- Liquid-cooled overhead-valve single-cylinder 499cc four-stroke engine is mounted longitudinally in the frame, allowing direct drive-shaft alignment to front and rear wheels for improved drivetrain efficiency.
- Liquid-cooling provides consistent engine operating temperature in extreme conditions for maximum power output and long engine life.
- Camshaft is located adjacent to the cylinder head, reducing engine height. Together with the external engine-oil tank, engine height is further reduced for a low centre of gravity and excellent handling.
- Four-valve cylinder head utilizes two short pushrods to provide a broad powerband for optimum performance and engine efficiency.
- Unique dry-sump oiling system attaches the oil tank to the front of the engine cases, lowering engine height and allowing optimum engine placement for excellent ground clearance and superb handling.
- Standard high-flow oil cooler assures optimal engine lubrication under difficult operating conditions.
- The multiple scavenging oil system utilizes an oil pump with three sintered steel rotors (one for feed, two for scavenge) to provide a stable oil supply in diverse riding conditions.
- Unique temperature indicator uses two sensors to monitor both oil and coolant temperature.
- High-capacity coolant radiator is rated at 17.2 kW for efficient engine cooling in extreme operating conditions.
- Compact, flat-shaped radiator fan motor is lightweight and contributes to optimum engine placement.
- Rubber-cushion engine mounting and gear-driven counterbalancer reduce vibration.
- Integral electric carburettor heater system improves driveability and ensures smooth operation in cold conditions.
-Convenient electric starter, with auxiliary recoil starter and an automatic internal decompression system.
- Solid-state CD ignition with electronic advance for excellent performance and reliability.
- Stainless steel exhaust system provides superior corrosion resistance.
- Closed crankcase vent system safeguards against engine oil contamination.
- TraxLok is easily engaged by pushing a switch on the right handlebar. An electromagnetic mechanical clutch unit (EMCU) located on the centre of the propeller shaft engages 4WD with a quiet two-way roller clutch. Unlike mechanical designs, TraxLok ensures smooth operation by employing a magnetic switching mechanism that engages when front and rear wheel speeds vary by less than 9 kph.

Hondamatic Transmission

- The Hondamatic transmission utilizes variable hydraulic pressure and mechanical torque amplification to provide seamless job-handling power and excellent acceleration. Engine power drives a hydraulic pump. The pump, in turn, drives a hydraulic motor with variable fluid capacity. Utilizing pump and motor pistons and a variable-pitch motor-side swash plate, hydraulic capacity and pressure are varied, producing continuously variable output speed. In addition, torque is increased as output-shaft speed is reduced.
- Dash-mounted knob switches to one of three electronic shifting programs: D1 for maximum performance, D2 for maximum torque, and ESP(r), Honda's exclusive Electric Shift Program. D1 and D2 modes provide continuously variable transmission output; ESP allows the rider to "shift" the Hondamatic with the touch of a thumb using two push-buttons mounted on the left handlebar.
- The Hondamatic is extremely efficient, with operating efficiencies ranging from 75-81 percent in full-reduction mode and from 87-92 percent when input and output speeds are the same (1:1 ratio).
- The Hondamatic is fully sealed, compact and maintenance-free, with no belts to wear out and
replace.
- The Hondamatic features true engine braking, unlike conventional belt-drive designs.
- Versatile rider controls provide a shift lever to select Drive, Low, Neutral, and Reverse.
- The Hondamatic uses multi-filtered (one large-capacity filter and three strainers) engine oil as hydraulic fluid, simplifying maintenance and ensuring an adequate oil supply in all operating conditions.