Milo
Platinum Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2006
- Messages
- 942
- Location
- Preston County, WV
- Tractor
- JD 3520, Ferris Z2100, Kawasaki Mule Pro MX, Honda Pioneer 520
I started a thread a while back announcing Honda's Pioneer 520 New Small Pioneer, 520 has dump bed, slightly larger motor, and a few other upgrades. and in it mentioned I had decided to buy one. I can't figure how to edit the title of it updating that I did, so I'm just starting another.
Anyway it was due in January but got moved to late February, it finally arrived. For those not familiar with this little SXS it's basically a Pioneer 500 with a little dump bed added. It has a slight bump in engine displacement and a few minor changes. It's 50" wide and utilizes what's basically an auto clutch, 5-speed manual transmission with auto shifting mode or manual mode using paddle shifters. Top speed is 38mph. This is a pretty basic little machine with manual steering but it's light enough it really doesn't need PS IMO. One thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a rear differential, I believe the P700 is the same. It's like most ATV's both rear wheels turn the same.
It's fun to paddle shift it in manual mode but in manual or auto mode it lurches a bit when shifting. It was quite abrupt when brand new but has smoothed out some. It's just different than the seamless power delivery of a CVT. On the positive side it's nice being able to short shift it into a higher gear to lower rpm. Tires are 24" but I have 26" on order which'll raise overall gearing 8% or so, it is geared pretty low stock. It'll also gain an inch more ground clearance. Shifting to reverse is a two handed operation requiring pulling in the left paddle while also pulling a handle with the right hand but it has become second nature now. I really do like driving it on my trails especially the narrower ones that my wider SXS just barely fits on. It'll also be a little easier to transport. They price out at $9,499 and given it's a brand new model, plus covid limited supply and high demand, that's what I had to pay. Actually they added a stupid $80 doc fee so I wrote the check for $9,579. Other than the larger tires I'll probably add a 1/2 windshield and that's about it.
Anyway it was due in January but got moved to late February, it finally arrived. For those not familiar with this little SXS it's basically a Pioneer 500 with a little dump bed added. It has a slight bump in engine displacement and a few minor changes. It's 50" wide and utilizes what's basically an auto clutch, 5-speed manual transmission with auto shifting mode or manual mode using paddle shifters. Top speed is 38mph. This is a pretty basic little machine with manual steering but it's light enough it really doesn't need PS IMO. One thing I don't like is that it doesn't have a rear differential, I believe the P700 is the same. It's like most ATV's both rear wheels turn the same.
It's fun to paddle shift it in manual mode but in manual or auto mode it lurches a bit when shifting. It was quite abrupt when brand new but has smoothed out some. It's just different than the seamless power delivery of a CVT. On the positive side it's nice being able to short shift it into a higher gear to lower rpm. Tires are 24" but I have 26" on order which'll raise overall gearing 8% or so, it is geared pretty low stock. It'll also gain an inch more ground clearance. Shifting to reverse is a two handed operation requiring pulling in the left paddle while also pulling a handle with the right hand but it has become second nature now. I really do like driving it on my trails especially the narrower ones that my wider SXS just barely fits on. It'll also be a little easier to transport. They price out at $9,499 and given it's a brand new model, plus covid limited supply and high demand, that's what I had to pay. Actually they added a stupid $80 doc fee so I wrote the check for $9,579. Other than the larger tires I'll probably add a 1/2 windshield and that's about it.
