P500 Honda Pioneer 500 vs SAND DUNES

[SouthwestORV]

Hello friends,
There is very little information on the web about how the Pioneer 500 performs in the sand dunes. Rightfully so - nobody is buying the Pioneer 500 as a dune-machine. However, I spent a full day enjoying legitimate sand dunes in my 2018 Pioneer 500 and I will be posting some footage from different parts of the Little Sahara Recreation Management Area. Here is the first:

 

[Montecresto]

Hello friends,
There is very little information on the web about how the Pioneer 500 performs in the sand dunes. Rightfully so - nobody is buying the Pioneer 500 as a dune-machine. However, I spent a full day enjoying legitimate sand dunes in my 2018 Pioneer 500 and I will be posting some footage from different parts of the Little Sahara Recreation Management Area. Here is the first:

Looks fun!!

 

[SouthwestORV]

Looks fun!!

It was tons of fun. The sand dunes are my favorite place to play. I think I’m a good judge of dune performance because I’ve played in the dunes for a decade now, on everything from 400+hp sandrail to Raptor 700R to my ‘83 ATC110.

 

[SouthwestORV]

Looks fun!!

It largely depends on how you like to enjoy the dunes. The Pioneer 500 has enough power to get you most anywhere, because generally when there is a big climb you can get around to the top of the hill another way, and the little Pioneer has enough power to get you up there - the path of least resistance. It does have enough power to enjoy bowls and dunes, and plenty of power for simply exploring the dunes and enjoying the beauty of the sand.

 

[corvid]

Hello friends,
There is very little information on the web about how the Pioneer 500 performs in the sand dunes. Rightfully so - nobody is buying the Pioneer 500 as a dune-machine. However, I spent a full day enjoying legitimate sand dunes in my 2018 Pioneer 500 and I will be posting some footage from different parts of the Little Sahara Recreation Management Area. Here is the first:

Thanks for that....What gear do you suggest for a climb up a dune from the beach...real soft sand...
Jerry
Bowie Az

 

[SouthwestORV]

First make sure your tires are aired down to a minimum PSI. Then make sure the machine is in 4wd. You will likely climb it in 2nd gear. If you have room to start in 3rd gear and begin the climb at wide open throttle that will help, then as it slows you downshift to 2nd gear and keep climbing. Hope this helps.

 

[MtClimber500]

I live close to the Idaho sand dunes. Have stopped by several times to watch people run. Usually see machines that have been souped up with lots of horsepower. Glad to hear that someone thinks you can do it with a P500. I would imagine that a Torque Locker would help. Will have to take my 500 down sometime and try a day. Would think if you could catch a damp day after a rain the sand would be the best for a small machine.

 

[SouthwestORV]

I live close to the Idaho sand dunes. Have stopped by several times to watch people run. Usually see machines that have been souped up with lots of horsepower. Glad to hear that someone thinks you can do it with a P500. I would imagine that a Torque Locker would help. Will have to take my 500 down sometime and try a day. Would think if you could catch a damp day after a rain the sand would be the best for a small machine.
.......
Are you referring to the dunes at St Anthony? I LOVE those dunes. Something I learned in my P500: It can easily explore the dunes. But it isn’t meant as a “dune machine.” A dune machine can climb the big dunes, carve the big bowls, jump the ridges, etc. The P500 was a blast in the dunes if your expectation is to explore the dunes.