I work at the Mayville Engineering Company in Byron Center, Michigan. We make the A-ram and the rear cargo carrier. We also make a lot for the Pioneer 1000.
I bought a Honda P500 last week and while researching it I stumbled upon your videos. I find your videos informative and interesting. I enjoy grouse hunting in Northern Minnesota in close proximity to the Mississippi headwaters and will use the Honda for grouse/ deer hunting, ice fishing and general exploring. Your video on the Swedish trangia stove now has me searching for one. Keep them coming.
Thanks Peter - I appreciate the encouragement! and congratulations on the new P500 :D Let me know how that works out for you. I enjoy mine very much and the 2 year warranty speaks volumes about Honda's commitment to quality at a price.
I am looking at buying a 2017. The are marked down to about 8K, but they rape you on the accessories. In Wyoming it is stuff you need too. $400 for a set of doors, $125 for the back window panel, the roof top was high too, and I didn't even ask about a windshield. I like that you made your own, and that is what I will do too. I will mot likely get it. They have a heater available, and the snow plow. They want over 400 for their winch but there are others much cheaper. We just want it for trailing in the summer, hunting in the fall, and snow removal in the winter. Not hardcore extreme trail busting.
Hi Richard - Yup they always get you on the accessories - same as car/truck dealers. I do recommend the Superwinch Terra 35SR (about $259 on Amazon.com) but you need a KFI mounting plate and the Honda accessory harness to go with it. It certainly all mounts up! The 2017 also has the auto-shift transmission - something I wouldn't mind having :)
A 500 0wner - we found that summer driving produced extreme heat at the seat belt buckles !! I removed the shrouding under the seat and fabricated an aluminum heat shield 0ver the exhaust pipe and upon replacing the shrouding I stuffed the area under the seat belt buckles with pink fiberglass insulation - extreme heat all gone !!
Good down-to-earth video review of the machine. Nice to see you went with the Superwinch Terra Series winch. I have the Honda 500 Rubicon IRS and have the Terra 2500 winch with the wired remote control. Used the winch a lot and works great. One thing that you may want to consider in a tie upgrade, especially if you do much traveling mud and snow is to go to a 26" tire. Some people go with a small lift kit, but it ends up changing the geometry of the suspension and can be harder on the CV joints. A larger tire does not change the geometry. I wet with the 26" AMS Slingshot tires (a radial tire that is almost the same weight as the stock 25" tire that come from t factory with my Honda). Yes, the Hondas are no a quick as most other machines out there. So, if you are looking for a go-fast ATV or UTV, the Honda will not fit the bill However, for reliability and all-out grunt power and a very good trail machine, you cannot beat a Honda. All the best, and keep the videos coming.
Thanks for the kind comment! Yes - I'd like to go for the 26" tires too. I got a set of 25" take off's from a buddy and I want to get some use out of them before I move them along. I agree - I dont want to lift the machine as it puts more stress on the CV joints. Very happy with the Superwinch Terra 3500. It's as good as my Warn winch. The $20 remote I fitted it with is awesome - So much easier for self recovery. If Honda could fix the 3 main issues with the Pioneer 500 they would have so many more buyers. 1/ Upgrade the engine to a 600cc or better 2/ Fit a diff lock on the front transmission. 3/ Lift the speed limit from 64kph to 80kph. Now you have the best 50" machine on the market!
Hey ole buddy, been off the grid for a few weeks dealing with flooding. Happy to say my P500 survived it and even helped move a few folks through high water. I still think we have about the best cost to value machine made. Take care.
Exactly what is the definition of "Side By Side?" I originally thought it meant steering was done by controlling the speed of the wheels or tracks of each side.
I really enjoy your videos. Thanks so much for taking the time to make them. I bought a P500 a few months ago. I have enjoyed it so far. I am adding accessories and getting it suited to my hunting needs. Thanks again.
Hey no problem - Welcome to the P500 club! It's a great little machine and it makes a good hunting vehicle. I have lots of videos on modifications for the P500 and a way of making your own windscreen if you want to save a few bucks :)
Bret does your 500 have loud gear noise from the differental ?? Ours does right from mile one and after 400 miles has not gone away !! My wife thinks it is ring & pinion lash !! She worked with auto ring & pinions for some years !!
