With wintry conditions that would present a challenge to any small engine, the Honda single-cylinder starts lazily from cold. However, once up and running it runs reassuringly smoothly without the spluttering that might be expected.

The transmission is a hydrostatic unit which provides a choice of two ranges plus reverse, selected via a lever mounted to the left of the fuel tank.

Depressing the thumb throttle to move off, oil begins to flow, the driveline engages and the bike accelerates smoothly. The throttle controls both engine and transmission, although riders can choose to select Honda”s electronic shift control – ESP.

This provides five “virtual gears” within each hydrostatic range – selected via toggle-switches on the left handlebar. Clearly developed by Honda as a means of reassuring customers more used to manual gearboxes, it seems unnecessary. After just two minutes with the bike it becomes obvious how easy it is to operate in “auto” mode – just push the throttle and go.

Unfortunately the Japanese manufacturer has complicated things somewhat further with a three-position mode selection switch: D1 “for maximum performance” (used exclusively on the test), D2 “for minimum traction situations” and ESP mode.

We struggled to see any real advantages to all this, it seems a shame that a very good and effective transmission has been complicated with un-necessary electrical switches and dials for no apparent reason.

Although not the most powerful ATV at on the market, the Foreman”s torquey 500cc motor certainly does not muck about, propelling the bike to its top speed of around 50 mph in a terrifyingly short space of time.

The bike is impressively powerful and there is no problem with traction. Snow-covered fields and icy tracks have little impact on performance and four-wheel-drive is rarely needed. When it”s engaged it does make the steering heavier even though a limited-slip differential is fitted up front.

Honda has swapped from drums to twin disc-brakes for the front wheels. Operated by a lever on the right handlebar, these give the Foreman first-rate stopping power. A single drum on the rear – activated either by the left brake lever or pedal – contributes to this. With 4wd engaged, either brake levers or the pedal will act on both front and rear wheels (as in 4wd tractors).

Quoted towing capacity is a disappointing 382kg, about the same as the trailer that we had lined up for the towing trial. This is a pity because we were unable to really test the bike”s power and transmission efficiency. With the unladen trailer coupled up it didn”t feel under-powered and there was no noticeable effect on braking performance.

Overall the Foreman is an impressive machine due in a large part to its versatile transmission. The engine has a powerful feel to it with no lack of grunt. Its main strength has to be in its simplicity of operation.

Ignoring the overly complicated transmission mode choices, the controls are clear and simple to understand – complete novices will be riding confidently in minutes.

fwmachinery@rbi.co.uk