Actually went to the closest dealer which was 50 miles away and test drove a Pioneer 500. Very educational.
I was able to compare it to every other 50" machine on the market and realized there are some very stark differences.
I am 6'2" and the Honda was a very tight fit. I got in and didn't think I was going to be able to drive it for more than a half hour at a time due to the lack of leg room. My knees start hurting if they are in a bent position for much more than half an hour. The position of the gas pedal and brake pedal was awkward. Seat was fine, head room was fine. I liked the overall length and handling. Power was fine. The rear rack was bigger than I expected.
Test drive went well and I didn't really notice the awkward pedal position or cramped leg room as much as I thought I would.
Then I looked at the CF Moto. Got in and my right knee rested against the dashboard. No way that would work. Plus, the materials were obviously Chinese and cheap. Wrote it off immediately.
Then I got into a Can Am Maverick Trail 800. Felt like I was getting into a race car. Super comfy with all the controls in easy reach and good quality. Decent leg room. I then noticed it had what the Honda was missing; storage space. It had two glove boxes with plenty of room for a phone, keys, first aid kit, and my pistol. The Honda had zero storage. The Honda rear rack was much bigger and more versatile, but the Maverick's was still big enough for my dog to ride in; barely.
Definitely noticed the Maverick's increased wheelbase. It is two feet longer than the Pioneer! That will make a substantial difference in negotiating smaller trails.
Maverick is definitely way sexier than the Honda...
Went to another dealer that had the Polaris Razr 570 and the Arctic Cat Wildcat Trail 800.
First up was the Wildcat. Got in and both knees hit the dash. Immediately dismissed it.
Then I reluctantly looked at the Polaris Razr 570.
Perfect! Great leg room, great controls, rear rack had plenty of room for my dog, overall size was great. Polaris is running a promotion with $1000 off the price.
But, Polaris is junk, IMHO. It seems buying one is a crap shoot and I've seen and heard plenty of horror stories about them. Too bad, because it was the perfect machine for me.
So now I'm torn between the Honda and the Can Am.
The local dealer sells them for $9500 with no destination or set up fee and he includes $750 worth of options that you get to choose. I chose a roof, 3500lb winch, street legal mirror and horn kit. He suggested upgrading to 26" tires ASAP. Total price out the door including tax and title, full tank, all accessories installed and ready to go was $10,200. Monthly payment through my credit union would be $190.
The Maverick is $12900 before tax and title and includes no destination charge or prep fees, but also no accessories. I would have to fabricate or buy a top. Street legal kit is another $120 for mirrors and horn installed.
Pretty substantial price increase. Payment would be around $250 a month.
The Honda is a more task-friendly machine and is perfect for chores and low speed trail exploring for a couple of hours. It is more reliable. It is perfect for short-range trips into the woods to explore an area or retrieve game. Especially since it has a ridiculously small fuel capacity of 4 gallons. The Mavericks holds 10 and the Razyr 7.
The Maverick is best suited for day long trips and exploring gated off logging roads.
I really need to figure out what exactly my needs are and if I can live with the cramped and utilitarian Honda after getting a taste of the luxurious Can Am.
