The Honda Foreman 500 is known as one of the best and most reliable ATVs ever made.
That being said, it’s important to use the correct oil type in order to keep your Foreman running like a champ. Failure to do so could result in decreased performance, or even engine damage and failure.
In this article, we’ll go over the correct Honda Foreman 500 oil type and capacity, as well as some general maintenance tips to keep your ATV running its best.
Related: Here’s What The Average Motorcycle Oil Change Costs in 2022
The Correct Honda Foreman 500 Oil Type
Nobody knows your Honda Foreman 500 better than the engineers who designed it, and according to the service manual, the correct oil type for the Honda Foreman 500 is 10W-30 API SG or newer (preferably). Engine oil labeled ‘Energy Conserving’ or ‘Resource Conserving’ cannot be used on the Honda Foreman 500.
Energy Conserving engine oils have additional friction modifiers in them and will make the clutch slip on the Foreman 500.
Lastly, Honda recommends using 10W-30 viscosity engine oil for most applications. However, if the ambient temp in your location goes down below 18 °F, then Honda recommends using 5W-30.
If the ambient temp gets even lower than 18 °F in your area, then you should switch to 0W-30.
Related: The Average Motorcycle Clutch Replacement Cost
Honda Foreman 500 Oil Capacity
The oil capacity with a filter change for the 2014 and newer Honda Foreman 500 model is 3.0 US quarts.
As for the pre-2014 Foreman 500 models, the oil capacity is 2.5 US quarts.
Lastly, the oil capacity for Rubicon models is 5.2 US quarts.
Honda Foreman 500 Oil Change Interval
According to Honda, the Honda Foreman 500 oil change interval is 600 miles, 100 operating hours, or 12 months.
With that said, if your Foreman 500 is subjected to severe operating conditions (extremely dusty environment, long idling times, etc.), then the oil change internal must be reduced by half.
How To Check the Oil Level on a Honda Foreman 500
Honda recommends checking the engine oil level daily and adding oil as necessary. Running the engine with a low oil level can result in engine damage, so it’s essential to keep an eye on it.
To check the oil level on your Foreman 500, do the following:
- Park your Foreman 500 on level ground and in a well-ventilated area.
2. Start the engine and let it run for 3-5 minutes.
- Stop the engine and wait around 2 minutes in order for the oil level to settle.
- Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean.
- Insert the dipstick back without screwing it in
- Remove the dipstick again and check the oil level (must be between low and full)
- screw the dipstick back in.
How To Reset The Oil Change Light on a Honda Foreman 500
Resetting the oil change light on a Honda Foreman 500 is extremely simple.
Press and hold down both the trip meter and the RESET button for more than 2 seconds. If done correctly, the indicator will disappear.
That’s all there is to it!
Conclusion
The Honda Foreman 500 is a dependable and reliable ATV, but like all machines, it needs proper maintenance in order to keep running its best.
In this article, we went over the correct Honda Foreman 500 oil type and capacity, as well as the oil change interval and how to reset the oil change light.
Following these simple tips will help ensure that your Foreman 500 runs like a champ for years to come.

Nick Kowalski is a diesel mechanic by trade, but his passion lies in motorcycles.
He’s been riding them since he was just a wee lad, and he loves restoring old Japanese street bikes and ATVs in his spare time.
Nick is an adrenaline junkie at heart, and he loves nothing more than hitting the open road on his motorcycle.