Is this Honda ATV the Best Bargain? 2021 Honda Foreman 520 In-Depth Review

[@noisyneighbor5858]

Am I the only one who was actually super happy to see that foot shifter on a new ATV? I grew up on those and I love them. I have driven one with that thumb shifter and it's ok but I just can't get used to it. I love my foot shifter ATV's.

[@447Film]

No. I wish they all did it

[@frederickmoller]

It's only what I always had, I'm not into fancy nancy high tech crap.

[@dbaKen]

I bought a 2021 with foot shift and EPS. I love it!

[@calvintimmer4634]

Amen man I love my foot shifts!

[@TwoFeetDown92]

@@dbaKen same here, Got a good deal on a new old stock 2020 foreman with power steering in January, man is it a godsend. Honda has a foot shift variant of all of their atvs apart from the rincon if I’m not mistakin. Not sure how it’s hard to shift when mudding, I mean yeah I get it if you’re afraid of getting muddy 😂 I’ve only ever owned Honda’s and they’ve all had a foot shifter. My dads got a 98 foreman that’s still chugging a long 👍🏻 your mileage may vary

[@mishmash3446]

I just purchased the exact same year and model. I absolutely love it. Having the footshift is great on the trails and super fun to drive. You have control of the ATV. Perfect low gears. This machine will last for 25+ years and thats why people buy these beasts. Thanks for the great review!

[@frankb.1546]

How old is this dude? Unlivable? He would’ve been miserable on and atv not to long ago. Manual foot shifts and no power steering is all we had growing up and not only was it livable, we love every minute of it.

[@447Film]

I know I cringed when he said this

[@michaelporra6230]

I bought my 2002 Honda Foreman 450 with just basic foot shifter and I love it. I snow plow every winter with it. I have done trail rides in Pennsylvania and up in Maine. One particular trail ride I did was over 120 miles and it ran like a top. While three Polaris broke down from overheating or belt problems. My basic foot shifter air cooled Honda ran like a jewel. Very proud.

[@jasongilliland9508]

I just bought this Honda. I feel like there's a lot less to go wrong with the base model, and reminds me of the older models that I grew up with.

[@michaelfalconer2816]

My 2023 will do 85 km/h and I do love the foot shift. Little stiff when it's cold but shifts free and easy when she's warmed up.

[@bobdennis4801]

For $7300 I bought my daughter a Polaris 450 HO with EPS. So far she’s loved it.

[@92JoseR]

The Polaris 450 is a beast. Currently driving one. It has 33 HP, that's more than this 520 with 30 HP. It's no slouch.

[@edwardclement102]

@@92JoseR Honda has a locker.

[@leeallenbeal]

@@92JoseR my 2015 rancher dct eps thumb shift it will out run Polaris 450 & 500 iv Polaris after i get it fixt letting my nephew and neice have it so they can go riding down to creek this summer

[@OutworldEmperor]

While the sportsman is a good value it's build quality is no where near the honda. In 3 to 4 years it will be falling apart while the honda is like new

[@bobdennis4801]

@@OutworldEmperor I have a 2013 and 2016 Polaris Sportsman. A 550 Touring that we use to move snow in the winter and a 570 SP that I bought used in 2018. Changed a battery this year on the 550 and that’s all I’ve had to do for both.

[@Swindy1794]

I have a 2009 Honda Foreman 500…. It’s actually a great machine.. still runs awesome, like the day i bought it. Air cooled, foot shifter. I’m keeping it … probably forever. 👍 (edit) mine has 2 shocks in the rear… rides a bit “tight” .. all good.

[@beye90]

Call me old school but I went against the rest of the crowd and bought the same atv with the SRA and foot shift . Love the both for the sporty feel and simplicity . There is just something about shifting with the foot that comes naturally .

[@mountainpride]

I grew up with foot shift never had the push button before. My 2015 rancher came with the push buttons and now I love the push button. My new Rubicon has it an it would feel unnatural to not have it now after so many yrs with it.

[@xRhino95x]

I recently bought a 23 Foreman. It came with a buddy seat and a plow and winch (its main purpose is to keep the driveway clear for the Canadian winters - thankfully connecting and disconnecting the plow is literally a 2 step process). This is my first quad and I figured this is a perfect starting point - not too big not too small. Not all the bells and whistles like the Can Am has but some nice beefy tires and I like the fact that it's a foot shift. I was more than pleasantly surprised at what this bike can do in 2WD as far as trails, mud, water, hill climbs. For a smaller engine and wheel size, this thing is a TANK! Edit: and even though it doesn't have power steering, I find inputs very easy on 90% of trails I've been on. The only resistance I've encountered are on really grabby rocky bouldery parts (especially uphill). The base 520 is bang for your buck and then some!