I love my Honda Pioneer 500 also. It will be a year for me in October. Mine is rusting at those same spots which is minor and nothing touch up paint can't fix. I agree with everything you said. The only tip i would like to add for your viewers is that if you put bigger like 26 or 27" tires it seems to fix that first gear problem. You get more time in between shifts. I can also reach 70km per hour on a gps. With 24's the first gear is useless. But i found that with my 26" tire it made it better. I was going to install 27", but there is also a downside to big tires. It makes the 4WD weaker as in the front wheels will not engage as much
Thanks for the great info! Its a wonderful little machine. I want to move up to the 26" next but those 25" came next to free for me so I took em! :) When I get the opportunity I'll step up to the 26" for sure. I know its a trade of as you say but those 24" are just too small even by other side by side standards. Thx for commenting!
any new accessories added man. I like your videos, you and Appalachian mtn riders helped me make decision to get the p500. I just got some 25" tires for it and now gonna use it more this year. I would like a box, maybe the a arm guards and doors and what not to keep dust out. can you do.another video on what you have done to your ride since this video please. and what do you think of my ideas
Nice man. Yeah im not a speed demon. But yeah, thanks for the great videos. Im planning on getting a honda pioneer 500. Maybe tuesday will be hearing news back about it.
Hey for your windshield clamps go to the hardware store and get some pipe clamps and it will go right around the roll cage and keep the windshield in place pretty good
Hello again Michael. Have you ever tipped your Honda on it's side. Also have you removed the rear sway bar. On another subject Esme adds so much to your videos. She makes a great companion and I must say your captions of her thoughts have given me a chuckle. What breed is she. This reads more like a inquiry than a comment lol. Thanks for making great videos
Hi Sen - I've never tipped the Honda but on some technical trail sections with deep holes or awkward inclines I have come close but you learn your machine and the limits. The machine is so small I can drive around most obstacles where other UTV's cant. I haven't disconnected the sway bars yet, typically I only remove the front as I've found on other machines it makes them too flexible for general mixed riding. Esme was a rescue dog from Northern Alberta - she's a mixed bread but the majority of her DNA is Clumber Spaniel en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clumber_Spaniel - She makes the outdoor for me and we both look forward to the weekends! Thanks again for commenting! Best wishes Michael & Esme
Coming from a Rzr 570 i can completely understand that. You will have a great time in the Rzr - I would recommend disconnecting the front sway bar if you do a lot of trail riding - makes a big difference.
In your opinion do you think it has enough power to Carry two full size men through any terrain and up steep hills through woods. And possibly with a 200 lb deer on the back.
It will do it (slowly) but you will feel the weight. The suspension is limited for heavy loads also. I'd step up to a more powerfully unit if that's the main purpose of use. 👍
Thanks for your very nice presentation. One of your commenters wrote that he liked your music. I did too; and also enjoy someone who doesn't hotrod ad nice piece of machinery. I am getting into UTVing one small step at a time. One of the reasons I'm attracted to the Pioneer 500 is that it will fit into my present cargo trailer width and length wise; but NOT for height. I am wondering how easy or difficult it is to remove the roll cage for transportation and about how much time it would take to do so.
Hi Anne, thanks for the nice comment :) I had the same issue when I was in the market for a cargo trailer - the door was too low :/ So I gave up on the idea. I'm not sure about removing the roll cage but I would ask the question on the P500 forum (hondasxs.com/categories/honda-pioneer-500-forum.86/) Someone there will DEFINATLY have the answer! :) Best wishes Michael & Esme.
hi michael good video, I would like to think you may try hammerite paint for your rust prouble, I`ve always used it on my cars and it seems to work when it`s cleaned up.
