Our ride on Honda’s newest version of the Pioneer 1000—the Limited Edition with I-4WD—was quite literally a first ride as we were one of the first drivers to experience this fun and exciting side-by-side, which was announced in just a few days ago.
The fun took place at southern California’s Hungry Valley State Vehicular Recreation Area near Gorman. The particular trails we rode were a mix of tight, twisty fall-off-the-edge-of-the-earth paths (read: don’t go over the edge), a wash and wide, fast fire trails.
It proved the ideal testing ground and terrain for Honda’s 2017 lineup of Pioneer side-by-sides.
We started the day out riding the Pioneer 500, then moved on to the Pioneer 700 Deluxe and ended with a couple of loops on the Pioneer 1000 LE with I-4WD. We first introduced you to the newest Pioneer a few days ago here: www.dirttoysmag.com/2016/11/honda-introduces-pioneer-1000-limited.
Never before used in the powersports industry, this intelligent system is a direct result of Honda’s automotive-engineering prowess and offers three great benefits: brake traction control, hill-start assist (an amazing feature that really does work) and electronic brake force distribution. Combined with the Pioneer 1000’s Torque Biasing Limited Slip differential, I-4WD can provide as much tractive force as a locking differential but with reduced steer effort and kickback. The result is excellent grip on a wide range of challenging surfaces, a more relaxed driving experience, and no need to stop and engage diff-lock.
The I-4WD feature is just one of many of Honda’s flagship side-by-side. Fox 2.0 QS3 shocks, automatic and manual transmission modes, new bumper, thicker seat foam (our rear parts thank you), more cabin storage and a whole lot more.
We will have a more in-depth report soon. For now we will relive the day’s ride through pictures.
