Thinking about a Honda Pioneer 500 UTV. Need Feedback

[SaltwaterSlick]

Hey thanks for all the feedback guys! I really am struggling with this! I KNOW Rangers! and I KNOW they are top notch... I also know Honda products are top notch. Both have pluses and hardly any minuses... I just have to figure out how to make one fit my "envelope"... I did go look at larger trailers today so IF I can make a bigger machine fit into my garage space, I will have more choices.

Thanks again!

[txjustin]

The 570 Rangers are just as fast as Ranger 800s. I actually think they are a bit faster head up.

[Chew]

I found a cheaper option. Let me know what you think:

[SaltwaterSlick]

Pic does not display on my end, but I bet it's a good 'un!

[Chance Love]

I just have never been in anything that rides better than a Ranger. Is that Honda 500 the one with the back seats that flip down? That's a pretty cool feature.

All that said, when I am in the market for another machine (have a Ranger EV now), I will be giving the Deere ' s a hard look. Their ride isn't much different than the Rangers, and seem to be built better from what I have seen. Oh, we will be keeping the EV as well...it is just too much fun.

[hoythitman]

I drove one and play with it quite a bit. Like the Yamaha Rhino more, thats what I ended up with.

[SaltwaterSlick]

Chance, I'd have to agree with the ride of the ranger. That is especially true for a Crew. The Pioneer 500 does not have those fold down rear seats. That's the 700-4. The 500 is the small one that has a 50" width. A full size ranger is 60" wide. That's one of my problems. I can't store one that wide without making some serious changes to my garage based on what all I have in it already. Plus it won't fit on my current trailer.

For the record, I have already been forewarned by all my buddies I hunt with in East Texas that run Rangers IF I EVER get stuck or break down and they have to come bail me out if I get that Honda, I'll never live it down!!

[kmitchl]

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.

We are in Edwards county not far from Rocksprings. It's all rock and hills. Destroys almost anything that gets too close. I replaced the tires with eight plus before I took it to the ranch.

[Chance Love]

Chance, I'd have to agree with the ride of the ranger. That is especially true for a Crew. The Pioneer 500 does not have those fold down rear seats. That's the 700-4. The 500 is the small one that has a 50" width. A full size ranger is 60" wide. That's one of my problems. I can't store one that wide without making some serious changes to my garage based on what all I have in it already. Plus it won't fit on my current trailer.

For the record, I have already been forewarned by all my buddies I hunt with in East Texas that run Rangers IF I EVER get stuck or break down and they have to come bail me out if I get that Honda, I'll never live it down!!

That's easy then, just get a smaller Ranger. A guy that hunts with me has a Ranger 500 or 570 (can't remember which), and I think it is the same size as our EV. I just measured it and it tapes just a hair over 54" wide. I didn't realize the Honda was smaller. In your situation I wouldn't have any issues with choosing a Honda. They make good machines.

[Bowtech32]

I am thinking about one my self. I have done some research and from the people I know. Ranger beat the Honda in most statistics, but 2 stats really stick out that Honda wins hands down. That is dependability and price!!! I think they are the perfect size, if you wanted a full size ranger might as well drive your truck. The 500 is just a bit bigger than a 4 wheeler, but carries 2 people and you can do whatever you want on the back rack. Some have mention ground clearance, spec from the manufactor is not alway real world. Example what is the ground clearance with a load? Also the Honda 500 comes with 24" tires, most people are putting 26" or 27" tires and with the small size the ground clearance would be a big advantage to Honda. I believe the paddle shifter is long over due, you should be able to choose you gear on any SxS in my option. For the price of these, just a tad more than a big bore 4 wheeler it is a steel compared to all other SxS that are out on the market. Meet a guy the other day the had $24k wrapped up into his RZR, that is insane. Who needs to run 60 mph, 40 is plenty fast unless you are a hardcore trail rider. But that is just my opinion

[BloodSpiller]

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

I have both on our ranch and the bottom panels on the Polaris are all busted frm going places that the Honda has no problems. I'm sure part of it is from the longer wheelbase of the Polaris but none the less the Polaris has no chance of following the Honda through some of the places I go.

[BloodSpiller]

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

I am comparing the 900 crew to the Honda 700-4.

[SaltwaterSlick]

That's easy then, just get a smaller Ranger. A guy that hunts with me has a Ranger 500 or 570 (can't remember which), and I think it is the same size as our EV. I just measured it and it tapes just a hair over 54" wide. I didn't realize the Honda was smaller. In your situation I wouldn't have any issues with choosing a Honda. They make good machines.

Chance, when I started this thread, I thought I'd made my mind up but wanted to get GS input... I have studied all the responses, and talked to some other folks and I am indeed looking seriously looking at the small body Ranger too.

My plan is to visit Gene's and Eastside out in Baytown and check them both out. Dealers are right side by side... I have some service concerns on the 14 and 15 Rangers that I've heard about and also have read about here on the GS and I want to ask Matt about those face to face...

Probably be next week before I get to go test drive them. Pretty much tied up this week at church with various events...

Good discussion folks! I really appreciate it!

[fishingsetx]

Never driven the Honda but from everything I've read, they are underpowered due to the design of the trannys. I did a ton of research when we were shopping for one and from what I read, they were having some major issues. This was in '13 so things may have changed. I ended up with a full sized ranger 800 crew. Been pretty much bulletproof. Other than routiene maintenence, i have changed one carrier bearing in over 1200 miles. Can carry over 1000 lbs in the bed and tow another 2000 lbs all while carrying 6 full sized adults pretty comfortably.

If you can find a way to fit it in the garage, I'd upgrade the trailer and buy a ranger.

[DaveC]

Thinking about a Honda Pioneer 500 UTV. Need Feedback

Back when Rangers only had 500cc motors we never considered them underpowered and they did all we asked them to do.

The mid size Ranger is 58" wide vs Hondas 50".

When I looked at the Honda 500's, they didn't have beds- only a rear rack. If I bought one of those the first thing I'd being trying to do is fabricate a bed for it as the bed is the one of the positive things about a UTV vs a four wheeler. Being able to throw whatever back there and not having to worry about it still being there when you get to your destination is a huge plus. Fighting to keep things on 4wlr racks is a pia in my experience (I've owned numerous 4wlrs and still own 2 in addition to a SXS).
Aside from that, the other concern with the Honda is the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters, it's my understanding that one paddle is for up shifts and the other side for downshifts. If so, both hands are dedicated to the steering wheel.
Might taking some getting used to, but I'm usually multitasking to some extent ( holding/handling a beverage, binoculars or phone with one hand and steering with the other) so both hands being consumed with driving would be a change from other UTV's.

That being said, a friend of mine runs hog dogs and has used his buddies Honda 500 sxs on some hunts and said it was a beast and great for getting through thick stuff and into tight spaces.

Good luck with your decision!

As with most modern purchases, probably can't go wrong either way.