5 THINGS I HATE - PIONEER 500 (Vid #70)

Рет қаралды 41,729

Күн бұрын

1160 miles, 153.1 hrs - Overall, I love our 2018 Honda Pioneer 500...but there are several things I don't love, as I share in this video. This is video #70 in the Honda Pioneer 500 video series on the Southwest ORV KZfaq channel.
This 2018 Honda Pioneer 500 is wearing SunF Power II tires, which are a major improvement, especially on the rocks and in the rough stuff. The tires are size 26x9-12 at all four corners, mounted up on ITP 5+2 12" Delta steel wheels. Note: If you like the look of the new 26x9-12 SunF tires use discount code "SOUTHWESTORV" to save 5% on your next SunF.com tire purchase!
We purchased our 2018 Honda Pioneer 500 "Rambo" at North Valley RideNow in Phoenix because they gave us the best out-the-door price in the state, and they didn't play sales games with us. Salesman Ryan Bigham was fantastic to deal with throughout the purchasing experience.
Honda Pioneer 500 official webpage: powersports.honda.com/pioneer...
Our 2018 Honda Pioneer 500: hondasxs.com/threads/project-...
Accessories & upgrades installed thus far:
- SunF A051 Power II tires: www.sunf.com/collections/utv-...
*use discount code "southwestorv" for 5% discount on SunF tires!
- Ricochet Off Road A-Arm Guards:
ricochetoffroad.com/collectio...
- ITP Delta steel wheels: www.itptires.com/products/pro...
- Genuine Honda Bimini Top: powersports.honda.com/pioneer...
- Maverick Advantage Side Mirrors: www.maverickadvantage.net/pro...
- Tusk Whip Flag Holder: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/p/...
-UTVMA Grab Handles: www.utvmountainaccessories.co...
-UTVMA Seat Belt Shoulder Pad: www.utvmountainaccessories.co...

Пікірлер: 123

@AppalachianMountainRiders 4 жыл бұрын

Engine noise: agree it’s pretty loud...lol Rear Diff noise: P5 has square cut gears in the rear which are stronger so I’ll take the noise over a weak rear end any day! Tip: use heavier diff fluid like a 75w140 and you’ll be surprised how much it quiets it down. Ride: Agree! in stock form it’s nothing to write home about. Disconnect the rear sway bar, and spend the money for some Walker Evans and it’s a whole new machine and worth the $$$ Steering wheel position: To each his own. I think it’s fine. Storage: agree 100%! I added the choogbox for in dash storage and installed a toolbox on the rack but it would be really nice to not have to pay extra for a place to store your gear! Difflock: Honda doesn’t install a factory locker 1: because it’s there budget SxS so they want to keep cost down and 2: without factory power steering they wanted to keep the steering light in 4wd and having diff lock would make it hard to steer but definitely would be nice to have as a factory option and I think Honda would sell a lot more P5’s if it had one. However I’m very pleased with the Torq locker and it’s made my P5 and animal! It is the only option we have for a locker though and it’s not cheap and of course requires installation. Definitely a great little side by side though and I’m glad you’re loving yours despite the few shortcomings it has. At the end of the day it will always get you home!

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks AMR. I put the Royal Purple 75W-140 in about 1000 miles ago - that did make a difference. I agree with the rest of your points, and appreciate the time you spent on your comment. Yes, I do trust it to get me home every time I'm out, and I enjoy it very much. Guys like you have helped the rest of us out a lot with your in-depth knowledge and experience on the machine. Cheers. I'm sure we'll keep running into each other on the SxS club, Instagram, and KZfaq. It'd be fun to meet you in person someday.

@3006USMC 4 жыл бұрын

Southwest ORV YES EVERYTHING JASON STATED ABOVE. My 2015 is running strong! The sway bar removal I noticed the biggest improvement. For what I do it’s perfect for me. Power steering and 30”s are next.

@corgily 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for the honesty

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

De nada - we try not to be cheerleaders, but rather to give honest opinions.

@Devin_Stromgren Жыл бұрын

Diff gear chatter is a common complaint on the 500. The most common solution is to run 75w140 in the diffs.

@SouthwestORV Жыл бұрын

Thanks for pitching in!

@randykestner3870 4 жыл бұрын

We have a 2015 p500 we changed the tires and front shocks does better now. I agree on the storage but you cannot beat the price.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

I loved our Pioneer 500. What a fun little machine. I did have a few gripes, like you say, but overall it was a great little machine and I'm glad that Honda sells them. The size and affordability + ability to personalize made it a real delight.

