The 2011 Honda Big Red MUV arrived with meaningful upgrades aimed at making Honda’s first side-by-side more capable and comfortable. The biggest changes included a cargo-bed capacity increased to 1,000 pounds, a 1,500-pound towing rating, revised suspension settings, Maxxis Bighorn tires and a newly contoured bench seat.
Introduced for the 2009 model year, the Big Red represented Honda’s first production utility side-by-side. Instead of using the continuously variable transmission found in most competing UTVs, Honda equipped it with an automotive-style three-speed automatic transmission, hydraulic torque converter and direct driveshafts.
The 2011 update retained that distinctive drivetrain while addressing several of the original model’s limitations. Although the Big Red was eventually replaced by the more versatile Honda Pioneer family, this version represented a significant step in the development of Honda’s utility UTV lineup.
What Changed for the 2011 Honda Big Red?
The original Big Red had a 500-pound cargo-bed capacity and a 1,200-pound towing rating. For 2011, Honda substantially increased both figures while also updating the chassis and passenger compartment.
- 1,000-pound cargo-bed capacity: Double the capacity of the original Big Red.
- 1,500-pound towing capacity: An increase of 300 pounds over the earlier model.
- Contoured bench seat: Designed to improve comfort while making entry and exit easier.
- Maxxis Bighorn tires: Added stronger sidewalls and a more aggressive tread pattern for improved traction.
- Revised suspension settings: Updated front and rear shock calibration, with preload adjustment added to the rear shocks.
- Updated protective structure: Honda specified a Roll Over Protective Structure that met applicable OSHA requirements.
675cc Engine and Automatic Transmission
The 2011 Big Red was powered by a 675cc liquid-cooled, fuel-injected single-cylinder engine. Its programmed fuel injection helped provide consistent starting and operation across changing temperatures and elevations.
Power was delivered through Honda’s automotive-style automatic transmission. The system used a hydraulic torque converter and three forward gears rather than a belt-driven CVT. Direct front and rear driveshafts eliminated the drive belt found in most utility UTVs of the period.
Drivers could select among three operating configurations:
- 2WD
- 4WD
- 4WD with all-wheel differential lock
This drivetrain was one of the Big Red’s defining features and helped establish the geared-transmission approach Honda later carried into the Pioneer 700 and Pioneer 1000.
Utility and Chassis Features
The 64-inch-wide Big Red used independent double-wishbone suspension at all four corners, providing 5.9 inches of front travel and 7.1 inches at the rear. Ground clearance measured 10.3 inches.
Four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes provided stopping power, while equal-size 25×10-12 tires at all four corners simplified spare-tire requirements. For 2011, Honda selected Maxxis Bighorn tires with a more aggressive tread and reinforced sidewall construction.
The steel-framed tilting cargo bed used a molded liner and strut-assisted dumping mechanism. Its newly increased 1,000-pound capacity placed the 2011 Big Red firmly in the work-oriented side-by-side category.
2011 Honda Big Red MUV Specifications
| Model | MUV700 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 675cc liquid-cooled OHV single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Bore x stroke | 102.0 x 82.6mm |
| Compression ratio | 9.2:1 |
| Fuel system | PGM-FI electronic fuel injection with 40mm throttle body |
| Starter | Electric |
| Transmission | Automatic with hydraulic torque converter, three forward gears and Reverse |
| Drive modes | 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with all-wheel differential lock |
| Driveline | Direct front and rear driveshafts |
| Front suspension | Independent double wishbone; 5.9 inches of travel |
| Rear suspension | Independent double wishbone; 7.1 inches of travel; preload-adjustable shocks |
| Front brakes | Dual 200mm hydraulic discs |
| Rear brakes | Dual 200mm hydraulic discs |
| Front tires | 25×10-12 Maxxis Bighorn |
| Rear tires | 25×10-12 Maxxis Bighorn |
| Length | 114.7 inches |
| Width | 64.0 inches |
| Height | 76.9 inches |
| Wheelbase | 75.7 inches |
| Ground clearance | 10.3 inches |
| Turning radius | 13.8 feet |
| Cargo-bed capacity | 1,000 pounds |
| Towing capacity | 1,500 pounds |
| Fuel capacity | 7.9 gallons, including 1.5-gallon reserve |
| Curb weight | 1,433 pounds |
| Colors | Red, Olive and Natural Gear Camouflage |
Where the Big Red Fits in Honda UTV History
The 2011 Big Red was still primarily a work machine. Its modest suspension travel, conservative performance and two-person seating limited its recreational appeal, but its geared automatic transmission, shaft drive and substantial utility ratings made it distinct from belt-driven competitors.
Honda discontinued the Big Red after the 2013 model year as the Pioneer series took over its side-by-side lineup. The Pioneer retained Honda’s preference for geared transmissions while adding more configurations and broader recreational capability.
For more information about this foundational Honda utility vehicle, see our detailed Honda Big Red MUV overview and original Honda Big Red review.
The 2011 Honda Big Red met the applicable CARB and EPA off-road emissions standards when new. Honda recommended it only for drivers age 16 and older.
Explore more historic and current machines in our Honda UTV guide.
