2009 Honda Big Red Press Info
Honda Big Red Development
Imagine a Side-by-Side that features Honda’s legendary fit and finish, innovations developed by the same company that invented the ATV, technologies that blend Honda’s vast automobile expertise with new ideas designed to revolutionize the Side-by-Side category. Now add unprecedented utility capabilities with a healthy dose of recreational ability, and you’ve scratched the surface of what Big Red is all about.
What sets Big Red apart from other SxS vehicles is Honda’s focus on quality and convenience features, which makes Big Red more enjoyable whether you’re running a farm, ranch or worksite or heading to your favorite fishing hole.
Space and convenience to spare
Big Red’s roomy cab features rubber-mounted seats with adjustable backs designed to comfortably fit a wide range of body types while also reducing fatigue on long drives. The design of the three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belts are similar to automotive type belt systems. The belt deploys from a housing that features a topside slot narrow enough to resist entry of debris, and the bottom has a port to allow debris to exit and reduce accumulation within the belt housing. Net result: consistent operation and longer seat belt life.
An automotive-type fuel system shut-off, plus Big Red’s uniquely designed, four-pillar, six-piece 41.3mm-diameter (1.6-inch) Occupant Protection Structure (OPS) provides occupants with peace of mind. Big Red’s interior also features thoughtful touches such as a waterproof accessory socket ideally placed between the bucket seats for easy access to 12-volt power, a glove box and dash storage for quick access to small items.
Honda engineers paid particular attention to minimizing maintenance chores on Big Red as well. In addition to equipping Big Red with a maintenance–free battery and shaft final drive, Honda engineers located the engine oil-filler and dipstick under the driver’s seat, which detaches quickly. Access to the air filter is as easy as lifting the tilt-bed, which reveals the high-mounted air filter box.
Powered by a 675cc fuel-injected four-valve engine that features shaft drive and three different selectable drive modes, Big Red boasts a spacious tilt bed measuring 33.0 by 52.6 by 10.3 inches, fully independent front and rear suspension, four-wheel disc brakes, a wide track for confidence-inspiring handling and a host of available accessories designed to deliver long-lasting durability for commercial and recreational applications.
700-class power
At the very heart of Big Red you’ll find a powerful four-stroke liquid-cooled OHV 675cc engine that feeds power to the wheels through a three-speed automatic transmission. This big-bore single-cylinder powerplant features a bore and stroke of 102mm x 82.6mm. To reduce engine height, lower the center of gravity and enhance handling, the camshaft is located adjacent to the cylinder head and pushrods are employed to actuate the valves. This four-valve cylinder head design provides a broad powerband for plenty of grunt. In addition, a liquid-cooled oil cooler aids heat dispersion in Big Red’s engine. The liquid in this system warms quicker than the engine oil, so it also helps to speed the warm-up process on cold days. And by cooling the oil on hot days, this system helps to maintain optimum engine operating temperature over a wide range of climate conditions. Additionally, Big Red features a high-mount radiator located behind the front grill where mud is less likely to clog the fins, reducing the effectiveness of the radiator.
Fuel injection: built for the real world
A key element in this engine’s consistent and convenient performance is Honda’s programmed fuel injection system (PGM-FI). Big Red’s PGM-FI system uses a 40mm throttle body and a high-tech 12-hole fuel injector to maximize fuel atomization.
In general, fuel injection provides Big Red the ability to adjust to real-world variables in a seamless, automatic fashion—all of which make the driving experience that much more effortless. Beginning with a marked increase in power output, some other benefits include crisp throttle response; improved fuel consumption; the elimination of the choke circuitry for easy cold starting; automatic altitude compensation to 12,000 feet; automatic temperature compensation from -13° to +104° Fahrenheit; faster engine warm-up; and smoother idle control, thanks to the Idle Air Control Valve (IACV), which establishes a basic idle setting of 1400 rpm, plus or minus 50 rpm.