[@northerntoyota7584]

This was the only way to shift an ATV for most of my young life. Guess it’s all in how you grew up. This is a great bike for around the property and the odd trail ride

[@northerntoyota7584]

Great review brothers The solid axel isn’t a live solid axel. Kawasaki had a Bayou that had a live rear axel that they called semi independent suspension. This setup would more closely mimic a solid axel in a pickup truck. The solid axel on this Honda is bound by the solid mounting points of the swing arm style suspension, which is why you aren’t getting any articulation out of it.

[@markflaugh2293]

It’s a honda change oil & clean air filter and it will run forever. I have a 26 year old honda 300 4x4 still runs great

[@iceman6518]

1981 atc110 runs like new 1986 250r stock runs like new 2005 Foreman good work machine zero problems on all first time though on the Foreman when the battery got low I thought trouble was gonna be big would pull start but shifting got bad thankfully it was just an old battery. Honda when you know you know. Cvt 🤣

[@jameshanna8762]

Having the foot shift in mud is not an issue, as you are not going to be shifting gears in mud that deep. You have it in low gear and stay there until you get out of the deep mud. If you get stuck, you have to get your feet muddy anyway.

[@R.Nelson]

Best show in Canada!!!!😎I wish I could be there help film videos for you guys...Truck King Rocks!!😃

[@benleatherdale9205]

I still drive an 03 Honda foreman with a solid axle and no power steering. After driving my parents newer rubicons I will definitely vouch for power steering but I love the solid axle. Independent is nice for really bumpy road but it can be more tippy in cornering. I know where my back axle is always going to be and honestly I feel better sliding on a solid axle than an independent. I think you have also shown what type of rider Honda is. Honda isn’t going to compete head to head with the Can Am but it’s a nice work horse that you can take riding on the road plus having a transmission is super nice. You cannot kill a Honda four wheeler if you tried

[@whenworkisplay]

Hello, I just brought home this model of the Foreman, a 2024. It will take a bit for me to get used to the foot shift , especially reverse. My old atv was thumb shift, but think I am going to love this atv for the work I do. Quite enjoyed your video, Ben

[@stephaniealtman4021]

just bought the same exact honda foreman currently own a honda 300 fourtrax fw love the new diff lock got foot shift electric shift is garbage

[@jasongilliland9508]

I got the 2024 base model. I love it, Foot shifter and all. But i also got a 2024 Rubicon, love it too.

[@KUBBI7488]

Just sold my KAWI PRAIRIE 650 (junk) and bought 2008 forman 500 with 700 miles on it !!!Honda is not quickest on but most reliable atv on the market !!! !!!

[@mrsmith9964]

I have this quad in the 2012 version fs only no power anything with 26s on it ,lights skid plate upgraded coils and gear tools etc mine does 54 55 mph with 2 people on it. I'd reccomend this one it will last till 2041, as long as we still have gasoline!

[@edwardclement102]

I grew up on Honda 125m, Big Reds, and later added a 300 4wd to my fleet, let me tell you the foot shift Hondas of old are rock solid, then they went modern to compete with things like Polaris, and with it came a radiator, etc, things less reliable like a belt on Yamaha aka Polaris, I have heard people say the push button can be effected by mud, the old-style foot shifter keeps going, either way, more tech like a car.

[@ericmcdonald8479]

I just purchased an olive base model this past week. He's right about the foot switch. Even the tech at the dealership had a hard time shifting until it warmed up. Much easeir after that. I had a 2019 rancher, loaded, and this one is noticeably bigger and more powerful. The inventory out there is few and far between. I grabbed mine as soon as they got it off the delivery truck.

[@bryanangelov]

The shifting improves in time, and also if you shift at the right RPM, it is very easy. I have a brand new Rancher with a foot shift, and I am coming from a Recon, which also has a foot shift. The only negative about the foot shift is that I cannot shift as fast as I would like to, especially when riding in the sand dunes up a hill. Otherwise, I prefer foot shift over the other options. I have not driven the Rancher yet on sand yet, and I do not know how it will do.