The Emporium Outdoors no problem one thing i'm saying is that the do tend to throw rocks pretty bad if your following one on a rocky road. my dad has his pioneer sitting on them and they are great for what we do which is normal trail riding occasional mud and snow but me on a four wheeler behind him i either have to go behind a ways or ride beside him to not get hit by rocks at higher speeds
Hi Michael. Just found your videos and they are super helpful. I’m looking for a utv for only snow plowing my very long 160 ft paved driveway. Do you or others think the p500 could be the solution? Appreciate all thoughts and suggestions. Thank you
Hi A.W. - I think the Pioneer would be fine to plough snow. They sell quick connect plow kits for around $700 @ SuperATV. The low first gear would be more than enough power to push snow - I would perhaps purchase some chains for the rear for extra traction depending on the surface you are clearing snow. It would be a massive step up from using a ATV - plus the P500 keeps the seat warm in winter from the engine :D - hope that helps!
Hi again, I was enjoying another one of your great videos and I started wondering. Where did you mount the switch and corded outlet for your winch? Keep up the good work!
Hi Nathan, I mounted it on the bulkhead wall below the dash. I use a $20 wireless remote most of the time so never plug in the handheld controller. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-eW7KlegMcCo.html - hope that helps!
Hello, I am in Colorado and much of my riding will be done at 9000 ft or more. How do you think the low first gear would perform at climbing since it lacks low range?
The low range is very low, its like a crawler gear - In most driving situations I'd always start off in 2nd. If you check out the forum hondasxs.com you might get an opinion of other rider in your area to be sure about the altitude / gear setup 👍
Hello - I've really enjoyed all your content. Please keep on making the high-quality videos. I have a question. I'm getting ready to buy my first UTV, which like yours will be carried in the 6'-6" bed of my full-size pickup. The UTV's primary use will be for accessing backcountry hunting areas in the western US. In my mind, reliability of the drivetrain and having a low crawling range on the transmission are two critical attributes. Which UTVs would you be considering in my position? Thanks for the feedback!
Hi Craig many thanks for the kind comments :) Depending on the load capacity of your truck you have a few options in my opinion. In my F150 (6.5 ft box) I've carried a mid-size Polaris Ranger (58" width), Honda Pioneer 500 (50" width) & the Polaris Rzr 570 (50" width). The 50" models are the easiest to haul so that leaves the Wildcat trail (never driven it) as the other option but the wheelbase of this is very long www.utvguide.net/utv_comparison/. For hunting I like to have a easy step in cab and somewhere to haul gear and game after the shot. I used the Rzr 570 for hunting and it worked well, very capable machine but the box is small and the seating is not ideal for getting in and out a lot. The Ranger midsize is a nice machine and the dump box is a big bonus but I don't like the front suspension setup and the belt drive. The Pioneer for me is the one that ticks the most boxes for my needs. 50" - easy to load, lightest model (1010lb), cheapest to own, bench seat for easy getting in and out, solid engine and gear box and I got a free 2 year warranty when I bought mine. HOWEVER, it's not all roses. The Pioneer 500 has the least power, has an open from differential and the lowest top speed. Honda would own the market if they fixed those 3 points. So my choice would be first P500, second Ranger midsize 570. Hope that helps! Oh - if you but the P500 budget for some bigger tires (26") they make a world of difference.
Michael - I'm getting ready to buy my Pioneer 500, but I'm curious as to what accessories you would install on your machine, assuming zero cost consideration? Which accessories would be useful enough on a regular basis to justify their weight penalty? Thanks!
The specs say it would tow 1000lb and I found the transmission solid. 1st is a very low gear and pretty much turned the wheels in any situation! I wouldn't be towing 1000lb up a sharp incline however 😉
I wanted a camo one to match the paint work - It's actually very durable, more so than I thought. I have a review of it here:- ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-LKivHpPfeP8.html
Thanks for the great video. I’m contemplating trading my Kymco UXV 450i for a P500 or Polaris ranger 500/570 midsize. (Nothing wrong with the Kymco it’s a great machine!) I really like the gear box on the P5. Hesitant on Polaris with a lot of the problems you hear about. What’s a guy to do?! Negatives for the P5 speed no diff lock (which with good tires an winch no big deal) Positives actual gears no belts size and Honda reliability. Polaris negatives questionable reliability. Positives versatility better speed etc. I don’t know what to do. Never owned a Polaris. Had Honda Yamaha’s An Suzuki’s in the past.
