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- 2018 Honda PIONEER 500
2018 Honda PIONEER 500

Description
If the secret fishing spot was easy to get to, or the job wasn’t a tight squeeze, every side-by-side would be there. This is where the Honda Pioneer 500 shines. It comfortably seats two, and is only 50” wide so you can explore trails with width restrictions. Plus, it fits in a full-sized pickup’s bed and has lots of great features like automatic transmission with AT/MT modes. Work or fun, the Pioneer 500 gets the job done.
GETS TO THE FUN OTHER ATVS CAN’T.
Even though the Pioneer 500 is trim in size, it’s still a giant in terms of what it can accomplish. The powerful 500-class engine delivers plenty of low-rpm torque and a wide powerband to accomplish the job, big or small. Got something to tow? The Pioneer 500 can handle a 1000-pound towing load, and the rear rack can hold 450 pounds. Plus, the automatic five-speed electric-shift transmission has a manual mode with paddle shifters so you can choose to let it shift automatically, or switch over into MT mode—even on the fly.
The Pioneer 500 is equipped with Independent Rear Suspension with dual-rate springs. This, combined with an open front differential and a locked rear axle gives you precise handling, plenty of power to both rear wheels full time, and a smooth ride for all-day comfort.
Specifications
ENGINE
DRIVE TRAIN
CHASSIS/SUSPENSION/BRAKES
DIMENSIONS
OTHER
FACTORY WARRANTY INFORMATION
Features
Power And Performance
- POWERFUL 500-CLASS ENGINE Coupled with an efficient five-speed automatic transmission, the Pioneer 500’s engine features electronic fuel injection for effortless cold-weather and high-altitude operation. It’s specially tuned for low-rpm torque, too.
- SEMI-DRY-SUMP ENGINE Compact and lighter weight, the Pioneer 500’s overhead-valve, semi-dry-sump design creates an engine that's not only shorter from top to bottom, but one that enhances handling with a low center of gravity and favorable ground clearance.
- LONGITUDINAL ENGINE MOUNTING The Pioneer 500 is built around our strong, single-cylinder, 475cc longitudinal engine. By orienting the crankshaft front to back in the chassis, we route the flow of power straight to the wheels without any right-angle detours, reducing powertrain friction and putting more grunt to the ground.
- LIQUID COOLING Our time-tested Honda engine is liquid-cooled, which provides more consistent operating temperatures and more power than a comparable air-cooled motor. This adds up to better performance and longer engine life.
- CLOSED-LOOP FUEL INJECTION Better cold-weather and high-altitude running, effortless startups, great fuel efficiency and less pollution—that’s what the Pioneer 500’s “closed loop” fuel-injection system means for you. And that’s what we call a win/win situation.
- 1000-POUND TOWING CAPACITY The Pioneer 500 has a heavy-duty receiver-style hitch and 1000-pound towing capacity.
Handling And Control
- FUN, SPORTY RIDE With 5.9 inches of travel at the front wheels and 8.5 inches of ground clearance, the Pioneer 500 can negotiate rough trails with ease. And the Pioneer 500’s suspension is tuned for a fun, sporty ride too.
- PADDLE SHIFTERS If you want to shift manually, simply upshift and downshift without ever having to take your hands off the wheel. You get to choose the exact gear you want, and it’s engineered for precise, smooth shifts.
- AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION WITH AT/MT MODE You can let the Honda Pioneer 500’s automatic transmission shift for you, or you can still shift yourself with its paddle shifters. You can even shift from auto to manual (AT to MT) on the fly!
- DUAL RATE SPRINGS A spring is a spring, right? Sure, all springs may look alike, but the Pioneer 500s feature dual-rate springs, and after one ride you’ll feel the difference. You get a smoother ride over smaller bumps with more bottoming resistance on bigger bumps, along with a more confident steering feel.
- INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION (IRS) The Pioneer 500’s fully independent rear suspension means you get a smooth ride, especially over rough terrain.
- TRAXLOK® 2WD/4WD Our rock-solid system lets you choose either 2WD or 4WD, giving you the freedom to choose between lighter steering (in 2WD) and maximizing available traction (in 4WD) when you need it most.
- STRONG GEARBOX Unlike the belt-drive automatics out there, the Pioneer 500 features an AT/MT mode transmission that uses rugged, steel gears. You get true compression braking for superior controllability (especially when descending hills), as well as long transmission life.
Versatility
- COMPACT 50“ WIDTH The Pioneer 500’s 50-inch overall width is a huge bonus. Whether it’s for width-restricted trails or convenient transportation and storage, the Pioneer 500 can go where just about no other side-by-side can!
- REAR CARRIER DESIGN With the unique steel rear carrier design, the Pioneer 500 gives you tremendous versatility when it comes to securing loads. Special tiedown-hook securing points make it even easier, and the rack’s 450-pound rating gives you plenty of carrying capacity, too.
- HEADLIGHTS 35-watt headlights provide clean, crisp light to get you through any adventure, day or night.
Comfort
- SIDE-BY-SIDE SEATING With a comfortable bench-style seat, individual backrests and seatbelts for both rider and passenger, the Pioneer 500 offers side-by-side comfort and excellent maneuverability.
- INDEPENDENT REAR SUSPENSION (IRS) The Pioneer 500’s fully independent rear suspension means you get a smooth ride, especially over rough terrain.
Safety
- DRIVER/PASSENGER PROTECTION The Pioneer 500 is loaded with features to help provide a feeling of security for the driver and passengers. The Occupant Protection Structure uses sturdy, large-diameter tubing, and includes integrated handholds, recessed top tubes and a more spacious structure to enhance protection; it also meets OSHA’s 1928.53 rollover protective structure standard. Hard doors and roll-up side nets provide a secure feel and keep mud and debris out of the cabin, while automotive-style three-point belts with an Emergency Locking Retractor mechanism help keep everyone secure.
- SINGLE-FUNCTION DOOR/NET The Pioneer 500 comes standard with doors, and the occupant net is directly attached—just unlock and open the door, and the net automatically swings aside making entry and exit easier.
All inventory listed is subject to availability and prior sale. Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) if shown for a vehicle excludes set-up, freight, taxes, title, licensing or other dealer charges, and is subject to change. Individual prices may vary. Please request a quote for specific pricing.