@milehighhydroguy 4 жыл бұрын

I have a 2015 P500, i have about $3500 worth of bolt-on's i have added to it to make it a better machine. 1st is the Torq locker aussie locker to the front diff, made this machine a whole new animal. 2nd is 14" bead lock wheels with 28" STI X-comps that added to the beast mode of my machine as the wheels are 4-3 offset and i have 2" spacers on the rear and 1" on the front so it is now a 57.5" wide track and 12" ground clearence and way more stable, 3rd is Walker Evan"s front shocks, they made a huge difference in ride. 4th is 1" tall lift kit on the front to reduce the rake, 5th is heat shield/ noise shied under the seats which helped with both issues. i also added RZR bucket seats, a second battery, winch, street legal lights, roof, windshield, rear window, zipper carry bags on interior for paperwork and gear, cb radio, spot and flood lights, horn, window washer, mirrors, snorkle, spare tire carrier, front and rear bumpers, fuel packs and 3/8" thick skid plate. Honda will never add anywhere near these kind of features at the price point they sell these little machines at. You have to spend a little money on them to get them to be better!

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

I guess that's what makes them so fun! You can modify and personalize the heck out of them.

@alunardoable 4 жыл бұрын

I run 27” inch tires, at 4psi and made it a lot better, and I agree with all the others

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

When I bought mine new, the tires were set at about 20 psi, suspension stock settings, it was a rough riding little sucker. Much better now.

@chucklesthefireguy5356 4 жыл бұрын

I bought a silencer for mine, it lasted two seasons, then slipped out. I think the rubber bushings are worn already. Noise does suck! But it's a billy goat.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

I love the Billy Goat character of these little machines for sure.

@drsackbarry 4 жыл бұрын

Having never owned or even taken a ride in a utv I can't say what they should sound like and I don't find my that bad. With a few of the items you have issues with I believe if Honda had made those additions or changes the cost of the vehicle would be unaffordable for me and for many other folks. I bought mine bear- bones with the intent of adding a number of things and using it mostly for parades and light duty camping. I'm very heavy into military vehicles so, I've turned mine into something like a special ops type vehicle. With the junk I had piled up I've fabricated many things I couldn't find or afford. The first thing was a car roof top basket rack over the front hood. Then, a roof and I made a clear vinyl enclosure. I placed a second battery in a cut down battery box under the hood for all the lights and other power needs and a winch. I don't think I'll ever need larger tires or a front locker but, I bought some traction tracks (ramps) to help for off road use. Today I put the upper half of a golf cart windshield on the upper part of the cage and using clear vinyl for the lower half. I've added many pouches and pockets, a pickup bed side tool box and jump seat combo. I'm making the vehicle fit me and my wants. So, I can't be any happier.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Sounds like you're having fun with it! I love mine too. These are great little machines to own and tinker with.

@seangardner2602 4 жыл бұрын

Hi, love your content and thoroughness ! I was wondering if you could have run your stock rims with the tires you have? I’m going to buy a pioneer 500 tomorrow . Very excited! Mostly because of your views on them. Appreciate it and thanks.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

I'm happy to hear that! Thank you for the feedback. I believe the answer is yes - these tires could have run on the stock rims - although most people stagger the tires. So here's what I mean. Stock tires are skinny in front and fat in back. You can buy SUNF brand (like mine) "Power II" tires (like mine) in 26" diameter that will mount up to the staggered stock rims, with wide in front and fat in back. Mine are all the same size because I bought new wheels too that are the same size all around at all four corners. Is that making sense? Congrats on the new P500! Did you buy it?

@seangardner2602 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks again for the info and yes I did pickup my P500 up! Had it out for a good ride just yesterday . It’s a lot different then all the belt drive ATVs I’ve had over the years but I’m getting on to it. Auto shift on hills is something I’m going to avoid! Manuel shift on hills for sure. I had a lot of fun with it. It’s not fast but fast enough! Thanks again for your content and please post more👍

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

I'm happy for you! It's magical to pick up a new Honda. As weather improves here soon, we'll be putting on a lot of miles.