[@harrisonfarms3996]

You should do the New Polaris 450 HO utility addition

[@ExpeditionaryRanger]

My father has this bike, except the 2017 version of it. Burns less gas, is faster, and lighter, than my 2017 Rubicon manual shift with eps. The ride is just fine for his 77 years on our 200 km , sometimes more, trips, and it’s light enough I don’t miss the power steering when jumping between bikes. Only negative really is the lack of ground clearance under the rear diff. The IRS equipped rubicon clears more rocks, but you will also pay more for the irs and eps!

[@jthondacrf8926]

I just bought the rubicon and i absolutely love it

[@karlewert6430]

There's a lot of reasons to get the "base model" and I'm thankful Honda is still offering one. I'm a mechanic during the week, and I'd rather have less things to go wrong during the weekend. What can go wrong with a solid axle, foot shift, and manual steering? These machines will be around a long time.

[@justinturdeau2383]

I agree. Still can’t decide between this and the Rubicon with foot shift and eps

[@rollcam321]

My therapy. I’m so happy with my purchase

[@barry8458]

I have my freinds 2024 rancher in my garage with 7 miles on it..itS the DCT EPS AND IRS TOP rancher model…that tranny and p/steering is like driving a Cadillac..👍🏼

[@sevenx24]

a simple machine is less likely to break down i think something like this would be perfect for kids to use to put around the yard on

[@GavrienPennington]

To me foot shift is better cuz the push button that i had got wet and it shorted out so i traded it in for the foot shift and i love it nothing wrong with it and it was on the 420 rancher very good atv

[@cflip7452]

More bells and whistles more trouble. Less is good seeing they sit in the garage more than there on the trails for most people. Just my thoughts

[@treytonreeder]

I like this model the most I am used to the foot shifter

[@GaryMorrisJr-pt9oh]

The thing about that model is. Theirs not a lot to go wrong. No electric shift to get stuck in a gear. It’s all done with the foot. An powersteering. If it stops working, it’s worse to drive with it not working than it not have the system

[@jaydenison3325]

I put aftermarket wheels with a little offset and tires on best move for stability and awesome ride . Stock tires are lame

[@MrHugawa]

perhaps a heel and toe shifter would be better, must be hard to get your left foot under the shift lever.

[@roadglide1142]

Picked up one today ! 😊

[@powersportsenthusiast1986]

it had the power to pull the log. it lost traction and the log was right by that other tree, it was in a awkward spot

[@atvseatexchange2176]

You guys weren't pulling the tree that way, from the side you had a better shot. I like the idea of a base model at a lower cost. I picked up a 2018 Rancher 420 and yanked off the steel wheels and tires, replaced them with a set of slightly used upscale Honda wheels and larger tires from somebody that bought the biggest and most expensive ones in the aftermarket. After selling the OEM steelies and rubber, I spent $200 to turn a plane Jane into a real beauty and good handling machine. Another $50 for shock covers and a custom seat cover and I'll be done. Good job guys

[@jean-christiandupont9956]

Maybe TK could look at the new ARGO ATV line, Ontario Base company now making great ATV. I just completed 2000km on my 2020 Argo 500 XPlorer 2up and very satisfied, well equip at a great price.

[@planeswalkerPAT]

Looks like a nice little machine

[@Mixwell1983]

I want a basic honda rancher with footshift or the suzuki kingquad 400 with footshift.

[@mclovin_it8872]

Would the honda foreman be great for flood water riding? Were i live we dont have many trials to ride only when it rains it flooded and we take our ATVS to ride.

[@PompdUpFishin]

I’ve never had an issue foot shifting in the mud. Neither have any of my buddies.

[@mikefoehr235]

My 1985 Honda Big Red that i owened years ago is nearly the same but for 3 wheels instead of 4. Top speed of the 250 big red was 90 km/hr. Does this quad have four wheel drive?

[@jesseburger4389]

my 250es big red couldn't break 60km/hr, my 400 fortrax can only do 70 down hill lol

[@mikefoehr235]

@@jesseburger4389 the trike i had was real quick.

[@WyLEE08]

Those Foreman are a little tricky to put a winch on, you need to start with finding/buying the correct mount, betcha Honda would charge at least $800 US to install one.

[@izotopz]

Foot shift, simple rear suspension, no EPS: It's still going to run like new in 40 years. My 1983 yamaha YTM200 does anyway...

[@mattwu2071]

Good stuff!!!!!

[@sergiomarin1793]

Love foot shift ATVs, I don't care what anybody says

[@muddingblogs457]

Ur supposed to start in first gear if you start in 3rd you'll burn up the clutches

[@billalbion]

Exactly, some folk have no feel or kindness for their machinery.

