Honda has introduced three new models to its Foreman TRX500 ATV line-up, each boasting independent rear suspension (IRS), new frames and increased cargo carrying potential.  

See also: Honda adds comfort to its big 420cc and 500cc ATVs 

All three gain many of the features introduced last January on both TRX420 and 500s, including the stiffer, computer-aided-designed frame and wider, more comfortable seat, but also gain further new features, such as IRS.

A 475cc engine, made at the South Carolina factory, replaces the 499cc Japanese block used previously. This results in just as much poke, says Honda, but up to 12.5% more fuel economy, also helped by the automatic transmission. The FM5 model is the manual electric shift model.

Both TRX500 FA5 and FA6 models get this automatic dual-clutch transmission (DCT), an improved version of what’s already available on other models in the Honda line-up, and the same transmission as is available on Honda’s road bikes.

With a choice of automatic or manual modes, the DCT has a new mapping programme that learns how the bike is being ridden from the ECU and changes gear accordingly. In practice, this makes for a much smoother ride with little jerking between gears and less hunting for the correct gear at lower or accelerating speeds.

Not only does IRS improve ride comfort, but it also vastly improves towing capacity by up to 55% to 600kg and increases rack capacities to 45kg and 85kg front and rear.

There’s also more suspension travel thanks to IRS, 215mm on the front and 185mm at the rear, each which can be adjusted to different settings depending on task.

Honda has at last, say some, chosen to get rid of the reverse button on the handlebars. To be honest, when you get used to it, this wasn’t a two-handed exercise and it wasn’t that bad.

But, now they’ve replaced it with a handle that doubles as a handbrake, simply flick the extra lever on top and pull all the way back and press down on the electric gear shift. It was a bit stiff to do – but hopefully, with use, it would free up and get easier.

Carrying racks have also had a facelift and now boast increased carrying area with flat steel plates and lots more tie-down points, while smaller changes include new hand grips, revised Maxxis tyres and a bumper which wraps round the headlights for protection.