TEST: Honda Rincon 680

If you’ve been waiting for Honda to change its top-of-the-line 4×4, we have some surprising news. There are some big changes, but they first appeared on the 2015 model. The changes are also included on the 2016, but you may not like them all.

WHAT’S NEW?
Dual spark-plug ignition on the familiar 675cc, four-valve, pushrod engine. There’s also more precise closedloop-type fuel injection with an exhaust oxygen sensor. Those changes have the potential to improve performance and economy. The other changes—steel A-arms replacing the previous model’s forged aluminum upper front A-arms and forged aluminum upper and lower rear A-arms—reduce cost but are likely to reduce suspension performance somewhat. Any part that moves with the suspension that can be lighter, the better. It’s just as true that steel A-arms work fine, which is why nearly every other ATV on the planet uses them.

It seems strange that Honda offers power steering on so many of its less expensive machines and hasn’t added it to its flagship 4×4 ATV, but it’s not available yet.

HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The Rincon is $9299. Kawasaki’s Brute Force 750 is $8999. Suzuki’s KingQuad 750 goes for $8599. Can-Am’s Outlander 650 is $8799. Yamaha’s Grizzly 700 is $8899. The Yamaha Kodiak 700 is $6999. Kymco’s MXU 700 starts at $8599. You can get power steering on any of those machines, but the Honda for $1200 to $1600 more.

IS THE TRANSMISSION DIFFERENT?
It’s the only fully automatic, hydraulic torque converter, three-speed ATV transmission, and it can also be shifted manually. The Rincon’s transmission is very much like the type used on most cars and trucks. Unlike the continuously variable transmissions used on most 4×4 ATVs, the Honda has no drive belt.

HOW FAST IS IT?
As you’d expect from a big-bore 4×4, the Rincon is exciting to ride and more than fast and powerful enough for any normal need, but some 700s are faster. Honda doesn’t claim any performance increase for the dual-plug engine, but its throttle response feels slightly stronger.

HOW DOES THE POWER WORK ON THE TRAIL?
That depends on how you use the transmission. In automatic mode the Honda doesn’t feel as fast as it is because the transmission is usually in a taller gear than you’d pick for sporty performance. It downshifts to deliver the torque you need to conquer hills and other challenging terrain, but it’s not as responsive as it could be. The transmission also switches between gears more than we’d like in some situations, like mild upgrades, and at times the downshifts may seem rough to riders used to the smooth operation of CVTs.

The whole picture changes when you select manual mode and shift gears yourself. First gear is good for 30 mph, so on some trails we just stayed in first and enjoyed the Rincon’s power and responsiveness. Second is great for sporty cruising at higher speeds; the power is crisp, and the engine still pulls strongly. In faster terrain, upshifting for long straights and downshifting for corners add to the fun.

WHAT KIND OF 4WD SYSTEM HAS IT GOT?
Selectable 2WD/4WD, but no front differential lock. Strange, since some of Honda’s less expensive 4x4s have it. In reality, most situations don’t call for the extra traction a locking front differential provides, but it sure is nice to have when you do need it.

WHAT KIND OF SUSPENSION DOES IT HAVE?
Independent double-A-arm front and rear suspension with a rear sway bar to control body roll. The front suspension offers 6.9 inches of travel and the rear end has 8. The front and rear shocks are not adjustable.

HOW DOES THE SUSPENSION WORK?
Very well. The switch to steel A-arms from the lighter, forged aluminum parts hasn’t hurt the Honda’s ride much, if at all. It’s still smoother and more refined than many 4x4s. The Rincon seems a bit less plush on small bumps, but it still has very good control at higher speeds and enough bottoming resistance for big impacts.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE?
The Honda’s handling is one of its strong points, but it would be even better with power steering. The Rincon raised the bar for 700–750-class 4×4 handling when it was introduced in 2003, and it’s still more agile and predictable than most non-powersteering models in its class. At 657 pounds full of gas, it’s light for a 4×4 of any size. It’s also reassuringly stable in turns, and it corners with very little body roll.