[@edwardclement102]

Those types of Hondas are meant for hunting, work, fishing, and moderate speed on a trail, like my 300, and you can only go so fast on a trail, and in tight woods riding my Big Reds will kill big four-wheelers. And if you want speed get a dirt bike or Corvette and find a track. Those fast 4wd four-wheelers are limited, trucks can beat them in drag. Do not get me wrong I have made a point I would take the 500 Honda or a 1000 Polaris any day, both nice.

[@prestonmcdowell1351]

I have a 2019 420 and a 97 fourtraxx 300 I love the straight axle don’t really understand the hate other then the clearance lol but who gives a rip I mean come on if you ain’t getting stuck you ain’t having fun but you don’t want to be stuck all day everyday lol if you need the clearance they make a rancher with independent suspension and the rubicon’s do too so you have your options I don’t need it im using mine mainly for ranching but I like to have fun

[@843MudMafia.]

I got a kodiak 700 2019 but im looking at a can am 1000 next

[@smileysun9212]

Lives are worth saving & Honda’s are safer because there slower & don’t have CVT. I’ve had a Polaris & I should of taught my friend how to throttle it because he never driven a CVT before & about got killed. There was a Lady close by where I live doing yard work on a Polaris. She was parked on a little hill & ended up flipping backwards getting killed. I’m glad I got rid of Polaris & got a Rubicon. I do like the sportsman better in some ways & it is sportier. After owning a Rubicon I will never go back. I hated that reverse override button & had to flip a switch for down hill braking. Having one handle bar break is not safe & I’m glad for two in the situations I've been in. I rather have metal racks & so many people have broken off the front lid on their Polaris’s. I can place something hot on a metal rack without melting the plastic. I like having a pull start & my Rubicon came with it. Honda is the best move I’ve ever made & I stayed out of the shops. The older I get I appreciate Honda more. No more showing off to see how fast I can go. I like to putt putt & enjoy wildlife. I feel the Honda is Simpler to use & don’t need to worry about rbis button or that.

[@drathmor1401]

do you need the 520 for farm work or will the 420 do just as well I will be doing very little trail riding and more workhorse type of activitys

[@Ffwri]

I just traded my 420 for the 520 and it’s more preference and what you can afford in my honest opinion

[@jwestrik9308]

I bought the 520 rubicon footshif tindependent suspension equivalent (FM6) here in Ireland for my farm. I am towing a very heavy self powered 5.2 ft wide flail mower which on its own weighs 700 lbs and pull it about on some uneven slopy areas overgrown to 5 ft of rushes and woody weeds. I am glad I have the 520 because even with that it is hard work. Even have to use the front diff lock on occasions. Although after clearing the paddocks of the enormous overgrowth it is easier to maintain. But I guess it depends what you use it for. But for workhorse activities , towing etc. rather than just driving around to check on the animals I think the 520 (preferably the Rubicons with difflocks ) are worth the extra cash. I like the simplicity of the footshift. However, If I had to buy a quad again I would get the Rubicon auto which comes with the low range selector. Even though my quad has quite a low first gear it would be much easir to control the low speed needed when mowing if it had a lower gear selector.

[@joshdewees2916]

My 520 foreman runs 54 with 26 inch tires

[@MrColdhardsteel2000]

It had plenty of power to pull that log, you just didn't have good traction. Thanks for the video.

[@EthanAdey]

The 2019 Foreman 500 goes 90kph top speed but the new 520 is slower 🤔 I have both

[@dementedspirit1359]

New and more restrictions on emissions. The government ruins everything. Open these up and let them breathe, then you will get closer to the HP output

[@Etruscan70]

My 2014 foreman goes 57 mph top speed. They’re getting slower?

[@EthanAdey]

@@Etruscan70 maybe

[@martyscott8112]

What about the four wheel drive? Does it have a front locker?

[@mattaltman6344]

Yes has a front locker

[@jmj267]

Not only the Rubicon has IRS. Form and and ranchers? Do?

[@semiauto3148]

The foreman doesn’t have irs but some models of the rancher do.the higher end ones I believe...

[@leeallenbeal]

@@semiauto3148 my 15 has irs she is beast I've played in mud couple of times never got stuck glad my rancher dct 4wd miss my Timberwolf 250 footshift and I own Polaris 06 500 after I get it fixt letting my nephew and neice have it

[@jedimaster197]

$7,800 With dmv, fees, dealership, freight charges will get you to ~ $10,000+

[@blumix5441]

Can you please do a Kawasaki 250x Ultra video?

