2015 Honda Pioneer 500 – All Honda with a Touch of Ferrari
With the all-new 2015 Pioneer 500, Honda adds a heavy dose of fun to its line of side-by-sides. The Pioneer 500 carries two people to off-road adventures, is perfect for chores on the farm or a relaxed trail ride out in the country and it’s packed with Honda’s famous quality and durability at a suggested retail price of $8,499.
The Honda Pioneer 500, Honda adds a compact, affordable and fun side-by-side to its product line. The steering-column-mounted paddle shifters add to the fun, while the 2015 Honda Pioneer 500’s 50-inch width lets it fit on recreational trails with width restrictions, as well as in the back of a full-size truck.
“My first drive in the Pioneer 500 was an eye-opener,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “It’s really fun to drive, and the paddle shifters bring a whole different kind of experience that helps make it a blast. If you’ve been thinking about a side-by-side purchase, the Pioneer 500 will definitely put a grin on your face whether you’re taking care of jobs around your property or taking off on a weekend adventure.”
Only 50 inches wide, the Pioneer 500 fits on trails that impose width restrictions, as well as in the bed of a full-size truck. A modest 73.1-inch wheelbase helps return responsive handling and a tight turning radius of only 13 feet.
Designed by Honda R&D in Ohio, and built at Honda South Carolina (HSC) in Timmonsville using domestically and globally sourced parts, the Pioneer 500 is powered by Honda’s proven 475cc four-stroke engine. This powerplant pumps out plenty of low-end torque along with a smooth, fun-to-use powerband. The five-speed gearbox with reverse uses an electric shift system featuring paddle shifters mounted on the steering column.
Thoughtful touches include a door/net setup that opens together as one unit—an ingenious and simple design. Inside, there’s a roomy and comfortable bench seat for the driver and passenger. The Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) meets OSHA requirements, and driver and passenger have three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belts.
There’s also a full line of more than 40 Honda Genuine and Signature Accessories that allow owners to configure their Pioneer 500 to meet their specific needs right off the showroom floor.
With many people entering the growing side-by-side market, Honda now offers an all-new option to its Pioneer line. From long-time off-road enthusiasts to new side-by-side drivers, the compact, fun and affordable Pioneer 500 will become an instant favorite.
Features
– New chassis with compact dimensions: 102.5-inch overall length and 73.1-inch wheelbase.
– 50-inch overall width allows access to width-restricted trails.
– Fuel-injected engine provides great performance and excellent fuel efficiency in a variety of conditions.
– Five-speed gearbox with reverse and a LOW first gear uses an electric shift system featuring paddle shifters mounted on the steering column.
– Twist-action door release knob opens the door and net together as one unit.
– Hydraulic disc brakes front and rear.
– Large, flat rear carrier offers a load capacity of 450 pounds and multiple hook points for tie-downs.
– Towing capacity of 1000 pounds to take on tough jobs.
– Full line of Honda accessories adds weather protection, storage capacity and expanded functionality.
– Transferable one-year limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.
Specs
Engine Type – 475cc liquid-cooled OHV longitudinally mounted single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke – 92.0mm x 71.5mm
Compression Ratio – 9.5:1
Induction – Programmed Fuel Injection (PGM-FI), 36mm throttle body
Ignition – Full-transistorized with electronic advance
Starter – Electric
Clutch – Automatic
Transmission – Electric-shift five-speed with reverse (First gear is L = LOW)
Driveline – Direct front and rear driveshafts
Suspension
Front – Independent double-wishbone; 5.9 inches travel
Rear – Independent double-wishbone with pre-load adjustablility; 5.9 inches travel
Brakes
Front – Dual hydraulic 190mm discs
Rear – 200mm hyrdraulic disc
Tires
Front – 24 x 8-12
Rear – 24 x 10-12
Length – 102.5 inches
Width – 50.0 inches
Height – 72.4 inches
Seat Height – 28.7 inches
Ground Clearance – 9.6 inches
Wheelbase – 73.1 inches
Turning Radius – 13.0 feet
Tow Rating – 1000 pounds
Payload Capacity – 450 pounds
Curb Weight – 1010 pounds
Fuel Capacity – 4.1 gallons, including 1.1-gallons reserve
Colors – Red, Olive, Yellow, Honda Phantom Camo
MSRP – $8499
Official Site – http://powersports.honda.com/2015/pioneer-500.aspx