The Honda 700XX is a sport ATV that was produced by Honda from 2008-2009. Despite being produced for only two years, the Honda 700XX has developed a cult following among ATV enthusiasts. Many riders praise the bike’s combination of power, handling, and durability, making it a favorite among off-road riders.
However, like any vehicle, the reliability of the Honda 700XX will depend on several factors, such as how well it has been maintained, how often it has been used, and how it has been ridden. Regular maintenance, such as oil changes, filter replacements, and brake inspections, is essential to keeping this vehicle in good working condition.
In this article, we’ll discuss some of the common problems that you might experience with Honda 700XX and their solutions.
But first, let’s explore what this quad bike brings to the table at a glance!
Honda 700XX Specs and Features
| Size and power | The 700XX is one of the largest and most powerful sports ATVs produced by Honda. It features a four-stroke, liquid-cooled, 686cc engine that produces 53 horsepower, making it capable of reaching speeds of up to 86 miles per hour. The design also includes a 3-gallon fuel tank. |
| Drivetrain | The Honda 700XX utilizes a 5-speed manual transmission with 1-speed reverse. It also features a hydraulic clutch for smooth shifting. |
| Suspension | The 700XX features Honda’s independent double-wishbone front and rear suspension, which provides a smoother ride and improved handling in rough terrain. This is different from traditional solid axle designs used on many other ATVs. |
| Styling | The 700XX features an aggressive, futuristic styling that sets it apart from other ATVs on the market. The bike is designed with a wide stance and a low center of gravity, giving it a sporty look and feel. |
| Performance | The 700XX is designed for high-performance off-road riding, with features like a high-performance exhaust system, a lightweight chassis, and a dual-stage fuel injection system. These features help the bike deliver excellent acceleration and top-end speed. |
| Dimensions | The dimensions (71.5 x 45.9 x 44.7 inches) of the Honda 700XX give it a relatively compact and sporty profile, making it well-suited for off-road riding on trails and in rough terrain. The bike’s 32.7 inches seat height and wide stance also help improve stability and handling. In addition, it comes with a long 49.6 inches wheelbase and 10.2 inches of ground clearance which helps improve ride quality over uneven surfaces. |
| Tires | The Honda 700XX has 21-inch front tires that are 10 inches wide. The rear tires are 22 inches in diameter and 11 inches wide. These tires have a knobby tread pattern that provides excellent traction on loose dirt, gravel, and other off-road surfaces. |
| Brakes | The front brakes on the Honda 700XX consist of dual hydraulic discs that measure 174mm in diameter, while the rear brakes utilize single hydraulic discs that measure 200mm in diameter. These brakes provide strong, reliable stopping power and excellent modulation, which allows the rider to apply the brakes smoothly and precisely. |
Honda 700XX Problems
Drivetrain Issues
The transmission on the Honda 700XX is known to be a bit finicky, and some owners have reported issues with shifting or grinding gears. This may be due to a problem with the clutch or other transmission components.
Transmission issues can also be caused by worn-out gears or a malfunctioning shift drum. The differential can also fail due to heavy use or lack of maintenance, causing grinding noises or loss of power. In addition, the chain can stretch over time, leading to a loose and noisy drivetrain.
Repairing or replacing the affected parts can resolve most of the drivetrain issues. Depending on the issue, you may need to replace worn-out or damaged components, such as chains, gears, or clutch plates. It’s important to use high-quality parts and follow the manufacturer’s specifications for installation.
Suspension Problems Due to Heavyweight
The heavy weight of the Honda 700XX can cause suspension problems, especially if the suspension is not properly maintained or the ATV is used beyond its intended capacity. The 700XX is a powerful and high-performance ATV, but the recommended curb capacity is 505 pounds.
If the ATV is overloaded or used for heavy-duty work, it can put excessive strain on the suspension components, causing them to wear out more quickly. To prevent suspension problems caused by the heavyweight, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for weight capacity and perform regular maintenance on the suspension components.
This includes checking the springs, shocks, and other components for wear or damage, and adjusting the suspension as needed to maintain proper ride height and handling. Additionally, avoiding excessive or heavy use of the ATV can help prolong the life of the suspension and other components.
Engine Stalling When Riding at Low Speeds
The Honda 700XX is designed to run at a range of speeds, but riding it at extremely low speeds might make the engine stall or struggle to breathe. In addition, riding the 700XX at a low speed for extended periods of time can cause the engine to overheat, which can lead to engine damage.
To prevent these issues, it’s important to maintain a consistent speed and avoid excessive idling or stop-and-go riding. Additionally, make sure to perform regular maintenance, such as changing the oil and air filter, and keeping the cooling system clean and free of debris.
However, it is important to note that if the engine is struggling to breathe quite often, it could be an indication of an underlying issue, such as a clogged air filter, a problem with the fuel system, or an issue with the exhaust system.
Struggling to Reach the top Speed
The Honda 700XX top speed is approximately 86 miles per hour, which is relatively fast for an ATV. However, some users were quick to note that compared to other sport ATVs in its class, the Honda 700XX often takes longer to reach its top speed.
There are several things that can make your Honda 700X take longer to get to top speed, including low engine power, issues within the transmission as well as the condition of the tires and terrain. By checking the condition of your machine and making any necessary repairs or adjustments, you can improve its performance and help it reach top speed more quickly.
Repeated Parking Brake Problems
Most users have also reported issues with the parking brake while riding the Honda 700XX. Some common parking brake issues that are likely to occur with the Honda 700XX include a loose or broken parking brake lever or cable, worn or damaged parking brake pads, or a faulty parking brake switch.
If you’re experiencing issues with your Honda 700XX parking brake, it’s important to address them promptly. A malfunctioning parking brake can be dangerous, as it may not hold the vehicle in place when parked.
As such, make sure that the parking brake lever is working properly and that the cable is not stretched or broken. If the lever is loose or the cable is damaged, you may need to replace the lever or cable. If the lever and cable are in good condition, you may need to adjust or replace the parking brake.
Struggling to Cut Through Corners
The Honda 700XX is designed as a high-performance sport quad, and as such, it should be able to handle corners with ease. However, some users, especially first-time riders reported that this machine is more difficult to cut through corners.
There are several factors that can affect the vehicle’s handling and make it more difficult to navigate through corners. These include underinflated tires, faulty suspension components, and inappropriate riding techniques.
If the weight is not evenly distributed, it might make the vehicle lean too much in one direction, making it more difficult to cut through corners. As such, make sure to distribute weight evenly between the front and rear of the vehicle. In addition, make sure to check the tire pressure and that the suspension is set up correctly.
Conclusion
The Honda 700XX is a high-performance vehicle designed for off-road use, but it can be more prone to wear and tear than a typical ATV designed for utility use. As with any off-road vehicle, it’s important to use proper riding techniques and avoid excessive speeds and rough terrain to minimize the above issues and maximize the lifespan of the vehicle.
