Warning: I am not a writer nor have a written a review before but.....
Got a chance to put the new pioneer through its paces Wed at a dealer demo. I've been in this industry with Honda for 15 years through a dealer. I know a lot of people were disappointed not to see a sport sxs or a larger cc sxs. But don't put it down just yet. This "little 500" will surprise you. I've been waiting on the Honda answer to the rzr for a while. Due to my livelihood coming from a honda dealer I won't buy any other brand. So I understand the consumer side also. That being said this new 500 pioneer is a blast. Very capable @ 500 cc range and open front diff. Plus the price point will offer a lot of people on a tighter budget the opportunity for a very nice sxs. Paddle shift is a whole new riding experience and a ton of fun. When I say we put them through there paces I mean we punished these for a few hours. The handled every obstacle with ease. Low gear is super low. 2nd feels like normal 1st gear. 3 gear stretches out and 4th and 5th fit right where they should. Not sure I used the brake much just down shifting. One thing that impressed me.... Running down a river bed (gravel) in 4th gear I stomped the accelerator and up shifted the back end broke loose. Plenty of room for two. And while considered the utility side of the market, you will have to remind your self that it's not a sport while your driving it. Otherwise you will forget. For the trail oriented this will be a perfect fit. Before you judge based on a spec sheet I highly recommend driving one. You will be surprised! Long story short my new pioneer 500 should arrive July. Im gonna try to post some pics and videos up soon!
Got a chance to put the new pioneer through its paces Wed at a dealer demo. I've been in this industry with Honda for 15 years through a dealer. I know a lot of people were disappointed not to see a sport sxs or a larger cc sxs. But don't put it down just yet. This "little 500" will surprise you. I've been waiting on the Honda answer to the rzr for a while. Due to my livelihood coming from a honda dealer I won't buy any other brand. So I understand the consumer side also. That being said this new 500 pioneer is a blast. Very capable @ 500 cc range and open front diff. Plus the price point will offer a lot of people on a tighter budget the opportunity for a very nice sxs. Paddle shift is a whole new riding experience and a ton of fun. When I say we put them through there paces I mean we punished these for a few hours. The handled every obstacle with ease. Low gear is super low. 2nd feels like normal 1st gear. 3 gear stretches out and 4th and 5th fit right where they should. Not sure I used the brake much just down shifting. One thing that impressed me.... Running down a river bed (gravel) in 4th gear I stomped the accelerator and up shifted the back end broke loose. Plenty of room for two. And while considered the utility side of the market, you will have to remind your self that it's not a sport while your driving it. Otherwise you will forget. For the trail oriented this will be a perfect fit. Before you judge based on a spec sheet I highly recommend driving one. You will be surprised! Long story short my new pioneer 500 should arrive July. Im gonna try to post some pics and videos up soon!
