P500 SxS vs ATV

[500oneer]

I have a rincon and pioneer and hardly ride the rincon.

 

[Admin]

 

[CumminsPusher]

You know if I had a Rincon rather then a Polaris I'd probably ride it more.i tend to ride things I trust. Just Saying.

 

[joeymt33]

Man is this getting to be a tough decision for me. Please note, I have never owned any type of ATV. Maybe spent 2 hours riding an ATV several years ago. You talk about analysis paralysis! Yikes! So, yesterday I went to a dealer to actually get my hands on a P500. After getting a well intentioned tour and education by the sales guy, I'm not sure whether to go with P500 or one of the Foreman variants. The price difference is close enough to not be much of a factor.

Currently, the only reason (that I can see) to go with P500 is to have a passenger, which is maybe 25% of the time (as a fly fishing and bird hunting guide). All my hunting buddies have ATVs already. And I spend 50% off road time by myself. 50% of that time with my bird dog(crate will be secured to back rack). 99% of riding will be in Eastern Sierra and Nevada desert mountains. The mountains in Nevada can be a very long, flat 10+ mile approach across decent dirt roads, then 5 or 10 miles of very steep, very rocky, deeply rutted two tracks. Best Mule Deer and Chucker hunting in the world, but, I digress.

I mention the long approaches simply for the speed difference between the two machines.

I know many of you have owned both types of these vehicles and many still do, but, now own and maybe prefer the P500. So, I guess I'm asking why would you advise me one way or the other. Also, for me, I'll admit this is a very expensive piece of equipment. And I can't afford to screw this up, and I have come to recognize the collective wisdom in this great community I have stumbled onto here. By the way, I'm 65, and if that matters, that's why I'm finally getting an ATV/UTV. Starting to slow down just a bit.
Thanking you in advance, Doug T.

Start by creating a list of pro and cons and then compare the two. I'll get you started... Maybe others can join in.

ATV pros:
1. A little cheaper
2. Maybe more maneuverable(depends on the driver)
3. Maybe the other guys can add more

SXS pros:
1. Can add a roof to keep the sun and rain off
2. Safety advantage with ROPS and seatbelt
3. Larger hauling capacity
4. Support from such a great group of P500 owners!
5. Windshield, can ride comfortably in the rain.

 

[CumminsPusher]

atv pros
-Quicker
-Better fuel economy?
-Won't get into trouble with the Mrs. For adding accessories
-more stable
-limbo better under tree limbs
-less tippy


Sxs pros
-warmer winter
-bring buddy with out being nut-to-butt
-less fatigue
-protection
-no arm pump or carpal tunnel in your right thumb
-less chance of spilling your beer
-place to put your beer
-noticed a little better by cars
-roll bars protect you a little from branches
-tall and narrow so if it does tip it stops doesn't continue rolling like the quad and it's easy to tip back over

 

[Jason86]

Man is this getting to be a tough decision for me. Please note, I have never owned any type of ATV. Maybe spent 2 hours riding an ATV several years ago. You talk about analysis paralysis! Yikes! So, yesterday I went to a dealer to actually get my hands on a P500. After getting a well intentioned tour and education by the sales guy, I'm not sure whether to go with P500 or one of the Foreman variants. The price difference is close enough to not be much of a factor.

Currently, the only reason (that I can see) to go with P500 is to have a passenger, which is maybe 25% of the time (as a fly fishing and bird hunting guide). All my hunting buddies have ATVs already. And I spend 50% off road time by myself. 50% of that time with my bird dog(crate will be secured to back rack). 99% of riding will be in Eastern Sierra and Nevada desert mountains. The mountains in Nevada can be a very long, flat 10+ mile approach across decent dirt roads, then 5 or 10 miles of very steep, very rocky, deeply rutted two tracks. Best Mule Deer and Chucker hunting in the world, but, I digress.

I mention the long approaches simply for the speed difference between the two machines.

