honda is the most reliable

[@cajunoneforchrist4545]

If Honda made a 850 or a 1000 cc I'd wouldn't consider any other brand.

[@trailblazeratv6306]

Honda is like 200 lbs lighter than Polaris, Can Am and CF Moto

[@kareemvitar6645]

HONDA must raise its top speed to 75 - 88 m/h.

[@ThriftyGarage]

It’s pretty sketch on the road at 40 mph. I can’t imagine 80 mph!

[@kareemvitar6645]

@@ThriftyGarage If you run at 40 m/h,and engine able to reach 80m/h,you will reach 40 with less rounds per minute,without the noise of acceleration.and this is good for engine to keep quiet and cooled.

[@shadow7796]

CFmoto manufactures police and Military vehicles for the comunist government of China. When you pay for one, thats where your money goes. I realize theyre cheaper, but thats why i didnt buy one. Youre not going to have any issues with that Honda. I have a 2001 Rubicon with the Hondamatic and it still runs well. As long as you keep the service up correctly and dont abuse it, it should last you a very long time.

[@doomerhumor5479]

The thing is with Honda is they don't make high HP but they make way more torque. If you just wanna go fast then get a Can-am. They're more reliable than Polaris by a mile.

[@dcsales2007]

your doing a review on a quad with less than a mile on it? so you never actually used it. you may as well walk into all the dealerships and revew all of them if this is what your doing.

[@edtaylor6431]

CFMoto are absolute garbage! My brother-in-law bought one and after 9.3 hours of use the front end broke and almost came out of the machine. Took it back to the dealer and they replaced it because the frame broke. Then the second one, the transmission failed. He took that one back to the dealership and they let him get a Yamaha instead. Has had no problems with the Yamaha at all. He’s had the Yamaha now for about a year now and uses it all the time.

[@zthang]

Never buy extended warranties or gap or any of that crap on atv/bikes or cars. Waste of money and pure profit for the dealer.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Great advice.

[@HotRodPackard]

You know this is not a review right?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Why not?

[@HotRodPackard]

@@ThriftyGarage You explained what you plan to do with the machine and guess on any comparison you make and even state you don’t know detail of anything you’re comparing to another machine. My point is, it’s not a review.

[@ThriftyGarage]

Ok, I see your point. So if I change the title to “Overview and Comparison to Polaris Sportsman 570” or “Why I bought a Honda Foreman Rubicon” then you wouldn’t feel so misled?

[@ThriftyGarage]

Definition of Review: “A review is judgement or discussion of the quality of something. Review also means to go over a subject again as part of study or to look at something another time. A review is a critique of something-a look at something's good and bad points.” “a formal assessment or examination of something with the possibility or intention of instituting change if necessary.” Also described as “analysis” or “evaluation.”

[@ThriftyGarage]

I agree that is not an in depth review of this machine nor a long term review. While I agree it may not meet the full definition of “review” based on the above definition I wouldn’t say it’s not a review either. I will consider changing the name. I try really hard to not have click bait titles and thumbnails on the channel. It is never my intent to be misleading.

[@randyb7816]

Not much of a review when you didn't even take it for a drive

[@aw9680]

This isn't a review. It's a sales pitch.

[@ThriftyGarage]

What would you like a review on?

[@aw9680]

@@ThriftyGarage start it up. Drive it around. Hook a trailer to it. Put a plow on it. Push some snow. And actual review of the machines performance. Everything you talk about is in a sales brochure. For example... When you talk about how loud other people said it was I thought you were going to start it and show us. But you didn't. You took a machine with one one mile on it and said, here it is. That's not a review. Car and driver doesn't do a review of something without starting it up and driving it around. They tell you what it does. So, sorry. This isn't a review. It's a sales pitch.