This manual should be considered a permanent part of the ATV and should remain with the ATV when it is resold.
This Owner’s Manual covers the TRX500FA andTRX500FPAmodels. You may find descriptions of equipment and features that are not on your particular model. All illustrations are based on the
TRX500FA model.
This publication includes the latest production information available before printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
The vehicle pictured on the front cover may not match your vehicle.
Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 2009
2010 Honda RX500FA
TRX500FPA with GPScape and Power Steering
FOURTRAX FOREMAN RUBICON OWNER’S MANUAL
FOR OFF-ROAD USE ONLY
This vehicle is designed and manufactured for off-road use only.
USA only:
It conforms to US EPA Noise Emission regulations, but does not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards or US EPA On Highway Exhaust Emission regulations, and operation on public streets, roads, or highways is illegal. The vehicle is equipped with a USDA qualified spark arrester. Obey local laws and regulations.
It conforms to US EPA, California, and Environment Canada emission regulations for ATVs.
Introduction
Congratulations on choosing your Honda ATV.
When you own a Honda, you’re part of a worldwide family of satisfied customers people who appreciate Honda’s reputation for building quality into every product.
Your Honda was designed as a recreational ATV for off-road use by one rider only.
Before riding, take time to get acquainted with your ATV and how it works. To protect your investment, we urge you to take responsibility for keeping your ATV well maintained. Scheduled service is a must, of course. But it’s just as important to observe the break-in guidelines, and perform all pre-ride and other periodic checks detailed in this manual.
We also recommend that you read this owner’s manual before you ride. It’s full of facts, instructions, safety information, and helpful tips. To make it easy to use, the manual contains a detailed list of topics at the beginning of each section, and both an in-depth table of contents and an index at the back of the book.
As you read this manual, you will find information that is preceded by a 
symbol. This information is intended to help you avoid damage
to your Honda, other property, or the environment.
Read the Warranties Booklet (page 273 ) thoroughly so you understand the coverages that protect your new Honda and are aware of your rights and responsibilities.
Whenever you ride, tread lightly. By staying on established trails and riding only in approved areas, you help protect the environment and keep off-road riding areas open for the future.
Introduction
Introduction
If you have any questions, or if you ever need special service or repairs, remember that your Honda dealer knows your ATV best and is dedicated to your complete satisfaction.
Please report any change of address or ownership to your Honda dealer so we will be able to contact you concerning important product information.
You may also want to visit our website at www.honda.com.
Happy riding!
California Proposition 65 Warning
WARNING: This product contains or emits chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
Introduction
A Few Words About Safety
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this ATV safely is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with operating or maintaining an ATV. You must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
Safety Labels –– on the ATV.
Safety Messages –– preceded by a safety alert symbol
and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING, or CAUTION.
A Few Words About Safety
A Few Words About Safety
These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
Safety Headings –– such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions.
Safety Section –– such as ATV Safety.
Instructions –– how to use this ATV correctly and safely.
This entire manual is filled with important safety information –– please read it carefully.
A Few Words About Safety
Contents
These pages give an overview of the contents of your owner’s manual. The first page of each section lists the topics covered in that section.
ATV Safety ........................................................................................ |
1 |
Important safety information you should know, plus a look at the |
|
safety related labels on your ATV. |
|
Instruments & Controls.................................................................... |
9 |
The location and function of indicators and controls on your ATV |
|
and operating instructions for various controls and features. |
|
GPScape System (TRX500FPA) ...................................................... |
53 |
Instructions for use of your ATV Navigation System. |
|
Before Riding..................................................................................... |
83 |
The importance of wearing a helmet and other protective gear, |
|
how to make sure you and your ATV are ready to ride, and |
|
important information about loading. |
|
Basic Operation & Riding ................................................................ |
97 |
How to start and stop the engine, shift gears, and brake. Also, |
|
riding precautions. |
|
Contents
Contents
Servicing Your Honda ...................................................................... |
135 |
Why your ATV needs regular maintenance, what you need to know before servicing your Honda, an owner maintenance schedule, and instructions for specific maintenance and adjustment items.
Tips ..................................................................................................... |
221 |
How to store and transport your ATV and how to be an |
|
environmentally responsible rider. |
|
Taking Care of the Unexpected ....................................................... |
231 |
What to do if you have a flat tire, your engine won’t start, etc. |
|
Technical Information ...................................................................... |
253 |
ID numbers, technical specifications, and other technical facts. |
|
Consumer Information ..................................................................... |
269 |
Information on warranties, emission controls, how to get Honda |
|
service manuals. |
|
Index................................................................................................... |
278 |
Quick Reference |
|
Handy facts about fuel, engine oil, tire sizes, and air pressures. |
|
Contents
ATV Safety
This section presents some of the most important information and recommendations to help you ride your ATV safely. Please take a few moments to read these pages. This section also includes information about the location of safety labels on your ATV.