Essentially, this system monitors several variables to control the injected fuel quantity. PGM-FI is a mapped injection system, meaning that the basic variables of engine speed and throttle angle are used to determine mapping. Based mainly on those measurements, the system looks to the Electronic Control Module (ECM) for precise fuel delivery. The ECM adjusts fuel delivery according to four additional variables: intake-port pressure, engine-coolant temperature, intake-air temperature and atmospheric pressure. This fuel-delivery recalculation process is repeated many times per second to ensure the correct mixture for conditions and to provide optimal performance and remarkably crisp throttle response over a wide operating range.
True automotive-style automatic transmission
For a familiar driving experience, Big Red incorporates an automotive-style transmission. This system features a hydraulic torque converter, three hydraulic clutches and an ECM to automatically select one of three forward gears or, as you choose, reverse.
Among all ATV and Multipurpose Utility Vehicle (MUV) manufacturers, Honda alone boasts the only true automotive-style automatic transmission. Though Big Red’s unit features several innovations that cater specifically to MUV application, the torque converter used in this system operates in principle much like the torque converters used in trucks and automobiles. Basically, it links the engine to the automatic transmission much like a manual clutch connects an engine to a manual gearbox. Both systems drive the vehicle and they also come into play when the vehicle stops.
With a manual transmission, manual actuation of the clutch temporarily disengages the engine from the transmission when coming to a stop. In similar fashion, Big Red’s torque converter performs this connect/disconnect function automatically as needed. A torque converter can accomplish this because it is a fluid coupling, rather than a solid coupling. At low engine speeds, the torque converter slips internally, which allows the engine to spin independently of the transmission. As a result, the engine of the stopped vehicle is allowed to run at idle while the transmission is in gear. When it’s time to roll, the driver simply steps on the pedal to increase engine speed, and the torque converter then transfers power to the transmission to make the vehicle move.
In Big Red, the crankshaft drives the torque converter’s impeller, which uses fins to pump fluid—in this case, engine oil. As this fluid drives the vanes of the torque converter’s turbine, the spinning turbine then powers the automatic transmission to propel the vehicle. Big Red’s automatic transmission employs three hydraulic clutches and the ECM automatically selects one of three forward gears, or Reverse if selected manually. To accomplish this feat, the ECM monitors throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, gear selector position, brake application and engine oil temperature.
Big Red also incorporates a shaft final drive, which in combination with the three-speed automatic transmission, provides positive engine braking that is superior to some electronic braking systems that can result in inconsistent performance.
To make operation of this drive system familiar and simple, there’s a convenient, dash-mounted drive selector. The selectable drive modes include: 2WD with open rear differential for sensitive terrain and lawns; 4WD with rear differential lock for rough conditions; 4WD with all-wheel differential lock, when you need that something extra to get home. As a result, there are plenty of options so drivers can match usage to the specific terrain and circumstances.
Advanced chassis design
The suspension system provides an exceptional 10.3 inches of ground clearance. Independent double-wishbone suspension front and rear incorporates high-quality variable-damping shocks for 5.9 inches of travel in front and 7.1 inches in the rear. And Big Red’s four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes provide predictable stopping power with a good, progressive feeling, and they also feature a balanced automotive-style design that ensures front and rear braking even in the event that one brake line fails for some unexpected reason. Credit again the experience Honda has gained through the years as an automobile manufacturer. The handy automotive-style right-hand-operated parking brake actuates the two rear-wheel brake calipers, and since these brakes employ hydraulic actuation, no parking brake adjustments need ever be made to compensate for parking-brake wear. In addition, all four wheels are the same 25 x 10-12 inch size which aids ground clearance and eliminates the need for carrying multiple spares during extreme use.
Big Red: as hard working as they come
The tilting bed of Big Red is made for working: it boasts a 500-pound load capacity and features a steel frame for strength. The bed is sheathed in a tough, molded polypropylene top plate with no wheel-well intrusions—a standard cargo pallet fits flat with room to spare. This no-rust 6.5mm-thick top plate also features rounded corners for easy cleanup, and four handy D-rings for securing cargo. A tilt-release handle is located on both left and right sides for easy operation, and a progressive-action strut assist system make raising and lowering the bed a simple task. Lifting the bed also yields quick and easy access to the high-mount air filter box. A heavy-duty two-inch receiver-style hitch with 1200-pound towing capacity allows Big Red to take on any number of jobs, and its multi-reflector headlight system and LED brake light and taillight provide optimal illumination should your chores—or adventures—take you into the evening.
