See also: ATV buyers guide 2019-20 420 and 520 changes Other 520-specific improvements include a brighter handlebar headlight, a beefed-up bull bar and redesigned front grille.
The company also claims its counterbalance shaft gives near twin-cylinder vibration levels, though from our experience it does little to eliminate body shudders at low revs. That news should please Foreman buyers, as the engine is relatively uncomplicated with a dry sump and overhead valves. In fact, only the bore has grown – common components including the block, crank and pistons are unaffected. The latest increase in engine capacity is the result of emissions regulations that forced a minor redesign, but the single-cylinder motor has remained largely unchanged. However, it’s worth bearing in mind that Honda ATVs often look underpowered compared with their rivals (some of which pack 40hp or more) because the Foreman’s mechanical transmission tends to be far more efficient than belt-driven equivalents. Output, on paper, is around 30hp, up from 28.7hp for the 500. The new 520 runs a 518cc engine – up from its predecessor’s 475cc – that will deliver 4% more torque at low-ish engine speeds to provide marginally punchier acceleration and better pulling power. ATV market leader Honda has replaced its long-serving Foreman 500 with a new model that brings more power and a slicker automatic transmission.
