2009
Honda Big Red 700 4x4 MUV Model Overview
- Continued
TRUE
AUTOMOTIVE-STYLE
AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION
>> Continued
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.
Honda
Big Red dash mounted shifter and engagement
for 2wd, 4wd diff lock
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.
HONDA
BIG RED
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.
HONDA
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
progressiveaction 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.