Featuring multiple patents and numerous automotive-based technologies, Big Red sets new standards with its work capability as well as its ability to open the door to outdoor adventure. Innovative technology, legendary Honda quality and class leading features—there’s nothing that compares to Big Red… it’s a Honda.
2009 Honda Big Red Features and Benefits
With its superior handling, secure feel and comfortable ride, the all-new Big Red is destined to be the MUV of choice for both utility and recreation. Its multiple patents and numerous automotive-based technology features separate it from all other contenders.
UNIQUE FEATURES
- Honda’s liquid-cooled four-stroke single-cylinder fuel-injected 675cc OHV engine provides abundant torque and dependable power.
- Honda’s automotive-style automatic transmission draws power through a hydraulic torque converter to drive three forward gears and Reverse.
- Big Red features Honda’s fully independent double-wishbone suspension for comfortable cruising.
- Exclusive Natural Gear Camouflage color scheme offers a pattern that’s soft, open and shadow-free for superior camouflage performance in a wide variety of conditions.
ENGINE/DRIVETRAIN
- Powerful OHV liquid-cooled, PGM-fuel-injected 675cc, mid-engine design.
- Automotive-style, three-speed automatic transmission with Reverse.
- Convenient, dash-mounted drive selector.
- Selectable drive modes include: 2WD with open rear differential for sensitive terrain/lawns, 4WD with rear differential lock and 4WD with all differential lock.
- High-capacity liquid cooling provides consistent engine operating temperature in extreme conditions for maximum power output and long engine life.
- Lightweight aluminum radiator is mounted high to avoid clogging by mud and damage from trail debris.
- Liquid-cooled oil cooler aids engine heat dispersion while also speeding engine warm-up on cold days.
- Camshaft is located adjacent to the cylinder head, reducing engine height for a low center of gravity and excellent handling.
- Four-valve cylinder head with two short pushrods provides a broad powerband for optimum performance and engine efficiency.
- Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI) features 40mm throttle body, 12-hole two-pattern injector and Idle Air Control Valve (IACV).
- IACV maintains consistent idle in all conditions.
- Reliable cold-weather starting.
- Consistent engine performance at high altitudes.
- Engine design produces low emissions and meets California Air Resources Board (CARB) off-road emissions standards.
- Stainless steel exhaust system provides superior corrosion resistance and minimizes noise levels.
- USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.
Honda Automatic Transmission
- The automotive-style Honda automatic transmission features a hydraulic torque converter, three hydraulic clutches and an Electronic Control Module (ECM) to automatically select one of three forward gears and one reverse gear. The ECM monitors throttle opening, vehicle speed, engine rpm, gear selector position, brake application and engine oil temperature.
- The Honda automatic transmission shifts electronically and features positive engine braking that is superior to electronic braking systems that can result in inconsistent performance.
- Features a filtration system to protect against external contamination. The compact and maintenance-free design means there are no belts to wear out and replace. Using multi-filtered engine oil as hydraulic fluid, the design also simplifies maintenance and ensures an adequate oil supply in all operating conditions.
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION
- Independent double-wishbone suspension contributes to an exceptional 10.3 inches of ground clearance.
- Independent double-wishbone suspension with high-quality variable-damping shock absorbers provides 5.9 inches of front travel and 7.1 inches in the rear.
- Specially designed 25 x 10-12 front and rear tires provide added ground clearance while eliminating the need for multiple spares during extreme use.
- Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes with a balanced automotive-style design that ensures front and rear braking even if one brake line fails for some unexpected reason.
- Roomy cab and rubber-mounted bucket seats with adjustable backs comfortably fit a wide range of body types and reduce fatigue on long drives.