@Adam_Newman 4 жыл бұрын

I sold my P500 & bought a Polaris Ranger 570 midsize & I made a big mistake ! I’ll be buying another Honda very soon ! The P500 has some cons but it never let me down

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Mine has not let me down either. Out of curiosity, what went wrong with the 570?

@Adam_Newman 4 жыл бұрын

Southwest ORV , first within the first 200 miles had clicking in rear & they said it was rear wheel bearings! Which after 4 days they repaired under warranty , Then in low range at the hunting lease at a low-speed it started making a really high pitch squeal then noises around clutch cover again, upon inspection dealer said the clutch had a problem which after some Argument about warranty coverage of the clutch they did put on a new clutch & belt , at that point I put it up for sale less than 400 miles , idk maybe I just got a dudd ! But the Honda never give me any of these problems so I’m going back

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

Makes sense!

@rubenmv91 2 жыл бұрын

How reliable is the Honda pioneer I'm thinking on buy one

@SouthwestORV 2 жыл бұрын

100% reliable for me.

@kurtyoung6769 4 жыл бұрын

Lower the PSI in the tires evenly until the steering gets too sluggish and raise it up one half pound. Probably around 3.5 to 4 will be best.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the suggestion Kurt. When I first put on these 26's I started at 11psi, then as I rode and put on the miles I gradually did just like you say, and I lowered the psi about 1 lb at a time until I reach 7psi, and it feels like that sweet spot. With my factory tires, I ran them around 4psi with I was in the sand dunes and they performed admirably. I think if I ever visit moab I may drop the pressure a little further as well. Are you still running stock tires?

@bluesv1k 4 жыл бұрын

I get the same noise in rear differential. To me, it sounds like when you are driving along in a car and the engine is lugging so you downshift to go up the hill. If it gets bad, I downshift.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, very similar sound...as you describe it. I've never had another powersports with such noisy gears.

@padenrightsell8396 4 жыл бұрын

i have a 2015 Honda Rubicon 500 and the rear differential is also excessively loud with a lot of chatter.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

That sounds about right! I mean...wrong? ;)

@badbowtie71 4 жыл бұрын

Honda Pioneer 500 Pro's: Reliability Con's: Every thing else Had a P500 for 2 years, now have a P1000-5. Wish I had bought the 1000 to start with.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Funny. Like is said in the video, I do enjoy my P500 very much. BUT! I am seriously looking at a P1000 for the future.

@kidamere2408 4 жыл бұрын

had mine 4 years no problems its not meant to do the things you would with oh , you know a machine twice its size

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Isn't it great! I love that mine has given me no issues or repairs.

@joedurushia4008 4 жыл бұрын

My Harley makes a lot if valve and lifter sound, not noise, sound. It’s an awesome machine and it sounds like a machine....

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah...not this one. I love machines and mechanical noise as much as the next guy, but when the mechanical noise sounds like something is broken, or not right...I don't care for it. Or when it's so loud you can talk to the person next to you, which defeats the purpose of sxs in a machine like this that isn't a sport machine. Thanks for watching!

@joedurushia4008 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the extra info on the noise. Still shopping around and going to use mine for deer hunting.

@joedurushia4008 3 жыл бұрын

Got a Can-Am Outland Max XT 650. Really happy with it

@dustybowhunter 4 жыл бұрын

I got all the same gripes with my pioneer 700, but it has diff lock

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting observation. I have not spent any time in a 700, but I assumed it may be better in some of these regards. Perhaps not.

@robinrowe2159 4 жыл бұрын

Is there a lift kit available anywhere like the one I installed on my 01 Honda Forman 450?

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

You know, I haven't seen too many folks lift the Pioneer 500. I am not aware of one besides the portal lift I've seen done.

@Hillbillysniper 4 жыл бұрын

The is the only other one I have seen. kzfaq.info/get/bejne/pJmZrJCJ2pPKnX0.html

@anthonyaustin3322 4 жыл бұрын

well it is a cheap machine buddy, what do u exspect,if u want a caddy buy the talon

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Like I said in the video, I loved the machine. It's good to share with people reality, in other words, if you buy a P500 you are NOT buying a Cadillac. Thanks for watching.

@WBOS72 4 жыл бұрын

Buy it and build it! It is a solid machine. If you dont want to build it, buy a talon.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

I agree. I bought it and built and and really enjoyed it.

@jtarman70 3 жыл бұрын

Don't buy a Talon! I did, its at the honda dealer after 11 months and 1,200 miles with a stripped out transmission! Low gear was the culprit! Honda isn't any better than the rest of them these days. We have the Honda pioneer 500 too, Hate it!