Important Safety Information ................................................................ |
2 |
Safety Labels.......................................................................................... |
5 |
ATV Safety 1
Important Safety Information
Your ATV can provide many years of service and pleasure if you take responsibility for your own safety and understand the challenges you can meet while riding.
There is much that you can do to protect yourself when you ride. You’ll find many helpful recommendations throughout this manual. The following are a few that we consider to be most important.
Follow the Age Recommendation
The minimum recommended age for this ATV model is 16. Children under age 16 should never operate this vehicle. Refer to the age warnings provided in this manual and on the ATV.
Always Wear a Helmet
It’s a proven fact: helmets significantly reduce the number and severity of head injuries. So always wear an approved motorcycle helmet. We also recommend that you wear eye protection, sturdy boots, gloves, and other protective gear (page 84 ).
Never Carry a Passenger
Your ATV is designed for one person only. There are no handholds, footrests, or seat for a second person, so never carry a passenger. A passenger could interfere with your ability to move around to maintain your balance and control of the ATV.
2 ATV Safety
Important Safety Information
Ride Off-road Only
Your ATV is designed and manufactured for off-road use only. The tires are not made for pavement, and the ATV does not have turn signals and other features required for use on public roads. If you need to cross a paved or public road, get off and walk your ATV across.
Take Time to Learn & Practice
Even if you have ridden other ATVs, take time to become familiar with how this ATV works and handles. Practice in a safe area until you build your skills and get accustomed to the ATV’s size and weight.
Because many crashes involve inexperienced or untrained riders, we urge all riders to take a ATV operator course approved by the ATV Safety Institute (ASI). See page 86 .
Contact an authorized ATV dealer or call 1-800-887-2887 (USA only) to find out about the training courses nearest you.
Be Alert for Off-road Hazards
The terrain can present a variety of challenges when you ride off-road. Continually ‘‘read’’ the terrain for unexpected turns, drop-offs, rocks, ruts, and other hazards. Always keep your speed low enough to allow time to see and react to hazards.
ATV Safety 3
Important Safety Information
Ride within Your Limits
Pushing limits is another major cause of ATV crashes. Never ride beyond your personal abilities or faster than conditions warrant. Remember that alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and inattention can significantly reduce your ability to make good judgments and ride safely.
Don’t Drink and Ride
Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one drink can reduce your ability to respond to changing conditions, and your reaction time gets worse with every additional drink. So don’t drink and ride, and don’t let your friends drink and ride either.
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It’s important to keep your ATV properly maintained and in safe riding condition. Having a breakdown can be difficult, especially if you are stranded off-road far from your base. To help avoid problems, inspect your ATV before every ride and perform all recommended maintenance.
4 ATV Safety
Safety Labels
Your ATV comes with a hang tag and several labels containing important safety information. Anyone who rides the vehicle should read and understand this information before riding.
The labels should be considered permanent parts of the vehicle. If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for replacements.
ATV Safety 5
Safety Labels
6 ATV Safety
Safety Labels
(TRX500FA)
(TRX500FPA)
ATV Safety 7
Safety Labels
(For Canada)
8 ATV Safety
Instruments & Controls
This section shows the location of all indicators and controls you would normally use before or while riding your ATV.
The items listed on this page are described in this section. Instructions for other components are presented in other sections of this manual where they will be most useful.