I know many of you have owned both types of these vehicles and many still do, but, now own and maybe prefer the P500. So, I guess I'm asking why would you advise me one way or the other. Also, for me, I'll admit this is a very expensive piece of equipment. And I can't afford to screw this up, and I have come to recognize the collective wisdom in this great community I have stumbled onto here. By the way, I'm 65, and if that matters, that's why I'm finally getting an ATV/UTV. Starting to slow down just a bit.
Thanking you in advance, Doug T.

For me the answer is simply as I own a 420 rancher and a p500. I almost always chose to ride the p500. because of its versatility, comfort,and less fatigue from a long ride. The p500 is truly an all around good machine.

 

[ncred02]

ATV like owning a Vette. Nice but not practical
500 Like owning a f250. Nice AND practical
That was my progression

 

[ehart814]

I really think you get a LOT more for your money when buying the Pioneer 500. I've had some 4x4 wheelers and though I loved them, the P500 is so much more versatile and FUN. If nothing else, being able to pick up a buddy and go for a ride through the woods while having a conversation is almost worth the price of admission by itself.

Oh and one more thing....maybe most important of all.... the P500 has CUPHOLDERS!!!!

 

[jak9922]

thats is 1 very very important part lol

 

[Plumber32]

One other thing, a dog box on the back of the rancher will make the front to light for safe application. If you are not limited to 50" I'd go 700-2. Still under 10 grand. You get a locker, a full box with sides. And you could put 2 dogs in the back of a diamond plate dog box and it will be as stable as without it. And alot safer 1000lbs bed capacity.

 

[sporttrac4x4]

Just get what you want and you will be happy that's why I have a pioneer 1000-5 because it's what I wanted and it helps me when I need to get work done.

 

[Alan aka Davinci]

Man is this getting to be a tough decision for me. Please note, I have never owned any type of ATV. Maybe spent 2 hours riding an ATV several years ago. You talk about analysis paralysis! Yikes! So, yesterday I went to a dealer to actually get my hands on a P500. After getting a well intentioned tour and education by the sales guy, I'm not sure whether to go with P500 or one of the Foreman variants. The price difference is close enough to not be much of a factor.

Currently, the only reason (that I can see) to go with P500 is to have a passenger, which is maybe 25% of the time (as a fly fishing and bird hunting guide). All my hunting buddies have ATVs already. And I spend 50% off road time by myself. 50% of that time with my bird dog(crate will be secured to back rack). 99% of riding will be in Eastern Sierra and Nevada desert mountains. The mountains in Nevada can be a very long, flat 10+ mile approach across decent dirt roads, then 5 or 10 miles of very steep, very rocky, deeply rutted two tracks. Best Mule Deer and Chucker hunting in the world, but, I digress.

I mention the long approaches simply for the speed difference between the two machines.

I know many of you have owned both types of these vehicles and many still do, but, now own and maybe prefer the P500. So, I guess I'm asking why would you advise me one way or the other. Also, for me, I'll admit this is a very expensive piece of equipment. And I can't afford to screw this up, and I have come to recognize the collective wisdom in this great community I have stumbled onto here. By the way, I'm 65, and if that matters, that's why I'm finally getting an ATV/UTV. Starting to slow down just a bit.
Thanking you in advance, Doug T.

Here is my take on it...I have had ATV's for a long time and always said I would not be without one. Then I bought the P5 and I say, "Wish I had one of these a long time ago." Every time we go out I like the side by more and more and I am in my late 60's.

 

[rocmar]

Start by creating a list of pro and cons and then compare the two. I'll get you started... Maybe others can join in.

ATV pros:
1. A little cheaper
2. Maybe more maneuverable(depends on the driver)
3. Maybe the other guys can add more

SXS pros:
1. Can add a roof to keep the sun and rain off
2. Safety advantage with ROPS and seatbelt
3. Larger hauling capacity
4. Support from such a great group of P500 owners!
5. Windshield, can ride comfortably in the rain.