- Waterproof accessory socket is ideally placed between the bucket seats for easy access to 12-volt power.
- 3-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belts are similar to automotive type.
- Automotive-type right-hand-operated parking brake for secure peace of mind in off-road situations with a full load.
- In-cab glove box and dash storage for quick access to small items.
- Uniquely designed, four-pillar, six-piece 41.3mm (1.6 inch diameter) Occupant Protection Structure (OPS).
- Heavy-duty two-inch receiver-style hitch with 1200-pound towing capacity.
- 500-pound capacity steel tilt bed is protected by an automotive-bumper-grade plastic liner. The tilt bed also features a progressive-action strut assist.
- Front and rear disc brake calipers feature a patented built-in scraper system that helps prevent the buildup of debris between caliper and rim, ensuring consistent braking performance.
ADDITIONAL FEATURES
- Automotive-type fuel system shut-off and seat belt release mechanisms are designed to protect and facilitate occupants in the event of an inadvertent tip-over.
- Multi-reflector headlight system and LED brake light and taillight provide optimal light illumination for nighttime activities.
- Maintenance-free 12-volt 12-amp battery.
- Durable, comfortable, easy-to-use controls.
- Keyed ignition/starter switch for added security.
- Transferable one-year limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
- Purchase of a new, previously unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by an individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Riders Club of America® (HRCA®). Visit www.hrca.honda.com for details.
2009 Honda Big Red – Accessories
Want to customize your Big Red? Honda has dozens of accessories to choose from.
Winch/Towing
Winch Kit By Warn®- 4000-pound pulling force.
Receiver Drawbar – Allows installation of 1-7/8” or 2” hitch ball.
Hitch Plug – Helps keep dirt and water out of hitch receptacle.
Hitch Ball – Includes nut and lock washer.
Auxiliary Polypropylene Battery Box – Houses an extra battery.
Windscreen
Two-Piece Folding Windscreen – Pivoting two-piece polycarbonate with scratch-resistant coating for durability.
One-Piece Windscreen* - Polycarbonate with durable scratch-resistant coating
Wind Deflector* – Scratch-resistant durability, easy to install.
Tops/Rear Curtain
Hard Roof – Durable, high-density polyethylene.
Fabric Roof (camo) – Natural Gear pattern constructed of rugged 600-denier material is water- and mold-resistant
Fabric Roof (black) – Water- and mold-resistant 600-denier material.
Rear Cab Curtain (black) – Water-repellent; UV and mold resistant treatment available.
Rear Cab Curtain (camo) – Water-repellent; UV and mold resistant treatment available.
Added Protection
Grille Guard* – Adds extra protection up front with an aggressive style. Constructed of sturdy, powder-coated steel (not shown).
Front Bumper Shield* – Constructed of sturdy, powder-coated steel.
A-Arm Guards (Front)* – Aircraft-grade aluminum plates provide added protection for front drive shafts.
A-Arm Guards (Rear)* – Aircraft-grade aluminum plates provide added protection for rear drive shafts.
Outdoor Storage Cover – Water-resistant and fade-resistant.
Rear Screen Guard – Square-tube steel screen, zinc plated and powder coated.
Cargo
Storage/Tool Box – Lockable, aluminum 80-liter box. 29 x 16 x 10.5 inch.
Universal Cargo Mount System – Aluminum tracks and single stud fittings to secure cargo.
Bed Mat – No-slip EPDM rubber cargo bed protector with Big Red logo.
Center Console Storage Pouch – Multi-pocket storage accommodates assorted items.
Cargo Bag* – Water resistant, 600-denier bag with hook-and-loop straps to secure bag to the bed.
Underhood Storage Box – Covered polypropylene box adds 11.6 liters of storage.
Interior
Floor Mat – Durable EPDM rubber mats with Big Red logo.
Digital Meter Kit – LCD instruments with gear indicator, odometer, hourmeter, tripmeter and speedometer.
Back-up Alarm – Automatically emits a loud beep in reverse.
Glove Box Door – Lockable glove box door with Big Red logo.
