Just put a deposit down on a 2015 Pioneer 500 today and I'm scheduled to pick it up on Tuesday. Got a good deal at 8300 OTD after a little bidding war between the local dealers . Can't wait to take the little thing thru some of the tight/windy trails around here to see what it can do.

I plan on adding 26 inch Black Diamond XTRs, a 3500lbs warn provantage winch and hondas cargo tray over time.

I'll post some pictures when I get it.

 

That's a good price. 3500lb winch should do the trick.

 

I'll 2nd the great price. That's about what a new Rubicon costs. Hard to find a new side by side for that price. I'd probably lean more toward a Rzr 570(more power) if I wanted a 50" side by side but they're still about 2 grand more than that. The paddle shifter ES is kind of a cool feature, makes the machine feel a little more sporty I'm sure.

 

Don't get me wrong, I like the power and suspension that the 570 and even the 900 offer but I can't justify paying that kind of money for a machine that is notorious for breaking down. Plus, I didn't want a CVT transmission. I have a few different ATVs and dirt bikes For when I have the need for speed but my plans for this Pioneer are strictly riding around with my family and exploring tight/technical trails that don't allow for much more than 10-15 mph.

I got the chance to ride it briefly today and I'm impressed with how tourqey it feels. 1st gear is labeled "low" and is geared to about 3mph. 2nd and 3rd are also geared fairly low while 4th and 5th are spaced a little bit further apart. Top speed is about 40-41 mph but I only got to about 33 today in my fields before I let off. I'll push it a little bit harder after break in.
The fit and finish is typical of a Honda product. Everything is well thought out and easy to get to despite being compact and all the controls are easy to reach. 2 full sized adults fit surprising well in the cockpit and the seats are comfortable and and Nicely supported.

I'll be taking it thru some tight, narrow trails this weekend so I'll have a more detailed opinion about it but so far, I love it.

Here are some pictures from Tuesday when I was picking it up
[IMG][/IMG]

[IMG][/IMG]

 

Yeah, that's kind of what I've heard about Rzrs, they just aren't put together very well. I wish Yamaha would make something like this, perhaps put the 550 engine in a 50" wide machine styled like the new Wolverine. Could call it the Wolverine Sport or something like that. I feel Yamaha is a close 2nd in reliability to Honda so if they offered something similar, I'd probably pick it.

 

Congratulations on the new ride. Looks like a pretty good deal.

 

Looks like it is basically about as fast as a Rhino 660. Only thing about the 500 is that I wish it had an actual bed on it instead of an oversized rear rack.

 

The rack seems to be the main thing that people don't like. I do agree that the rack makes it look weird from a side profile, mostly because it sits so low while the front fenders are higher. Honda makes a plastic tray that sits on top of the rack and evens it up.

I'm guessing Honda made the rear so low for both CG and so that the aftermarket trays/beds sits flush with the front end when installed

http://www.rodspowersports.com/new_v...72&pov=3922194

 

That Pioneer 500 in that pic looks pretty sharp. I'm sure you could simply bolt a toolbox on the rack and then you'd have lockable and weatherproof storage. That's probably what a lot of Pioneer 500 owners will do. The netting looks kind of silly though but I guess it keeps you from getting slapped in the face by a tree branch. I'd probably just take it off myself. I'm sure someone makes some bigger doors you could get instead.

 

According to these two sites the Honda SXS is still a 3 forward speed only like a Rincon and the Big Red http://www.atvreviewnetwork.com/enth...cleCode=441373. here is another site saying the same 2015 Honda Pioneer 700 Reviews, Prices, and Specs.

Not sure that can be since the 500 Pioneers has the the same 28hp 475 used in the Rubicon/Foreman and the 660 has even more power 42hp vs 39hp of the larger 700 (680) Pioneer.

Im not into side by sides but I have seen a 660 Grizzly beat a 680 Rincon. My 500H.O beats a 475 Foreman/ Rubicon rather easily and a 660 beats me just as easily.

I just can't imagine the 475 OHV in a 1200lb SXS.