Seasons greetings!
I'm the proud owner of an '03 TRX500FA "Pepé" they I use almost exclusively for snow removal and yard work with the occasional ice fishing adventure.
Found this forum through a FB page on Christmas Morning! Coincidence...?
I've been chasing (somewhat) down the hondamatic rabbit hole for a few years. When I purchased it second hand it had already had the transmission replaced, but the old unit was included with the sale. I'll be looking into cracking that open to determine if it's a repairable unit, or a waste of shelf space.
I have added a reverse light, upgraded the suspension, and converted the front to disc brakes.
I am in the process of adding LED lighting up front, rock lights for general area lighting, and heated hand grips.