Finding a clean 1989 Honda Foreman 350 4x4 in the outrageous these days seems a bit like recognizing an unicorn, except this unicorn is covered in mud and can probably tow a fallen oak tree without busting a sweat. In case you've ever possessed one or also just spent a weekend tearing through the brush upon one, you understand exactly what I'm speaking about. There's simply something about these old-school Hondas that will the modern, plastic-heavy machines can't quite replicate.
Back in the particular late 80s, Honda wasn't looking to build the fastest racer or the flashiest toy. They were building a tool. The particular 1989 Honda Foreman 350 4x4 had been essentially a tractor with four wheels and also a handlebars, developed for farmers, seekers, and anyone that required to get from point A to point B regardless of what kind of clutter lay in between. It was the particular peak of "over-engineered" simplicity, and that's exactly why a person still see all of them chugging along on trails today.
The Engine That Refuses to Give up
At the particular heart of the machine is a 350cc four-stroke engine that is famously hard in order to kill. It's air-cooled, that is a blessing for anyone who doesn't want to wreak havoc on radiator leaks or even coolant pumps. Certain, it's not going to win any kind of drag races towards a modern 1000cc side-by-side, but that will wasn't the stage. It was built for low-end grunt.
The ability delivery will be predictable and constant. When you're sneaking via a swampy creek bed, you don't want a "twitchy" throttle; you would like consistent rpm that hooks up and pulls. That's where the 1989 Honda Foreman 350 4x4 shines. By using a five-speed transmitting with a super-low first gear that will seems like it could pull a house off its foundation. Plus since it's some sort of manual shift (with your foot, old-school style), you have overall control over what the machine is performing. There's no CVT belt to slip or burn up whenever things get large.
Full-Time 4WD: The No-Nonsense Technique
One thing that will surprises people who are utilized to modern ATVs is that the 1989 Honda Foreman 350 4x4 is usually full-time four-wheel drive. There's no little switch on the handle bars to switch back and forth in between 2WD and 4WD. You're in this in the future.
Some individuals complain that will this the actual steerage a bit weightier, and yeah, you'll definitely get a bit of a forearm workout if you're riding limited trails all time. However the tradeoff is definitely simplicity. There are no vacuum lines to fail, simply no electronic actuators in order to get gummed plan mud, and no lockers to worry about. It just works. When a person point the front side wheels at an obstacle, they turn, and they pull. It's a very truthful way to ride. You know precisely how the machine is going to behave every single single time you thumb the throttle.
Why We Love the Steel plus "Boxy" Aesthetics
Modern ATVs look like these were made by people who else watch too a lot of sci-fi movies—all sharp angles and glowing LEDs. The 1989 Honda Foreman 350 4x4, however, appears like a sturdy piece of commercial equipment. It's boxy, it's got these big, square shelves, as well as the plastics are usually thick enough to take a conquering from low-hanging twigs without shattering.
The racks are probably my preferred part. They aren't only for show; they're made from actual steel tubing. You can strap great deer, a couple of hay bales, or even a massive tool kit to them, and so they won't flex or groan. Honda built this thing to become a pack mule. Even the seat is remarkably comfortable—it's thick plus plush, which is usually great because there isn't a great deal of suspension travel in the rear. It's a swingarm set up with dual shock absorbers, and while it's not exactly a "cloud-like" ride, it gets the job carried out without being too penalizing on your back.
Living With One Today: Maintenance and Parts
If you're thinking about picking up a 1989 Honda Foreman 350 4x4 today, you're most likely wondering if you possibly can actually find parts with regard to a machine that's over thirty years of age. The good information is that Honda sold a ton of these, plus the community about them is massive. You can still get most of the "wear and tear" items like brake shoes, surroundings filters, and carb kits at any local shop or online.
However, there are the few items to keep an eye on. These machines are usually old enough now that the gasoline tanks can sometimes rust if they've been sitting along with bad gas. Also, because they're therefore reliable, a great deal of previous owners might have already been a little let's say "relaxed" about oil changes. Check the oil color and smell any kind of. If the motor seems like a sewing machine, that's in fact a great sign—Hondas are known for that distinct "clicky" valve sound. If it sounds like a hammer hitting a container can, though, you might want to leave.
The carburetors on these can be a little bit finicky when they obtain dirty, but they're incredibly easy to pull off and clean. Ten minutes using a screwdriver and a few carb cleaner, and you can usually have a "non-runner" purring like a kitten again. That's the particular beauty of this era; you don't need a laptop computer to fix your quad. You just need to a fundamental set of wrenches and a very little bit of endurance.
Common Disadvantages to Watch For
No machine is ideal, even a Honda. On the 1989 Honda Foreman 350 4x4, the most typical headaches is usually the fuel pump. Unlike a number of other ATVs of the era that will used gravity-fed gasoline systems, this Foreman has a mechanical fuel pump located under the seat. When they fall short, the bike will certainly start and bored but then pass away as soon because you give it gas. Luckily, substitutes are cheap plus easy to change out.
One more thing to appear at will be the rear brake. They're drum brakes, and if the previous owner invested considerable time in strong mud and didn't wash it out, the internals can get pretty unpleasant. It's not a dealbreaker, but it's a messy job to clean them up and get all of them grabbing properly again. Also, take the quick peek at the boots around the front CV axle assemblies. If they're sculpted, dirt has most likely gotten into the joints.
The particular "Forever" ATV
There's a reason why the resale value on a 1989 Honda Foreman 350 4x4 stays therefore high. It's because people realize that in case they buy one particular, they might never need to buy an additional ATV again. It's the kind of machine you pass down to your kids. It's not about having the almost all features; it's regarding getting the most self-confidence how the machine will start when it's ten degrees beneath zero and you've got a driveway full of snowfall to plow.
Whether you're utilizing it to haul wood, get to your own favorite hunting place, or just sail around your home, the 350 Foreman is a reminder of a time whenever things were built to be repaired, not replaced. It's heavy, it's loud, and it becomes like a tank, yet I wouldn't possess it any other method. If you discover one for the decent price, grab it. Just be prepared for your neighbours to ask you to pull all of them out of the mud when their particular fancy new rigs get stuck.