I was using my 2001 Honda Rubicon around my yard today with a trailer on beyond. At first place, where D1, D2, and ESP show up on the speedometer it started blinking 2 small lines, thinking nothing of it. Than I needing to back up so a put it in reverse, but it was going nowhere and was just jerking. I gave up and moved the trailer out of the way. I pushed it back far enough back and put it in D1. It drove with a clunk, clunk so I just put in on the trailer and drove it to my service guy. I think this is the transmission gone, but is there anything that might have caused this something, less serious then a transmission I hope. It only has 10 000kms on it and I thought Honda was suppose to have super tough tranmissions. It is that Hondamatic transmission on it, that I love.

Sounds like the trans went. Not sure on the "life span" of the Hondamatic....but everyone I know has nearly 5 to 8K on them with no issues.

Obviously we will know soon enough. I am interested in knowing what happened as well considering they (Honda) replaces the entire trans and send you on the way. In other words I was hoping as are you to find out what went wrong.

Keep us updated,

Weasel

Check the chain that drives the pump for the tranny.

The oil pressure should be tested (we test the oil pressure on most Rubicons that come in for service) .. Was the bike still moving/driving only missing bad..?.. If so it is in failsafe mode , the flashes on the gear position indicator should be counted ...

If the bike won't move in any gear then it should NOT be started at all until the oil pressure is checked ..

Good News...My service guy said he reset the transmission?? And now it is working great!!

thats good

Good news.........!

Weasel

Bad News...AGAIN, I am getting mad at this Hondamatic transmission. I had the same problem again took it into the local dealer. I am waiting to hear back from them. I am thinking of trading the Rubicon, in on another footshift Rancher. Those damn Ranchers are BULLETPROOF. I love mine, never had anything big done to it. It has towed many another ATVS out of mud holes, and the woods. Including that damn Rubicon.

Comin' from an old Honda rider for 40 years, I'd venture to say that Honda electric shift an auto trans on atv's are just not up to par for the job yet.

I see more (es) problems on these 4 or 5 forums I haunt than any other troubles I can ever remember over the years.

I still think the standard shift Honda atv's are the way to go. Ya gotta remember, atv's probably take 100 times more abuse over their lifetime than any street bike or car that Honda makes.

The more creature comforts ya ask for on an atv, means you'll have more troubles down the road. Keep it simple an enjoy the ride.....


Ron B.
Lake of The Ozarks