Owning a Honda Foreman 500 is a lot of fun. The Foreman 500 is perfect for those who love spending time outdoors and it’s also a great help around the farm. These ATVs are built like tanks and even if something breaks – fixing them is relatively simple and most parts are readily available.
Now, if you want to keep your Foreman 500 running healthy for a long time, it’s extremely important to use the correct oil type and change it regularly at manufacturer set intervals.
So in this article, we will discuss which oil type should you use in your Foreman 500, its oil capacity, how often should you change it, and more. Let’s get started!
Also Read: Average Motorcycle Oil Change Cost & How To Reduce It
Honda Foreman 500 Oil Type – Which One Should You Use?
According to the owner’s manual, you should be using API SG or newer type engine oil, that conforms to JASO T 903 MA standard, except oils labeled ‘energy conserving’ or ‘resource conserving’. Energy and resource conserving oils should be avoided as they can cause the clutch to slip.
Honda recommends using 10W-30 viscosity 4-stroke engine oil for most owners, however, if the ambient temperature in your area goes down below 18 °F then you should be using 5W-30 viscosity oil. Furthermore, if the ambient temp in your area goes below 8 °F, then you should be using 0W-30 viscosity oil, which stays liquid up to -20 °F.
Things You Should Avoid When Buying Engine Oil
If you want to maximize the lifespan of the engine on your Honda Foreman 500, you should avoid the following things:
- Do not use oil additives. They do more harm than good and even Honda explicitly states to avoid using additives.
- Do not use engine oil that contains graphite or molybdenum additives, as they can make your clutch slip.
- Do not use API SH or higher oils that are labeled ‘energy conserving’ and ‘resource conserving’ – they are known to cause the clutch to slip.
Honda Foreman 500 Oil Capacity
The oil capacity of the +2014 Honda Foreman 500 is exactly 3L or 3.2 US quarts with the oil filter change. This means that you’ll need to buy four quarts of oil to do a full oil change, including the filter.
As for older pre-2014 Honda Foreman 500 models, the oil capacity is around 2.4L or 2.5 US quarts with oil filter change.
Lastly, the Rubicon has a 5.2 US quart oil capacity with oil filter change.
Note: Always fill the engine oil in increments and check the oil level between them in order to avoid overfilling.
Honda Foreman 500 Oil Change Intervals
You should change the engine oil on your Honda Foreman 500 every 600 miles, 100 operating hours, or 12 months. If you’re riding in severe operating conditions (lots of dust and long idling times) then you should change your engine oil more often.
It’s extremely important to regularly check your engine oil level and to replace it at specific intervals. Engine oil plays a major role in the performance and service life of the engine and it needs to be changed regularly.
Changing the oil regularly helps rid of nasty deposits and abrasive particles and will improve performance and increase the service life of the engine.
Related: Honda Foreman 500 Fault Codes (DTCs)
How To Check the Oil Level on the Honda Foreman 500
You should check the engine oil level in your Foreman 500 each day before your ride, and you should add oil if needed. Running the engine with low engine oil will cause engine damage or even engine failure.
1. Park your ATV on a level surface and make sure that it won’t roll away.
2. Start the engine in a well-ventilated area and let it run for 3-5 minutes. You want the engine to be nice and warmed up.
3. Stop the engine and wait 2 minutes to let the oil drip down into the oil pan.
4. Remove the dipstick (left side of the engine, hidden under plastic panels on newer models) and wipe it clean.
5. Insert the dipstick back without screwing it in.
6. Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level. It should be between the low and full mark.
7. If the oil level is near the low mark or below – add engine oil.
8. Reinstall the dipstick.
Honda Foreman 500 Oil Filter Location
The oil filter on the Foreman 500 is located on the right side of the engine.
On newer models, the oil filter is hidden underneath plastic panels, which can be removed without any tools. Be careful not to break them.
Honda Foreman 500 Oil Change Reset How-To
Resetting the oil change reminder on the Foreman 500 is extremely easy.
Simply press and hold down both the odometer/tripmeter and the RESET button for more than 2 seconds and you will see the indicator disappear.
Final Thoughts
The Foreman 500 is probably the ultimate ATV. It’s rugged, reliable, easy to work on, and lasts for a very long time.
With that said, you should always stay on top of your ATV’s maintenance schedule and replace the engine oil with the correct type and do it at specified intervals.
You have to make sure that you use the correct viscosity engine oil and that it’s compatible with wet clutches. Change the oil and the filter every 600 miles and your Honda Foreman 500 will be healthy and happy!
Jake is the site’s primary contributor.
Motorcycles and automotive repair have been a big part of his family for generations, therefore it’s only natural that he decided to become a heavy-duty diesel tech.
Outside of work, you’ll find Jake restoring and riding rare street bikes and ATVs.