[@wg5768]

Yamaha Kodiak 450 EPS SE for the same money or less!

[@remypaquin7224]

aside from cost cutting i wounder why they went to a single shock rear my 2007 foreman has dual shock rear the other thing is i know they're are dated and considered ugly now but my older model has the really soft black plastic all along the fender (about 3 inch of it) and I cannot count the amount of time that I have ripped those off or completely crushed them going between some very tight spaces ...those always spring back into shape or re install within seconds whereas these new hard fender would just most likely break...same reason i dislike these massive can am or polaris.

[@leadfootnick4x4]

Good video

[@grizzlydipper7550]

Footshift is king for driver engagement and it had plenty of power to pull that tree, it just lacked the as* to get the traction to get it going

[@leeallenbeal]

dct is King for driving in mud footshift is queen

[@JohnnyRebKy]

If I was gonna buy a new atv that would be it. I can’t afford a new one every few years. This Honda foot shift is something you can buy and ride for 30 years. I don’t care about being fast , I care about riding and not fixing things all the time.

[@mozzberg590]

It's a Honda, which means it'll run forever. Pioneer 520 is a better option for under 10k in US dollars

[@daveodo4315]

These Honda’s are so dependable. But they are very rough riding. I agree they make for a great work machine. But these don’t make for a great comfort or hard riding fun use. I’ve owned somewhere around 20 quads and ridden plenty more. This machine is very outdated and underpowered. That being said it will last a very long time with minimal maintenance or troubles.

[@vinylaccord2742]

Tbh I find the rough riding gets pretty easy once you become acclimated to it. That being said riding during the winter months while the frost is in makes for an exponentially harder time. Underpowered tho? I'd wager to say they're a fantastic balance of power and speed with just enough weight to get you by. They don't sink like these suped up Can-Ams do I've been runnin my Foreman for years and years and it's never steered me wrong even after the abuse I've put it through

[@rossclarkoutdoors64]

What happend to you and tfl truck

[@TruckKing]

Came home to start Truck King with my Dad and brother

[@rossclarkoutdoors64]

That's good I'm from nb but I lived in Ontario for like 8 years I loved it there

[@leeallenbeal]

Na i love rancher better they have more power I've 2015 420 dct eps thumb shift she will eat mud all day never got stuck mine will hit 63 - 64

[@aocbarbarian3692]

They only don't like foot shift because they grew up with automatics.foot shift is superior.

[@jamesmalloy9626]

Oh my …!! You have to shift it… lol

[@BNN-hy7iz]

If you have to "manually shift" it with your foot... then it is NOT a TRUE automatic!! WTF... Duuur!

[@lacbowker]

It's more reliable to have a foot shift than an electric. My Honda Foreman 2015 FM1 with a LogRite ATV Arch: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mX2rpHivituVqtE

[@broboy666]

1 thumbs down... what a loooooser they must me probably living in mamas basement whats wrong mamas boy you got a hate on

[@stephanelachance6195]

Did i really hear you say that you start in 3 rd gear ??? WTF man !! I think you should stick to driving atv's with belts.....they are less complicated...atv's with gears require more effort....

[@leeallenbeal]

not me ill keep my rancher over belt any day and for got to start off in 1 rd gear

[@jasonfalk7696]

While the Honda's are definitely reliable, I think they're best suited for a farm. They would be my last choice for an atv to actually have fun on.

[@FUMoney33]

They are MORE fun than the shitty brands since they don’t fail and fall apart after three months 😂😂😂😂

[@jasonfalk7696]

@@FUMoney33 that's because they're so slow, it would take 3 months to really get anywhere.

[@LivingstonKennelsRottweilers]

😂😂😂 I have had a lot of fun on my 21 Rubicon

[@mattaltman6344]

Foot shift model electric shift is junk

[@ericmelton5765]

when is honda gonna get caught up with the rest of the world??

[@nikostyson3255]

the new CF MOTO CFORCE 500 its way better amd much more tecknology!! honda looks very old!!

[@jeremy8715]

It’s a $5,000 USD machine. Anymore and it’s over priced.

[@frankb.1546]

20. Years ago it would have been. You know everything goes up in price over time don’t you?

[@jackpeters9048]

I just bought the 2023 model...Why? It's Bulletproof.....