Honda's Foreman and Rancher ATVs have the best reliability reputation in the industry. Simple, proven engineering means low maintenance costs and long service life. Here is how to keep them running forever.
Why Honda Dominates Reliability Ratings
The Foreman 520 and Rancher 420 use proven wet-sump four-stroke engines with simple carbureted or fuel-injected setups. They lack the performance peaks of competitors but the tradeoff is bulletproof durability. A well-maintained Honda ATV will outlast most riders.
Maintenance Schedule
Engine oil: Honda Pro GN4 10W-40, every 100 hours. Air filter: clean every 50 hours, replace annually. Final drive oil: change every 600 miles. Spark plug: NGK DPR8EA-9, inspect every 200 hours. Coolant: 50/50, flush every 2 years on Foreman 520.
Best Upgrades
ITP Mud Lite II tires in 25-26 inch size dramatically improve the capable-but-conservative stock tires. A High Lifter 1.5 inch lift kit adds ground clearance with no geometry changes. Gorilla Impact aluminum wheels reduce unsprung weight and look sharp. Warn 2,500 lb winch is the right capacity match for these machines.