Yup - Its a tough one. Another possibility is the Textron Prowler 500 - I've not driven one but they look intresting. I do think the build quality of Honda, Yamaha are better than Polaris generally but Polaris tend to be a lot of fun to drive. Best thing is to test drive them all on the same day and see what works best for you. Good luck!
The Emporium Outdoors yeah it’s a tough market and decision. No one really makes that perfect machine there’s a hole in the market. The textron/arctic cat prowler 500 is the same thing as my Kymco UXV 450. Kymco is or was building them for arctic cat. Same 443cc engine. Torque monster down low. 48mph top end. They’re a great machine. Heck I may even end up keeping mine. Just wish it was green. Check out the 2018 Kymco lineup of side x sides. They’re very nice as well and undervalued and under appreciated/respected in the market.
Yea - I understood they are Kymcos rebadge but did realize it was exactly the same. If they made the Honda in a 54", with diff lock, a 700cc engine and same overall length it would be a game changer. I have no idea why they don't. Maybe buy a camp wrap for your machine - got to be cheaper than a new unit!
The Emporium Outdoors yeah the difference between the Kymco UXV 450 and textron prowler are:parking break on the Kymco not on the textron. Roll cages are different (Kymco looks better, not as wide an “fat” looking) anti roll bar on rear suspension Kymco has it prowler doesn’t. I believe that’s the main difference that and price. Kymco cost less and depending who ya ask you get more with Kymco? The Kymco/textron prowler is a great size about perfect honestly 55-56” wide. Not terribly longer than a P5. Midsize rangers are a good size as well about they same as my Kymco UXV 450 maybe a tad bigger not much. Yeah I priced mine to wrap it WOW 1200 bucks for a professional job an only guaranteed to last up to 5 yrs no thanks. Can get a whole new body plastics cheaper probably.
I found it on Amazon - BL Silicon Black Power Handle Car Steering Wheel Suicide Spinner - www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00N3VYMJ8 - Actually works really well for the Honda Pioneer 500.
Hi Glen - I think that would work but check out the Honda Forum:- hondasxs.com/forums/pioneer-500-wheels-and-tires.95/ - They have every combination listed in the comments - what works what doesn't etc! Hope that helps!
I would skip the lift kit . The 500 can fit and turn any true 27 inch tire on a 2/5 for sure and possibly a 4/3 offset rim no modification needed. It also increases speed a bit and keeps rpm down. That tire will lift you about 1.5 inches from stock with no real power loss due to low gearing. The performance improvement is significant.
OK did you keep the Honda or trade it in for the Argo? Watched a couple of videos. ....it rolled on a few that seemed a no challange ride...not yours ...... in other videos. I have a small farm...couple of hills....just weighing my options any advice will be appreciated, thanks
I sold the Honda after a few months of owning the Argo. The P500 is a great little machine but I would consider putting bigger tires on it from the start - Even go a little wider to add stability. One other viewer commented he put 1200 miles on his in one year (2015 model) and its still running like new! I'd also look at the Polaris Ranger Midsize - If the 50" is not important to you! 😉
Thanks! That really helps ! My plan is to practice the winter camping next fall..back on my property..lol and in the mean time continue researching the transportation. ..only a little 12 a farm , the way the barn is on the property i need something that is stable on hills I can manage on my own....I hope you don't mind if I pick your brain once in a while. ..lol I do appreciate you! Love watching and learning...kiss Esme and simon for me ! Ttyl! Take care!
@@TheEmporiumOutdoors hey your welcome anytime plenty of room ..it's just me, the dogs, and cats and who knows what I'll have by the end of of summer...it's a long story over the past five years...but I have survived. Good to hear from you I'm in ohio, across the river front Huntington, WV and Ashland, ky.....take care!
Hi Emporium. I'm dealing on a 2017 P500 right now. Having had it for a while now, would you still get the P500? I'll use it pretty much as you do; some hunting, some trail riding, some 'joy-riding' with the wife. Am in Nanaimo BC. Major question on whether I get the Honda winch or an Amazon.ca unit.