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

Darn! I have mostly heard very positive things about the new Talons. Sad to hear yours was not a good experience.

@jtarman70 3 жыл бұрын

@@SouthwestORV Apparently they aren't that good. The dealer told me there are several in front of me thats warranty work for the exact same thing as mine. Sub transmissons are crap! Honda don't ever need to talk crap about CVT's after this. Belts are way cheaper than transmissions!

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

I'm sad to hear that! I hope to do a long-term ownership evaluation on a Talon in the next few years. Hopefully they get any issues worked out.

@MOUSEBOWEN 11 ай бұрын

I just bought a 2019 Honda pioneer 500 and I absolutely love it but shifts like shit and is loud when I go fast only 900 miles

@SouthwestORV 11 ай бұрын

Sounds like you've noticed a few of the things I mentioned. And yet, they are lovable machines just how they area. Noisy suckers, a little rough and bouncy, but awesome.

@gone4days956 10 ай бұрын

Do a quick clutch adjustment. Smoothed mine up great

@jeffclaus4422 4 жыл бұрын

How’s the new rubicon?

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Howdy Jeff! I'll let Jeremy (co-host in Alabama) answer that question for you. I admit I'm envious of the "Hulk" and I look forward to spending some seat time on it when Jeremy moves back out west in 2021.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Jeremy here - So far it's been a great machine. Still getting used to it as I had primarily ridden sport quads previously. It's been raining a lot lately so we haven't been able to get out and ride as much as we've wanted. I think it's going to be a machine that provides fun for many years to come.

@jacobreed1087 3 жыл бұрын

It’s a Honda, if the valves aren’t ticking there’s something wrong with it. Lol

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

I think you're right, to be honest. Mine all have. Just wished they didn't tick so loud. Oh well.

@markdeez81 4 жыл бұрын

maybe if anyone could hear what your tryin to say?

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Yeah, my bad. Sorry about that!

@SteviePeeOutDoorLife 4 жыл бұрын

Lol turn it up. I can hear fine

@paulm7460 3 жыл бұрын

sure they are not the greatest but I paid less than 6500 for mine new in 18 not a bad value

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

I do think they are a good value. I loved my P500.

@Flamefuels 4 жыл бұрын

if you can afford a pile of Hondas , you can get a mic setup

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

You...are correct!

@hummyhero1484 4 жыл бұрын

Honda almost made a really awesome pioneer 500 if they had done the things you said. it wouldn’t hurt if it came with power steering and a little more power

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

To your point, if the Pioneer 500 were offered with the new 520cc motor, and optional power steering with a larger wheel/tire combo offered stock, perhaps premium graphics, I could see that being a machine people would go for.

@hummyhero1484 4 жыл бұрын

I agree. its not a bad machine but a few upgrades would make it so much better. i still like it.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Me too. I loved it.

@MOUSEBOWEN 4 жыл бұрын

Southwest ORV they made a pioneer 520 with power steering? Wow would be awesome and even better with front differential locker

@anthonyaustin3322 4 жыл бұрын

u can buy power steering for them an add on kit from honda

@johncover5877 Жыл бұрын

I couldn't watch this. When I hear crappy audio I need to move on.

@SouthwestORV Жыл бұрын

Sorry for the poor audio.

@joedurushia4008 4 жыл бұрын

Stiff ride? Your off road! Steering wheel position? Adapt! Interior storage? Get a purse. Yes, it needs a front dif lock.

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Your comment made me smile, thanks. I tried to be clear that I love the machine. Sounds like you do also.

@jtarman70 3 жыл бұрын

The pioneer 500 is nothing more than a Rubicon with a cage on it! I've owned one for 3 years, worst side by side on the market if you can call it a side by side. Just overall badly designed!

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

I enjoyed mine a lot. I enjoyed mine a lot. Out of curiosity, what did you go to instead of the P500?

@jtarman70 3 жыл бұрын

@@SouthwestORV We still have it, been trying to sell it but nobody wants it. We got a talon, but its in the shop with a bad transmisson after 11 months. I've owned honda's since the 80's, but since about 2000 their reliability has gone way down. But then again, what is reliable these days?

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

Odd...out west they sell like hot bread. Dang! Your Talon too!? I'm sad to hear that, we're thinking about getting a Talon for the channel.