Operation Component Locations .......................................................... |
.11 |
Indicators & Displays............................................................................. |
14 |
Multi-function Display....................................................................... |
21 |
Drive Mode Indicator......................................................................... |
22 |
Gear Position Indicator....................................................................... |
23 |
Oil Change Indicator .......................................................................... |
24 |
Odometer/Tripmeter........................................................................... |
26 |
Hourmeter .......................................................................................... |
28 |
Digital Clock ...................................................................................... |
29 |
Fuel Gauge ......................................................................................... |
32 |
(cont’d)
Instruments & Controls |
9 |
Instruments & Controls |
|
Controls & Features ............................................................................... |
33 |
Fuel Valve .......................................................................................... |
33 |
Choke Knob ....................................................................................... |
34 |
Ignition Switch ................................................................................... |
35 |
Shift Lever ......................................................................................... |
36 |
Drive Mode Select Switch.................................................................. |
37 |
2WD/4WD Select Switch .................................................................. |
38 |
Start Button ........................................................................................ |
39 |
Engine Stop Switch ............................................................................ |
39 |
Headlight Switch................................................................................ |
40 |
Headlight Dimmer Switch.................................................................. |
40 |
Starting Primer Knob ......................................................................... |
41 |
Recoil Starter...................................................................................... |
41 |
Throttle Lever .................................................................................... |
42 |
Gearshift Switch................................................................................. |
43 |
Front Brake Lever .............................................................................. |
44 |
Rear Brake Lever ............................................................................... |
44 |
Rear Brake Pedal................................................................................ |
44 |
Parking Brake..................................................................................... |
45 |
Flag Pole Bracket ............................................................................... |
46 |
Trailer Hitch ....................................................................................... |
47 |
Accessory Socket ............................................................................... |
48 |
Utility Box.......................................................................................... |
50 |
Storage Compartment......................................................................... |
51 |
PS (Electric Power Steering) (TRX500FPA only)............................ |
52 |
10 Instruments & Controls
Operation Component Locations
headlight dimmer switch
parking brake headlight switch lock lever
choke knob
rear brake
lever/ drive mode select switch parking
brake lever
front brake lever
gearshift |
ignition switch |
throttle lever |
switches |
|
|
|
2WD/4WD select switch |
|
engine stop |
|
|
switch |
shift lever |
|
start button
Instruments & Controls 11
Operation Component Locations
starting primer knob
seat lock lever
rear cargo rack
front cargo rack
recoil starter
rear brake pedal
12 Instruments & Controls
Operation Component Locations
accessory socket
flag pole bracket
utility box
fuel valve |
trailer hitch |
storage compartment
Instruments & Controls 13
Indicators & Displays
The indicators and displays on your ATV keep you informed, alert you to possible problems, and make your riding safer and more enjoyable. Refer to the indicators frequently. Their functions are described on the following pages.
TRX500FA
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
(7) |
(8) |
(2) |
|
|
(1) |
(10) |
(9) |
(1) RESET button |
(6) reverse indicator |
|
(TRX500FA) |
(7) multi-function display |
|
(2) odometer/tripmeter |
(8) hour select button |
|
select button |
(TRX500FA) |
|
(3) 4WD indicator |
(9) minute select button |
|
(4) high oil/coolant |
(TRX500FA) |
|
temperature indicator |
(10) adjust button |
|
(5) neutral indicator |
(TRX500FA) |
|
14 Instruments & Controls
Indicators & Displays
TRX500FPA
(3) |
(4) |
(5) |
(6) |
(7) |
(12) |
(13) |
(11) |
(2) |
(15) |
(14) |
(2) odometer/tripmeter |
(12) PS (Electric Power |
||
select button |
|
Steering) indicator |
|
(3) 4WD indicator |
|
(TRX500FPA) |
|
(4) high oil/coolant |
|
(13) GPS/WP button |
|
temperature indicator |
(TRX500FPA) |
||
(5) neutral indicator |
(14) plus button |
|
|
(6) reverse indicator |
(TRX500FPA) |
||
(7) multi-function display |
(15) minus button |
|
|
(11) digital clock/hourmeter |
(TRX500FPA) |
||
select button |
|
|
|
(TRX500FPA) |
|
|
|
USA: Displays read in mph and miles.
Canada: Displays read in km/h and kilometers.
Instruments & Controls 15
Indicators & Displays
Lamp Check
The high oil/coolant temperature indicator, neutral indicator, 4WD indicator and reverse indicator come on for a few seconds and then go off when you turn the ignition switch ON ( ).
(TRX500FPA only)
The PS (Electric Power Steering) indicator comes on when you turn the ignition switch ON ( ) so you can check that it is working.
The indicator remains on until the engine is started.
These indicators are identified in the table on pages 18 , 20 with the words: Lamp Check.
When applicable, the reverse or neutral indicators come on when you turn the ignition switch ON ( ) and remain on until you shift out of reverse or neutral.
If one of these indicators does not come on when it should, have your Honda dealer check for problems.
16 Instruments & Controls
Indicators & Displays
Display Check
When the ignition switch is turned ON ( ), the multi-function display ( 1 ) will temporarily show all the modes and digital segments so you can make sure the liquid crystal display is functioning properly.
The displays are identified in the table on page 19 with the words:
Display Check.
If any part of these displays does not come on when it should, have your Honda dealer check for problems.
