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Thinking about a Honda Pioneer 500 UTV. Need Feedback

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    Thinking about a Honda Pioneer 500 UTV. Need Feedback

    Hey gang, My 10 year Polaris is on it's last leg so I'm thinking about getting the new Honda Pioneer 500 and for a number of reasons... Wouldn't mind having a Ranger, but it is out of the question as I'd have to buy a new trailer and it won't fit in my garage with all the other vehicles I have in it already. The Pioneer 500 is narrow at 50 inches wide so it will fit my garage space I have and will fit on my trailer. It's a side by side and has plenty of capacity for load/towing for what I'm going to be doing. It's a Honda so I have confidence in it...

    I'd like to get feedback from anyone here that has experience with them... Handling, ride, fuel economy options to get/stay away from, etc.

    Any help would be greatly appreciated.
    Thanks!

    I could have sworn I saw a thread on here about them, maybe from Old Mexico or similar, but the search function didn't return anything...

    #2
    Can't help you Charlie except maybe for that thread:

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      #3
      too small in comparison, feels cramped, seat not as comfortable.

      polaris rides better, more comfortable
      ans has a larger bed

      And that one (linked) doesn't even HAVE bed

      Plus is the CVT tranny
      Don't have a problem with the Polaris belt but the CVT is nice.

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by Philip-TX View Post
        too small in comparison, feels cramped, seat not as comfortable.

        polaris rides better, more comfortable
        ans has a larger bed

        And that one (linked) doesn't even HAVE bed

        Plus is the CVT tranny
        Don't have a problem with the Polaris belt but the CVT is nice.
        Thank you Philip for the feedback. I too like the Ranger and there are several of my buddies that run them. They are powerhouses for sure, but a ranger is not in the cards because of my logistical limitations of trailer and storage.

        Have you ridden in the Pioneer 500 and gotten that impression from the ride? That's one of my concerns. The CVT is OK as I have a polaris ATP 330 now and it has served me well, but I also have had Hondas and their tranny is just fine too, especially with that paddle shift. It's a bit of a quandary for me. I considered a Razr, but they are VERY low to the ground and the guys that have them that I run with don't like 'em much in the mud... they go OK, but they always come back with their gear and themselves covered in mud/water...

        Again, thanks for your input.

        Larry, thanks for the link!

        Comment


          #5
          My uncle just got the 700 Honda (at the end of the year) and if the 500 is any smaller that would be a deal killer for me.

          My comparisons are for Polaris 570 and 800 that we also have. Ride goes to the Ranger period. Even the 2006 570 has a better ride.

          His honda doesn't have Power steering and getting out of the POS 800 with it and into the honda....you sure appreciate it. But then again our 570 doesn't have it either and I still like the OLD 570 better than the honda.

          If they are sitting side by side I get in a Ranger every time. It is easier to get in and out of. I'm 6'-3" 210 and have to "crawl" into the Honda. Kinda lead with the right hip in and lead with the left hip out, while missing the steering column with my knees. With the bench on the Polaris you can just swing around and stand-up to get out.

          Another little thing I didn't like was the shifter had to go over and up and back into a notch kinda thing. We we getting cattle in earliier this week and going from fwd to rev was a PITA when it was needed in a hurry.


          Sorry to be so Polaris heavy on the comparison if that isn't in the cards for you. But that is the info I have.

          You really need to go check several models so you don't regret it.

          Comment


            #6
            Kubota 500 rtv is pretty decent cvt trans

            Comment


              #7
              That's exactly what I wanted to hear. I'm also 6-3+ and 240... Sounds a little cramped
              Probably be next week before I can go to a dealer and check 'em out. I like the quietness of the Honda and have never liked the whine of the CVT. One thing I haven't looked at is the "mid-sized ranger" because I've heard they are under powered, though I don't see how that could be possible. That 330 I have has never been a problem and I've had some serious loads on it. I'm gonna have to go test drive one before I buy one now for sure. May have to just get another 4-wheeler... Thanks again for the feedback.

              Comment


                #8
                I bought the Pioneer 700 last year and have been very satisfied. I could not warmup to the CVT on the Polaris. Our lease is really rough. The independent suspension is nice compared to the straight axle ATV I was riding.

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                  #9
                  Originally posted by kmitchl View Post
                  I bought the Pioneer 700 last year and have been very satisfied. I could not warmup to the CVT on the Polaris. Our lease is really rough. The independent suspension is nice compared to the straight axle ATV I was riding.
                  Yea, I wish I had room for the 700. I like the automotive style tranny too. I have a polaris now with the CVT and other than the "whine" that cannot be quietened, it has performed flawlessly. If I could make the 700 fit, there would be no discussion. that's what I'd go buy... It's not out of the question just yet either.

                  What kind of terrain to you use your in? If my current ATV is off the trailer, it's in the mud...

                  Thanks for the feedback.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    The Honda will go places the Ranger only dreams of going stock vs stock. Honda has tons more ground clearance and a much tighter turning radius. Polaris is faster if that means anything and has a few better options like the opening windshield and better quality top. Nothing wrong with the Pioneer at all. I love my 700-4.

                    Comment


                      #11
                      Love my 500. Meet you boys on the other side, or may I pull you out???

                      Comment


                        #12
                        Charlie have you thought about the john Deere mid size?

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                          #13
                          I'm not one to overspend but you may want to look at the landmaster 650 utv also, has a bench seat and a 650 Subaru engine with a 5 year warranty on the engine, about 1/2 the price of a ranger and is only 48.5" wide. Been looking at possibly getting one myself. I have seen several dealers starting to sell these, one is Steel Horses in Lufkin.

                          Comment


                            #14
                            Originally posted by BloodSpiller View Post
                            The Honda will go places the Ranger only dreams of going stock vs stock. Honda has tons more ground clearance and a much tighter turning radius. Polaris is faster if that means anything and has a few better options like the opening windshield and better quality top. Nothing wrong with the Pioneer at all. I love my 700-4.
                            Define "tons"

                            My observations were based on using both but going back and looking at the specs I just dont see TONS DIFFERENCE. Actually the OPPOSITE in several catagories.

                            Honda 700 has 10.3" 2014 Specs

                            Polaris 800 has 12" 2014 Specs

                            Honda 500 has 9.6" 2014 Specs

                            Polaris 570 has 10" 2014 Specs

                            Turning radius is 13ft (polaris) to 12.8' (honda).....tighter yes by about 4 3/4"

                            You might be surprised....
                            Compare Models

                            Comment


                              #15
                              Originally posted by BloodSpiller View Post
                              The Honda will go places the Ranger only dreams of going stock vs stock. Honda has tons more ground clearance and a much tighter turning radius. Polaris is faster if that means anything and has a few better options like the opening windshield and better quality top. Nothing wrong with the Pioneer at all. I love my 700-4.
                              I like the Honda Pioneer a lot, but you'z smokin' sumfin if you think the Honda will go places the Ranger can't. The only place a stock Honda Pioneer 500 can go that my Ranger 900 can't, is the 50" trails on NF Lands

                              Comment

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