@850ic6 3 жыл бұрын

Whiner. It’s an entry level machine. There will always be some compromises in order to keep the cost down. There’s no market for a $13,000 500cc machine.

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

Not whining. Just answering honestly the questions some folks will have. It’s information for people. I loved it, and said so, but if I don’t point out the negative, it’s not objective, and people call you a fan boy. Thanks for watching.

@dr3w995 4 жыл бұрын

Bud there not loud there to quite

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

In my opinion...too loud.

@dr3w995 4 жыл бұрын

@@SouthwestORV i get it...

@mikematt67 4 жыл бұрын

Poor audio move along

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, sorry about that. I'll find a way to make it better for future videos.

@chucklesthefireguy5356 4 жыл бұрын

walker Evans shocks, ( edited)

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

I may have to try that!

@joeparker7508 2 жыл бұрын

No different lock on 520 biggest thing.....

@SouthwestORV 2 жыл бұрын

I think it would have been cool for the 520 to have one or two upgrades over the 500, like front diff lock and power steering.

@joeparker7508 2 жыл бұрын

That's a honda thing so you will up grade to the version that they put out with a locker front.23 r 24 will have one most likely

@chrisE815 Жыл бұрын

Are any of the other complaints valid for the 520?

@user-my3ff5lj6m 5 күн бұрын

I don't like the doors and the net.

@SouthwestORV 2 күн бұрын

Thank you for pitching in to the conversation.

@samuelyanez9887 10 ай бұрын

Just get a Cadillac miss princess 😂😂😂

@SouthwestORV 10 ай бұрын

Come, come now. People want to know the good and the bad. I loved that machine! But can’t just be a P500 cheerleader all the time.

@Mr880881 3 жыл бұрын

Zero storage !! The engineer should be horse wiped. All these little things pointed out is disappointing for Honda. I just purchased a new Polaris 570 last week. Way nicer machine at over 2K less cost.

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

I feel similar, in that there ought to be a least some original equipment storage - not just an added accessory storage. But I will say that I loved the P500 and would consider owning another. I have heard that the Ranger 570 is a great machine too. I love my 2020 Ranger 1000.

@jgrc73 3 жыл бұрын

As a former Rzr 570 owner, you will find that it is an expensive machine actually. You must replace belts and never hold constant throttle to hill hold or you will burn the belt out. I never had a problem but the guy who taught me that said he gets Belt jobs all the time from this. If you add a winch, make sure and run second battery. Be sure you love squeaks and rattles, the RZR is awful that way. It is very fast but the suspension is not up to the task on rough stuff. You can drop a fortune trying to turn it into a 900 suspension wise then you will find it has become a 15k sub 600cc machine. If it sounds like I am anti 570 I am not, it is just more expensive than you would think to run it. Pioneer is lacking in many areas but it is gas oil and go. No denying that the RzR was a heck of a lot of fun. Much more exciting than the P500, which is like a 2 seat Foreman. I am excited about an impending P500 purchase, but in no way expect it to be as thrilling, or as pricey, as the RZR. Kind of a SXS conservative choice, the P500, I am okay with it. In the end, to me, cost of ownership and reliability is my priority.

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

I think this says it well.

@KUBBI7488 2 жыл бұрын

you ll became paloris mechanic soon !

@KUBBI7488 2 жыл бұрын

Now you will become paloris mechanic!!!

@toddjackson8918 4 жыл бұрын

What, I cannot hear you!!! Speak up dude

@SouthwestORV 4 жыл бұрын

Sorry! I need a better audio setup.

@bradvass4217 3 жыл бұрын

Why buy a 500? It's seriously underpowered for a sxs

@SouthwestORV 3 жыл бұрын

For its intended purpose the Pioneer 500 is not underpowered. The Pioneer 700 on the other hand...a little under powered. But the P500 has excellent power for its size and purpose, and wonderful low gearing for crawling through tight trails. I have used many different powersports and I can confidently say the Pioneer 500 is not underpowered. But if you are planning to install paddle tires and climb sand mountain or win the sand drags - it's underpowered because that's not what it's for. I bought a 500cc SxS and I loved it.

@rubenmv91 2 жыл бұрын

@@SouthwestORV How reliable is ??

@rubenmv91 2 жыл бұрын

@@SouthwestORV Do you think it is worth to expend extra and buy the piooner 520???