I think there are some compromises with the P500 - one is the top speed - 64kmph with the smaller engine and the other is the open front diff. As you know the 2017 has the automatic gearbox as well as the manual shift (good improvement). What I love about the machine is the small size - I can now fit it in the back of my 8' truck box and almost close the tailgate, the comfortable bench seat with doors that work and that big rack on the back for hauling gear. If you want a utility / semi sport UTV in 50" this is the only option right now. I have no regrets on the purchase and the P500 represents good value for money. As far as the winch - get the KFI mount plate and the Super Winch 3500 SR from Amazon (don't forget the Honda accessory wiring harness) - the Honda one mounts much lower and will get full of snow / mud and is more expensive. The KFI mount is much higher and easier to work with I hope that helps :) and happy shopping!
Copy that M. That accessory wiring harness is for lights etc; not for the winch correct?I guess I will get the SuperWinch. I was going to install the Honda winch myself, so why not pay 1/2 the price for the 3500SR. You've mentioned a 2-yr warranty from Honda afew times. It might have changed, because the factory warranty out here is 1 yr. As for the top speed, I generally don't go over 65 kmh on the quad, so likely won't in the SxS. I have a set of 26" ITP mudlites that will go on the rig as soon as I get it home :) We'll see how it fits in my 6'6" box. Your vids are good and have assisted me in my research on the unit.
The accessory harness powers the winch control too (it's about $9) - it has 4 switched live outputs that you tap off from for lights, a horn and the winch solenoid power. Running the main power to the battery was pretty easy if you remove the skid plates. Yes they may have changed the warranty from 2 years - this came free with my P500. Those 26" mudlites will make a big difference! Awesome choice. If you look at my other videos you can see the riser frame I made to load my Rzr and P500 into a F150 6' 6" box - it works :) I'm glad the videos helped with the research - Best wishes Michael
Well - I used a waterproof USB (www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00ORJ1GOO/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1) socket and the Honda accessroy wireing harness (Honda 08Z08-HL5-A00 Pioneer 500 Accessory Sub Harness) to feed the power. Make sure you don't make it permanent live as it will drain the battery - Hope that helps! -
Yes - This would make the P500 much more capable for sure but you learn to drive to the level of your equipment. 3 major improvements would be, bigger engine, diff lock and make the machine 4" shorter to allow a 8ft truck box tailgate to close. Apart from that its a great machine for the money!
That's such a difficult question. For what I do most (trials and utility/hunting) and the need to carry the side-by-side in my truck I would choose the Pioneer 500. For speed and fun driving it would be the Rzr 50". If the Pioneer 500 had an upgraded engine (700cc or better) and a locking front diff + manual/auto gearbox selection (2017 models now have this) - it would be the Pioneer all the way. Hope that helps.
The Emporium. i do the same but everyone told me the rzr was faster stronger better upgrades it was around longer ect my main choice was the rzr 570 vs a yamaha wolvarine sxs but ended up with rzr out the door with roof windshield and bumper for 10grand vs 11grand bone stock yamaha not even the rspec i tried the truck thing a few times came back from a field wet tires didnt catch ramps slid off and flipped in the field by my self so i trailer everything now
I like Polaris machines but I do find they have more consumable parts than other brands. I replaced the front A-Arm bushings after around 1500km despite greasing the machine after every ride and other friends have done the same. Loading in a truck box can be tricky but I find if I take my time and ensure good straps on the ramps and a flat surface it goes pretty smooth. You will have no regrets on the Rzr - it can do everything - I hunted with my little Rzr for 3 years and it can carry 2 full size white tail deer in the box :) You won't regret the Rzr - its a great machine.
Ive had mine almost a year added a 10 inch led up front and a 5 inch backup light and about to do 27 8.5 14 light truck tires for more clearance ive dropped sway bars and used for bear hunting hogs deer and foxs .....only issue ive had is wish i found real doors and it would hold 60 or 55mph easier
Suicide knob. Back in my time, we called that the lovers knob. Because it freed your right arm up to wrap around your girlfriend or wife. But it was hell if you had a manual transmission. LOL