Compared to power-steering equipped machines, the Honda’s steering is heavier, especially in 4WD. You also feel bumps come through the steering more than on machines with power steering, which can give the Rincon a twitchy feel in rugged terrain.

HOW DOES IT HANDLE HILLS?
It makes them easy. All the handling traits that make the Rincon feel good on flat ground pay off in steep, technical terrain, and the Honda’s power and 4WD system are more than a match for serious climbs. The transmission provides engine braking to all four wheels in 4WD, but there’s no engine braking at very low speeds. Fortunately, the Rincon’s brakes are strong, have good feel, and have separate front and rear brake levers for extra control.

HOW IS IT FOR MUD AND WATER?
Nearly amphibious. The Rincon may not have a locking front differential, but its 4WD system is effective, and the machine has enough power and ground clearance to make quick work of most mud pits. The transmission could use a lower first gear for seriously challenging mud, but its car-like design eliminates problems with burned or slipping belts.

HOW ARE THE DETAILS?
Most are amazing, some are absent. The Honda has a high-end look and feel, sounds great, and is free of annoying driveline and engine noise. Comfort and ergonomics are excellent—from the machine’s slim midsection to the justright shape and softness of the deeply padded seat. Everything you touch— from the grips to the throttle to the shift lever’s slick, solid feel and action—is outstandingly well done. That’s why it seems odd that things we expect on a big 4×4, like a big storage compartment or two and a trailer hitch, aren’t there. There’s a small storage box in the fender, but the trailer hitch is an option.

WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
The Honda Rincon lacks the power steering and locking front differential many big 4x4s have, but it has a tough, unique, versatile transmission and more agile, sporty handling than most other 650-and-larger machines without power steering

SPECS
HONDA RINCON TRX680FA
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type …………………Liquid-cooled, OHV, 4-valve,
single-cylinder 4-stroke
Displacement ………………………………………… 675cc
Bore x stroke ……………………… 102.0mm x 82.6mm
Compression ratio …………………………………….9.5:1
Lubrication system ………………………. Semi dry sump
Fuel metering …………………. EFI, 40mm throttle body
Starting/back-up ……………………………. Electric/recoil
Starting procedure …………… In neutral or any gear w/
brake engaged
Choke ……………………………………………………… N/A
Air filter access …….. Remove airbox cover and 6 clips
on airbox lid
Transmission ………Fully automatic, 3speed w/reverse,
engine braking and manual shift
Reverse procedure………… Move range selector to “R”
Drive system ………………………Selectable 2WD/4WD
Final drives: f/r …………………………………. Shaft/shaft
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity ………. 4.4 gal. including 1.2 gal. reserve
Wheelbase ………………………………………………50.8”
Overall length/width/height …………. 83.2”/46.8”/47.5”
Seat height ……………………………………………..34.5”
Ground clearance ………………………………………10.0”
Wet weight …………………………………………… 657lb.
Rack weight limits: f/r ……………………. 66 lb./133 lb.
Hitch …………………………………………………. Optional
Towing limit………………………………………….. 850 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame ……………………………………. Round steel tube
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ………………………………… Double A-arms/6.9”
Rear …………………………………. Double A-arms/8.0”
Brakes/actuation:
Front …………………..Hydraulic discs/right-hand lever
Rear ….Hydraulic disc/left-hand lever, right-foot pedal
Parking brake ………Lever lock on left-hand brake lever
Tires:
Front …………………………………….. 25×8-12 Maxxis
Rear ……………………………………. 25×10-12 Maxxis
ELECTRICAL
DC outlet …………….Waterproof automotive-style plug
Lighting
Front ……………… Two 35W grill-mounted headlights
Rear ………………………………… Dual tail/brake lights
DETAILS
Instruments .. Speedometer, odometer, trip odometer,
tachometer, hour meter, fuel gauge, clock.
Colors …………………… Red, olive, Natural Gear Camo
Minimum recommended operator age ………………..16
Manufactured in ……………………………South Carolina
Suggested retail price ………………………………$9299
Contact ………………………… Honda, (310) 532-9811