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2025 Honda Rubicon shifting issue, dealer/Honda not assisting

Posted on 8/4/25 at 2:15 pm
Posted by Marciano1
Marksville, LA
Member since Jun 2009
19756 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 2:15 pm
I'm posting this thread to get some feedback on how to proceed with a very frustrating issue I'm having with a brand new ATV and the lack of assistance from the dealer and Honda.

-On April 22, I Purchased 2025 Honda FourTrax Foreman Rubicon 4x4 Automatic DCT EPS Deluxe
-On Memorial Day weekend in May, I noticed when shifting that the bike clicks three times and remains in neutral (doesn't shift). After 3-4 tries, it'll eventually shift into gear.
-Operated it throughout May and issue kept occurring.
-In June, I brought it to dealer and explained the issue and provided video evidence.
-In mid June, dealer called and said nothing was wrong with bike and I could come pick it up.
-Went back to dealer the following week and when they brought it to me, I tested it THREE times and the bike failed to shift on each try. I recorded it again and went back inside. The tech said 'sometimes you have to press the arrow up/down a few times before it'll work. I told them that's horse shite and that would be like GMC telling me I have to press the brake on my truck twice before it'll slow down on the highway. They agreed there was definitely an issue and said they'd look further.
-Finally last week, Honda sent a tech over there and they just called saying they can't replicate the issue and the bike is fine. The bike was tested and 'met all of the specs'.

At this point I blew up on them and said if I go back to the dealer and the bike fails to shift on me, we'd have a problem. Honda said all they can do now is if I 'feel' there's still an issue, they can 'tear it down' but if they still can't find an issue, I'd have to pay all labor costs. I told them I'm not paying a penny on a damn thing because A) it's under warranty and B) there's no 'feeling' there's a problem because I have multiple videos showing the evidence

It's just frustrating that I have a brand new bike with 3 hours on it's been in the shop for more than half the time I've had it and the dealer/Honda are just bullshitting me. The dealer tried to make me pay a diagnostic fee initially but when I pushed back, they waived it. I got Honda involved and now they're bullshitting me.

I've never encountered this type of thing before. Looking for feedback on the best way to proceed if I go get the bike and still have the issue.
This post was edited on 9/23/25 at 5:33 pm
Posted by bacchus99
Member since Jan 2017
26 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 2:28 pm to
Don't know anything about those bikes but can you get them to show you a new one on the showroom floor that acts exactly the same? Or do you know someone that has one you can ride? Is this an annoyance or a real problem? I'd have a hard time letting them tear down my brand new bike for an annoyance. No telling what else they will make worse or break. My 2 cents...
Posted by Marciano1
Marksville, LA
Member since Jun 2009
19756 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 2:31 pm to
quote:

Is this an annoyance or a real problem?

Both. A brand new bike should shift when I tell it to. I'm not taking a bike miles into the woods that has a shifting problem. If it would decide to not shift at all, it won't be Honda that sends someone to help me get out of that jam...
Posted by Crappieman
Member since Apr 2025
1807 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 2:35 pm to
Honda warranty is valid at any dealer. Find another dealership that has more volume in their shop. More experienced mechanics. Where are you located?
Posted by Marciano1
Marksville, LA
Member since Jun 2009
19756 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 2:38 pm to
quote:

Where are you located?

CENLA/Avoyelles Parish

The dealer working on it is Loewer Powersports in Alexandria. I brought it there because it's much closer to me than Great River Honda in Natchez (which is where I bought it).
This post was edited on 8/4/25 at 2:38 pm
Posted by Crappieman
Member since Apr 2025
1807 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 2:45 pm to
Might try McKinney Honda in Ruston or Freeland Powersports in Bastrop.

The 2024 models had same isues. Ruston and Bastrop are a long way from you. Call both service departments and speak with them regarding the issue. McKinney has been in business many years. Start with calling them.

Should be throwing a code.
This post was edited on 8/4/25 at 2:48 pm
Posted by Yakker
Baton Rouge
Member since Jul 2025
178 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 2:50 pm to
I own a 1995 Honda Fourtrax 300.

I really don’t understand why bikes now a days have to be so complicated.

