With the addition of the all-new 2015 Pioneer 500, Honda adds a heavy dose of fun to its line of side-by-sides. The Pioneer 500 carries two people to off-road adventures, is perfect for chores on the farm or a relaxed trail ride out in the country and it’s packed with Honda’s famous quality and durability at a suggested retail price of $8,499.
“My first drive in the Pioneer 500 was an eye-opener,” said Lee Edmunds, manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications. “It’s really fun to drive and the paddle shifters bring a whole different kind of experience that helps make it a blast. If you’ve been thinking about a side-by-side purchase, the Pioneer 500 will definitely put a grin on your face whether you’re taking care of jobs around your property or taking off on a weekend adventure.”
Only 50 inches wide, the Pioneer 500 fits on trails that impose width restrictions, as well as in the bed of a full-size truck. A modest 73.1-inch wheelbase helps return responsive handling and a tight turning radius of only 13 feet.
Designed by Honda R&D in Ohio and built at Honda South Carolina (HSC) in Timmonsville using domestically and globally sourced parts, the Pioneer 500 is powered by Honda’s proven 475cc four-stroke engine. This powerplant pumps out plenty of low-end torque along with a smooth, fun-to-use powerband. The five-speed gearbox with reverse uses an electric shift system featuring paddle shifters mounted on the steering column.
Thoughtful touches include a door/net setup that opens together as one unit—an ingenious and simple design. Inside, there’s a roomy and comfortable bench seat for the driver and passenger. The Roll Over Protection Structure (ROPS) meets OSHA requirements and driver and passenger have three-point Emergency Locking Retractor (ELR) seat belts.
There’s also a full line of more than 40 Honda Genuine and Signature Accessories that allows owners to configure their Pioneer 500 to meet their specific needs right off the showroom floor.
Honda Rincon ATV
In other 2015 lineup news, Honda announced changes to the Rincon ATV for 2015.
Nothing else on the market is quite like the FourTrax Rincon, which is no surprise since it incorporates some of Honda’s most innovative technology. This luxury-class ATV features a powerful 675cc engine, independent front and rear suspension, electronic fuel injection, automotive-style Honda automatic transmission that features a hydraulic torque converter, along with front and rear disc brakes and more.
The tires on the Rincon were changed from Dunlop to Maxxis and the stator was upgraded for more electrical output. Also, dual spark plugs and the addition of a rear O2 sensor in the exhaust system have been added for 2015 with the Rincon boasting added fuel efficiency as well increased mileage range.
All these features come together in a fun-time package to place the Rincon in a class of one.
Colors include Olive, red and the new Honda Phantom Camo. The vehicle was available this summer.