CUP HOLDERS.....JOEY.....

 

[Kirkl]

Im a newbie SxS rider as of February. Been on honda ATV's for a long time and I LOVE my P500. So much more comfortable to ride. My cousin who usually rides nut to butt on my old quad absolutly loved it this year on the P500. So nice to drink a cup of coffee in the early mornings while still able to drive. And the roof and windshield are great to keep wind and weather off of you. I still have my old honda 300 but I would never go back to full time riding an atv. Buy one and dont look back.

 

[Montecresto]

Man is this getting to be a tough decision for me. Please note, I have never owned any type of ATV. Maybe spent 2 hours riding an ATV several years ago. You talk about analysis paralysis! Yikes! So, yesterday I went to a dealer to actually get my hands on a P500. After getting a well intentioned tour and education by the sales guy, I'm not sure whether to go with P500 or one of the Foreman variants. The price difference is close enough to not be much of a factor.

Currently, the only reason (that I can see) to go with P500 is to have a passenger, which is maybe 25% of the time (as a fly fishing and bird hunting guide). All my hunting buddies have ATVs already. And I spend 50% off road time by myself. 50% of that time with my bird dog(crate will be secured to back rack). 99% of riding will be in Eastern Sierra and Nevada desert mountains. The mountains in Nevada can be a very long, flat 10+ mile approach across decent dirt roads, then 5 or 10 miles of very steep, very rocky, deeply rutted two tracks. Best Mule Deer and Chucker hunting in the world, but, I digress.

I mention the long approaches simply for the speed difference between the two machines.

I know many of you have owned both types of these vehicles and many still do, but, now own and maybe prefer the P500. So, I guess I'm asking why would you advise me one way or the other. Also, for me, I'll admit this is a very expensive piece of equipment. And I can't afford to screw this up, and I have come to recognize the collective wisdom in this great community I have stumbled onto here. By the way, I'm 65, and if that matters, that's why I'm finally getting an ATV/UTV. Starting to slow down just a bit.
Thanking you in advance, Doug T.

No P-5 owner will council you to choose an atv over Hondas Pioneer 500.

 

[trigger]

I have a quad 500 and love it for aggressive trail riding. More control being able to shift your weight, cornering with just a leg draped over the seat. It has plowed my driveway for ten years without many issues. If I were buying a machine primarily for hunting or just getting to the fishing hole, it would be a side by side. Keeps you out of the rain, can haul more gear, less mud on you after the ride, more comfortable for a passenger or best friend and a roll cage. Having both has its advantages but if I had to pick one...P5.

 

[Tflynn]

Especially after chukar hunting, you're going to appreciate having a bench seat on the way back to the truck!

 

[Gator]

ATV like owning a Vette. Nice but not practical
500 Like owning a f250. Nice AND practical
That was my progression

Im a newbie SxS rider as of February. Been on honda ATV's for a long time and I LOVE my P500. So much more comfortable to ride. My cousin who usually rides nut to butt on my old quad absolutly loved it this year on the P500. So nice to drink a cup of coffee in the early mornings while still able to drive. And the roof and windshield are great to keep wind and weather off of you. I still have my old honda 300 but I would never go back to full time riding an atv. Buy one and dont look back.

I bet he does!

 

[rocmar]

If it ain't a P500
I'll sit in camp....
IF IT AIN'T MY P500...
I'LL SIT IN CAMP
HaHa

 

[MontanaBighorn]

then 5 or 10 miles of very steep, very rocky, deeply rutted two tracks.

This being the case, choose a machine with a real, selectable front locker or be prepared to pull a winch cable all day. It doesn't matter the brand or type, in steep rocks if you don't have a front locker you'll spend more time pulling a winch cable than riding. Been there and got the t-shirt.

Here's a perfect example of what I'm talking about.

 

[CumminsPusher]

I still want one of those little 500's I hope Honda does do something there. just asking because I don't know But does anyone know if the quad stuff fits?