TRX500FA |
TRX500FPA |
(1) |
(1) |
|
(1) multi-function display
Instruments & Controls 17
Indicators & Displays
1 |
RESET button |
Resets the tripmeter to zero (0) |
|
(TRX500FA) |
(page 26 ). |
|
|
This button also used to reset the oil |
|
|
change indicator (page 24 ). |
2 |
Odometer/tripmeter |
Selects display of the odometer or |
|
select button |
tripmeter A or tripmeter B |
|
(TRX500FA) |
(page 26 ). |
|
|
This button also used to reset the oil |
|
|
change indicator (page 24 ). |
|
Odometer/tripmeter |
Selects display of the odometer or |
|
select button |
tripmeter. Resets the tripmeter to zero |
|
(TRX500FPA) |
(0) (page 27 ). |
|
|
This button also used to reset the oil |
|
|
change indicator (page 24 ). |
3 |
4WD indicator |
Lights when the drive mode is in the |
|
|
4WD mode. The 4WD indicator |
|
|
blinks if there is a possible problem |
|
|
with the 2WD/4WD select system. |
|
|
See your Honda dealer as soon as |
|
|
possible. Lamp Check. |
4 |
High oil/coolant |
Lights when engine oil and/or |
|
temperature |
coolant temperature is high enough |
|
indicator |
to adversely affect the service life of |
|
|
the engine. |
|
|
If the high oil/coolant temperature |
|
|
indicator comes on while you are |
|
|
riding, immediately bring the vehicle |
|
|
to a stop, turn the engine off and let |
|
|
it cool. See page242. Lamp Check. |
5 |
Neutral indicator |
Lights when the transmission is in |
|
|
neutral. Lamp Check. |
6 |
Reverse indicator |
Lights when the transmission is in |
|
|
reverse. Lamp Check. |
18 |
Instruments & Controls |
|
|
|
Indicators & Displays |
|
|
|
7 |
Multi-function |
The display includes the following |
|
display |
functions. Display Check. |
|
Drive mode |
Shows the driving mode |
|
indicator |
(page 22 ). |
|
Gear position |
Shows the gear position (page 23 ). |
|
indicator |
|
|
Speedometer |
Shows riding speed. |
|
Fuel gauge |
Shows approximate fuel supply |
|
|
available (page 32 ). |
|
Oil change |
Lights when specified maintenance |
|
indicator |
interval for engine oil change is |
|
|
reached (page 24). |
|
Odometer |
Shows accumulated mileage |
|
|
(page 26 ). |
|
Tripmeter |
Shows mileage per trip (page 26 ). |
|
Hourmeter |
Shows hours and tenths of hours of |
|
|
engine operation (page 28 ). |
|
Digital clock |
Shows the time (hours and minutes) |
|
|
(page 29 ). |
8 |
Hour select button |
Advances the hour displayed by the |
|
(TRX500FA) |
digital clock (page 29 ). |
9 |
Minute select button |
Advances the minutes displayed by |
|
(TRX500FA) |
the digital clock (page 29 ). |
10 |
Adjust button |
Used to set the digital clock |
|
(TRX500FA) |
(page 29 ). |
Instruments & Controls 19
Indicators & Displays
11 |
Digital clock/ |
Selects display of the hourmeter or |
|
hourmeter select |
digital clock (pages 28 , 30). |
|
button |
This button also used to reset the oil |
|
(TRX500FPA) |
change indicator (page 25 ). |
12 |
PS (Electric Power |
Lights when there is an abnormality |
|
Steering) indicator |
in the PS (Electric Power Steering) |
|
(TRX500FPA) |
system. See page 52 . Lamp Check. |
13 |
GPS/WP button |
This button is used to select the GPS |
|
(TRX500FPA) |
navigation mode and input a |
|
|
waypoint or to erase waypoint data. |
14 |
Plus button |
Advances the latitude and longitude |
|
(TRX500FPA) |
when in the GPS mode. |
|
|
This button also used to set the |
|
|
digital clock (page 30 ). |
15 |
Minus button |
Advances the latitude and longitude |
|
(TRX500FPA) |
when in the GPS mode. |
|
|
This button also used to set the |
|
|
digital clock (page 30 ). |
20 Instruments & Controls
Indicators & Displays
Multi-function Display
The multi-function display ( 1 ) includes the following functions:
Drive mode indicator |
Speedometer |
Digital clock |
Gear position indicator |
Odometer |
Hourmeter |
Oil change indicator |
Tripmeter |
Fuel gauge |
The digital clock will reset if the battery is disconnected.
(For TRX500FPA)
The tripmeter will reset if the battery is disconnected.
TRX500FA |
|
TRX500FPA |
|
(4) |
(5) |
(10) |
(4) |
(3) |
|
(3) |
|
(2) |
|
(2) |
|
(1) |
(9) |
(8) |
(7) |
(6) |
(1) |
(5) |
(9) |
(7) |
(1) multi-function display |
|
(6) hourmeter (TRX500FA) |
||||||
(2) drive mode indicator |
|
(7) odometer/tripmeter |
||||||
(3) gear position indicator |
(8) digital clock (TRX500FA) |
|||||||
(4) speedometer |
|
(9) oil change indicator |
||||||
(5) fuel gauge |
|
|
(10) digital clock/hourmeter |
|||||
|
|
|
|
|
(TRX500FPA) |
|
||
USA: Displays read in mph and miles.
Canada: Displays read in km/h and kilometers.
Instruments & Controls 21
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