DG Rider
Member: Triple Clutch Club
Lifetime Member
The September 2013 issue of ATV/UTV Action features a test of the Pioneer-4 and 2 seater. This looks to be more of the "first ride" type of impressions that we have seen on the web for some weeks now...but they call it a test.
They remark that they had "a few hours" on the machines, so i didn't expect the type of in-depth reporting that some mags will give ( which i wouldn't expect of this mag anyway ), but they do give some insight as to what we might expect from the new UTV.
If you know the mag, you know their format is to ask a series of questions a perspective owner might ask, and then give answers.
Some highlights...
Q: "How fast is the 675?"
A: "Fast enough to be fun."
This was a surprise for me. I expected the Pion to get flamed here, but they seemed to be pleased with its power. They also commented on its quick throttle response and that its corner to corner acceleration was good enough to have fun.
Q: "How's the new suspension?"
A: "Ample and plush!"
From the comments, the Pion is softly sprung which gives it a good ride, at the cost of bottoming on big hits. Nothing we haven't heard there. They are hoping the Pioneer Sport ( if one ever exists ) will have fancy res shocks.
Q: "How does it handle?"
A: "Better than the Big Red."
Translation: Expect more stable than nimble here. Kind of a cop out, but typical of the mag. They also mentioned "Fairly light steering".
Q: "How is trail comfort?"
A: "Awesome!"
They mention very little vibration and exhaust noise, and that the ergo's were great. They also mention that Honda used some type of vinyl membrane under the floor panels to prevent dust from getting on occupants. This was the first time i had seen this mentioned.
Notes:
Like most who simply don't understand how a torque converter like that in the Pion's tranny works, they submit that rock-crawlers might miss the lack of a low range.
The 4 has stiffer shock tuning than the 2 seater.
They noticed more rattles on the 4...kinda to be expected.
They called the pricing of the Pion's "steals". This was one area where they pointed out the obvious advantages over the competition.
The mag has always been a bit of a foo-foo mag, so we will have to wait for others to get really detailed reports on the Pion, but overall they were very flattering in the review.
Can't wait for a more in-depth test....or even my own test!!!
They remark that they had "a few hours" on the machines, so i didn't expect the type of in-depth reporting that some mags will give ( which i wouldn't expect of this mag anyway ), but they do give some insight as to what we might expect from the new UTV.
If you know the mag, you know their format is to ask a series of questions a perspective owner might ask, and then give answers.
Some highlights...
Q: "How fast is the 675?"
A: "Fast enough to be fun."
This was a surprise for me. I expected the Pion to get flamed here, but they seemed to be pleased with its power. They also commented on its quick throttle response and that its corner to corner acceleration was good enough to have fun.
Q: "How's the new suspension?"
A: "Ample and plush!"
From the comments, the Pion is softly sprung which gives it a good ride, at the cost of bottoming on big hits. Nothing we haven't heard there. They are hoping the Pioneer Sport ( if one ever exists ) will have fancy res shocks.
Q: "How does it handle?"
A: "Better than the Big Red."
Translation: Expect more stable than nimble here. Kind of a cop out, but typical of the mag. They also mentioned "Fairly light steering".
Q: "How is trail comfort?"
A: "Awesome!"
They mention very little vibration and exhaust noise, and that the ergo's were great. They also mention that Honda used some type of vinyl membrane under the floor panels to prevent dust from getting on occupants. This was the first time i had seen this mentioned.
Notes:
Like most who simply don't understand how a torque converter like that in the Pion's tranny works, they submit that rock-crawlers might miss the lack of a low range.
The 4 has stiffer shock tuning than the 2 seater.
They noticed more rattles on the 4...kinda to be expected.
They called the pricing of the Pion's "steals". This was one area where they pointed out the obvious advantages over the competition.
The mag has always been a bit of a foo-foo mag, so we will have to wait for others to get really detailed reports on the Pion, but overall they were very flattering in the review.
Can't wait for a more in-depth test....or even my own test!!!