Posted by RedBeardBaw
Member since Feb 2017
434 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 3:06 pm to
I have a 2015 rubicon deluxe automatic dct eps with the same issue. I bought it used though, so not sure if it always had the problem or not. I just chalked it up to an annoyance and I have to hit the shifter a couple times here and there to get it to shift from neutral into gear. I normally run it in automatic, so not sure if its the same when shifting through the gears, never really paid attention. What I do know for certain though, is that everything on these bikes revolve around the battery as everything on them is electric. A weak battery can ruin your day in multiple ways. Another tip if you take it miles away hunting or wherever, get you a battery jump starter just in case for peace of mind.
Posted by KRS
Member since Jun 2022
514 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 3:24 pm to
Posted by StonewallJack
Member since Apr 2008
930 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 3:48 pm to
quote:

Great River Honda in Natchez (which is where I bought it).


They are mad at you for buying the bike somewhere else!!

Try calling PTI in Ville Platte to see if they can help you

PTI Honda VP
Posted by X123F45
Member since Apr 2015
29445 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 4:26 pm to
Because techs are generally not techs. Because honda stopped giving a shite a while ago.


Load test your battery. A slightly low battery will cause this

If that isn't it, the shift motor is likely failing out of the box. Made in china or indonesia.

Lastly, loewer are good people... But honda makes the call. The issue is someone has to be willing to tell them it is fricking up and refuse to accept no.
Posted by RichJ
The Land of the CoonAss
Member since Nov 2016
5004 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 4:40 pm to
Lafayette(3), Natchitoches both have dealerships that are closer than Natchez.
Posted by Marciano1
Marksville, LA
Member since Jun 2009
19756 posts
Posted on 8/4/25 at 5:07 pm to
quote:


honda
The problem is on that forum, their bikes were throwing codes. Apparently mine isn't.
Posted by Harald Ekernson
Louisiana
Member since May 2025
382 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 12:37 am to
I have a DCT Honda like yours and sometimes the damn thing doesn’t shift and gets stuck in neutral. Earlier Hondas had electric shift problems as well. The only good reliable Honda is a foot shift. I won’t buy another one. At some point I’m going to sell it and add another Polaris to my stable.
Posted by Turnblad85
Member since Sep 2022
4393 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 7:53 am to
quote:

They are mad at you for buying the bike somewhere else!!


This. They know from the serial number where you bought it and specifically why you bought it at Ntz(price).

They aren't going to bend over backwards for you now.
Posted by jorconalx
alexandria
Member since Aug 2011
10542 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 7:56 am to
quote:

The dealer working on it is Loewer Powersports in Alexandria



Found your problem.
Posted by jpainter6174
Boss city
Member since Feb 2014
6257 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 8:00 am to
1987 Fourtrax TRX 250, me.
This post was edited on 8/5/25 at 8:03 am
Posted by Marciano1
Marksville, LA
Member since Jun 2009
19756 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 9:29 am to
LOL just got a call from the dealer and they said the Honda field service tech that went over there said you have to tap the throttle before it'll shift. In other words, tap the throttle as you're shifting up/down. I basically told them they're full of shite (but in a slightly more professional manner). The service manager will call me shortly.
Posted by KemoSabe65
70605
Member since Mar 2018
6287 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 10:40 am to
Wut??
Posted by LSUA 75
Colfax,La.
Member since Jan 2019
4630 posts
Posted on 8/5/25 at 10:45 am to
“Loewer Powersports”

That’s your problem.I bought a commercial grade Honda Lawnmower from them some years ago.Paid almost $1000.00
The rope to crank it wouldn’t rewind easily,had to coax it to rewind the cord.
Took it back and left it,2 weeks later they hadn’t called me back,called them and they said yes it was fixed.
Went there,pulled the starter rope and it didn’t rewind.I said I thought you fixed it.Guy said it probably got wet,when it dries it’ll rewind.I asked how it would get wet,he says rain,I say I keep it in a shed,he says your roof probably leaks.So I say it’s been here 2 weeks,does your roof leak.

I told him,take a good look at my face,you’ll never see it again in this frickin place.
I took it elsewhere and got it fixed.

I’ve heard so many complaints about them I don’t know how they stay in business.
They’re expensive also.My neighbor bought a 65 horsepower Kubota tracor in Oakdale ,$8000 cheaper than Loewers.
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