Honda Pioneer 1000

[crazyal]

I have the older Big Red and it's served me well. It's a 3 speed automatic. I think I would prefer the newer Pioneer transmission so I could override which gear I'm in but it's never let me down. Over all my impression is that it's a nice compromise between a work machine and something that can be used for recreation. It's never going to out work a Kubota or out play a Razor but I use mine for hauling firewood (both in the bed and in a small trailer) and it does that great. I've skidded a few logs with it but having bigger toys that can do that better I don't do it often. But I just drag them vs using an arch so I would expect you'll have no problems. After 7 years of use nothing has broken other than a taillight when I backed into the backhoe on a subzero day a few winters ago and the starter/ battery. The battery was the problem, I think it was undersized and over stressed the starter causing the magnets to break free. I replaced the battery with one that's a lot larger and it's like day and night the difference. Starting before was ok but it didn't spin "fast". Now it's fine.

 

[ripHST]

I have the older Big Red and it's served me well. It's a 3 speed automatic. I think I would prefer the newer Pioneer transmission so I could override which gear I'm in but it's never let me down. Over all my impression is that it's a nice compromise between a work machine and something that can be used for recreation. It's never going to out work a Kubota or out play a Razor but I use mine for hauling firewood (both in the bed and in a small trailer) and it does that great. I've skidded a few logs with it but having bigger toys that can do that better I don't do it often. But I just drag them vs using an arch so I would expect you'll have no problems. After 7 years of use nothing has broken other than a taillight when I backed into the backhoe on a subzero day a few winters ago and the starter/ battery. The battery was the problem, I think it was undersized and over stressed the starter causing the magnets to break free. I replaced the battery with one that's a lot larger and it's like day and night the difference. Starting before was ok but it didn't spin "fast". Now it's fine.

Interesting that you mention the battery being undersized. When I looked at the physical size of the battery for the first time, I thought I might need to look at the specs and see if maybe I need to upgrade. I've since read where a lot of the Pioneer guys are going to a 2-battery system where their accessories draw from the secondary battery and the primary is reserved for starting power. I may go to that myself once I add a winch.

 

[nybirdman]

I believe the Electric shift is a parasitic draw;runs the battery down if sitting for a long time.

 

[ripHST]

I believe the Electric shift is a parasitic draw;runs the battery down if sitting for a long time.

Is that right? I wonder why that would happen. The transmission on the Pioneer is different than the older Honda ATV ES systems, but it does still have an electric shift option (paddle shifters used in Manual mode). Hopefully this isn't still the case...the parasitic draw, that is. Where are you located nybirdman? North Country?

 

[nybirdman]

I was basing this on my experience with Honda E shift ATV's,maybe the SXS are different.We are located right on the Canadian border;can here the trains in the summer.You can always add a battery tender if needed down the road.

 

[ripHST]

Yeah, definitely. I keep all my bikes on trickle charge so this will get the same treatment. My inlaws live just North of Watertown and we visit Black Lake every summer. I love it up there.

 

[nybirdman]

I live a short distance from the "Lake",good luck fishing.Hardly any ice this year on the lake,not my thing any-way;I can wait until spring Crappie fishing.Walleyes are running a month early!

 

[ripHST]

Got it home this past weekend and took a few pics.

 

[ripHST]

I live a short distance from the "Lake",good luck fishing.Hardly any ice this year on the lake,not my thing any-way;I can wait until spring Crappie fishing.Walleyes are running a month early!

I only ever fish for Bass....badly I might add. In my defense, we're always there in August when the algae is in full bloom. I keep trying but I don't really have the patience for fishing.

 

[Avondale]

Got it home this past weekend and took a few pics.View attachment 501381View attachment 501382

Hello

I know this is an old thread but I am looking for your opinion on your machine now that some time has passed. Any help would be appreciated.