Seat/Head Rest Cover Set (camo) – Set includes one seat/headrest set (order two for both seats).
Horn Kit – Easy-to-install horn assembly.
* Fall 2008 release
2009 Honda Big Red Specifications
Model – MUV700
Engine Type – 675cc liquid-cooled OHV single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke – 102.0mm x 82.6mm
Compression Ratio – 9.2:1
Induction – Electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI), 40mm throttle body
Ignition – CD with electronic advance
Starter – Electric
Clutch – Automatic
Transmission – Automotive-style with hydraulic torque converter, three forward gears and Reverse and three drive modes including: 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with all-wheel differential lock
Driveline – Direct front and rear driveshafts
Suspension
Front – Independent double-wishbone; 5.9 inches travel
Rear – Independent double-wishbone; 7.1 inches travel
Brakes
Front – 200mm hydraulic disc with 51.1mm caliper
Rear – 200mm hydraulic disc with 30.3mm caliper
Tires
Front – 25 x 10-12
Rear – 25 x 10-12
Length – 114.7 inches
Width – 64.0 inches
Height – 76.9 inches
Ground Clearance – 10.3 inches
Wheelbase – 75.7 inches
Turning Radius – 13.8 feet
Tow Rating – 1200 pounds
Curb Weight* – 1431 pounds
* Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and a full tank of fuel—ready to drive.
Fuel Capacity – 7.9 gallons, including 1.5-gallon reserve
Colors – Red, Natural Gear™ Camouflage
ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITMENT
At Honda, we believe in performance and leadership. That’s why we’re taking a leadership position when it comes to the environment, in both our products and in all other aspects of our business as well.
PROGRAMS THAT PERFORM
There’s more to your new Honda than all its great features. Just log on to www.honda.com/programs and you’ll discover all the great programs available to you, including things like financing, rider training and extended warranty coverage.
I’m sure Honda makes quality equipment, But this Big Red is one ugly machine….What were their design engineers thinking? This is certainly not a trail machine….Attractive women wouldn’t want to ride in it…..They have missed the boat with this one…..
Can’t disagree regarding the looks. However, the engineering is top notch. Among many other things, NO belt! Honda builds for longevity.
They should complete a 2nd ATV side x side like Polaris. The Ranger for work & Razor for fun, style. I have to agree with Jim. A side by side that is shaft driven would be second to none. I would love in not having to worry about getting the belt wet, worn, slipping. Having to spend the extra money on clutching or replacing a belt in the middle of nowhere.
It is one ugly machine but I would buy one in a heart beat if I had a purpose or just a hugh overflow of cash. Honda builds the best running, longest lasting, most dependable, of whatever it is. I would love for Honda to make one simlar to the rzr. I think most people buy them for play.
I love Honda products and have many. The specifications and design seem to indicate another winner,however I’ll have to see one upclose. Your pictures are many but really don’t show it all. What’s wrong with one additional, full page photograph so that we can see what it looks like.I hope it’s a beauty
Ugly? Form fits function on this one and this is a very functional machine. Mine replaced two Rincons, a snow blower, track rig, and an F150….And by the way a beautiful red head rides in mine every day.
Honda still does it for me here in Alaska.
Big red certainly isn’t cutest one at the dance, BUT i would bet she still will be dancing when the rest are down for the count. Took one for a test run ,really inpress me. Just like most honda products ” bullet proof “. ONLY PROBLEM EVERYTHING IS AN OPTION.
No its not the best looking ride on the market but, I purchased one two weeks ago and I am so glad I did!!! IT goes through mud and handles better than ANY atv or utv that I have been around. I consider it to be a great investment.
HONDA BIG RED, ITS AWESOME!!!
I love mine! I use it to hunt and trail ride in Wolf Pin Gap in Arkansas. Goes most places my Polaris goes and I must say, safety, dependability and the Honda reputation were bigger factors than looks. You can polish a Suzuki, but it will never be a Honda…
I just purchased a 1999 polaris ranger 6×6 can anyone tell me what the 3 pos switch in the glove box is for ?
thanks Dan