New Pioneer 520 Arrived

[John_Mc]

Where it mentions: ...Automotive-style automatic transmission with hydraulic torque converter, three forward gears and Reverse. Three drive modes include 2WD, 4WD and 4WD with Differential lock. AT/MT modes with paddle shifting on the deluxe models.... ?

It is confusing but I was told: 2WD = powered by the two locked rear wheels, 4WD adds the front, 4WD Lock locks the front differential.

That is exactly what I thought and have experienced with on a few other atvs. Ex. 2wd both
Rears will spin 4wd both rears and one front spins, diff lock all four wheels spin.

Well, I had not realized that at all. I guess that explains why some ATVs offer a "Turf Mode" (i.e. 1 wheel drive): it's less expensive/less complicated than putting in a rear differential, which would make Turf Mode unnecessary.

I just downloaded and looked through the P700 manual here is the explanation of 4WD Diff Lock:

4WD Diff Lock - This mode supplies power to the front and rear wheels, and locks the front differential. As a result, steering will require extra space and effort. Select this mode for maximum traction​

To the OP - sorry for the topic drift. I am interested in hearng more about how your Honda Pioneer 520 handles in poor traction situations as well as on the lawn.

 

[Milo]

...I guess that explains why some ATVs offer a "Turf Mode" (i.e. 1 wheel drive): it's less expensive/less complicated than putting in a rear differential....

On SxS's that utilize a locking rear diff, some refer to the open or unlocked setting as "Turf mode" because it's gentle on your yard.
The only times my P520 has lacked enough traction were once when high centered, and once in a deep snow drift, the only thing that would have helped would be more ground clearance, and I've since replaced the stock 24" wheels/tires with 26" which helps some. This thing's a little goat though it'll go almost anywhere. On lawns I have to be careful not to turn very sharply or it will skid up the grass.

 

[Rdrcr]

I assume most owners won’t be taking their 500/520 UTV’s on the street but, I do take mine on the road while heading over to neighbors homes or jumping trails in my area and because of that, I added the TurnPro kit and rear view mirrors to my 520;

Turn signals;

License plate & bracket mounted on the roll protection between the seats;

Turn signal, hazard and horn switches mounted in dashboard.

Pretty cool plug-n-play setup!

Mike

 

[Root Cause]

SWEET!
Enjoy.

 

[Rdrcr]

I’m considering adding taller tires. I’m not looking for mud tires since most of my driving is around the property and on trails. I’d like to get 27’s or maybe 28’s if they’d fit. However, I would like to maintain the width if at all possible. Anyone have any suggestions?

Mike

 

[Root Cause]

I have had Terrabites for about 3 years now and am very happy with them.
I do not go on trails. Mostly gravel, dirt, and grass. these are 27 x 11 x 14s with ATI wheels on a 700-4
Rare use pushing snow with a plow but worked well with snow/ice mix.
DOT approved if that matters to you. Guessing you can get them in 12" wide if that is stock for a 520.

It was very popular for SXS owners to put a lot bigger tires on small wheels but with low inflation, they were popping them off the rims on hard impacts in rough terrain. So watch out for old info online that may send you in the wrong direction.

I think 27s work fine on 12" rims (I think that is stock?) but that's me. good luck.

 

[Code54]

You have a couple of options - one is wheel spacers for a little width or new rims with more offset. The little Pioneers get a little tippy as you raise them up since they are already sort of narrow. Also, don't forget the larger tire start to up your gearing so you will notice a power decrease. I wouldn't go over 27" tires personally, 28's are big tires for small machines. I think I had 26's on this machine and the attached is the tipping point.

 

[Root Cause]

BTW,

I keep this link handy for my SXS. I may or may not buy tires from them but a good resource for specs and options

2021 Honda SXS520M2 Pioneer 520 parts - Dennis Kirk

Shop for 2021 Honda SXS520M2 Pioneer 520 products at Dennis Kirk. Best selection, lowest prices, plus orders over $89 ship free. We Ship Today!

www.denniskirk.com

 

[jjeff]

Bought a set of kenda bearclaws for my 500 pioneer, 6 years ago couldn't be happier they wear nice and I've never had a flat. they are 27s on 14" rims one thing I considered is 14" rims open a door for many more tire options for future use.

 

[Rdrcr]

Thanks for the info guys!
I won't go over 27"!

I'm curious, do the larger wheels/tires help with ride quality?

Mike

 

[Root Cause]

Thanks for the info guys!
I won't go over 27"!

I'm curious, do the larger wheels/tires help with ride quality?

Mike

If I am buying wheels, then I am going up to 14". I would not buy wheels just to go to 14" for ride's sake.
If you are buying wheels, then sure. Going to 14's open for more options. To many, it looks a bit better.

I try to think about extremes when facing questions like this. Think of a 5" tire going over a 6" pothole vs. a 20" tire. Again, 14" is an improvement but marginal.

The other issue is tire size vs. wheel size. This affects the width of your sidewall. If you are in rough terrain and moving slowly, you might have 6 lbs of air to improve the ride. A bigger side wall might work up to a point. If you are taking curves at 40 mph, wide sidewalls on 3 ply tires would make you feel like you are about to roll over. A few years ago, it got popular to just get the biggest tire possible without paying for larger wheels. That combination with really low air pressure out on the trails resulted in tires popping off the rim. That cost people a lot of money to change both tires and wheels. that is why I say to watch recommendations that are a few years old.

Lots of great options and in reality, whatever you have can work. I would just avoid going extreme in any of it. Knowing what kind of driving you do can help you optimize the ride.

 

[jjeff]

Thanks for the info guys!
I won't go over 27"!

I'm curious, do the larger wheels/tires help with ride quality?

Mike

Yes much better than the stock tires imo.

 

[Rdrcr]

If I am buying wheels, then I am going up to 14". I would not buy wheels just to go to 14" for ride's sake.
If you are buying wheels, then sure. Going to 14's open for more options. To many, it looks a bit better.

I try to think about extremes when facing questions like this. Think of a 5" tire going over a 6" pothole vs. a 20" tire. Again, 14" is an improvement but marginal.

The other issue is tire size vs. wheel size. This affects the width of your sidewall. If you are in rough terrain and moving slowly, you might have 6 lbs of air to improve the ride. A bigger side wall might work up to a point. If you are taking curves at 40 mph, wide sidewalls on 3 ply tires would make you feel like you are about to roll over. A few years ago, it got popular to just get the biggest tire possible without paying for larger wheels. That combination with really low air pressure out on the trails resulted in tires popping off the rim. That cost people a lot of money to change both tires and wheels. that is why I say to watch recommendations that are a few years old.

Lots of great options and in reality, whatever you have can work. I would just avoid going extreme in any of it. Knowing what kind of driving you do can help you optimize the ride.

I'm going with 14's for sure....26-27 inch tires.

Now, do I have to stagger the tire sizes?
Or, can I just go with 14x7 wheels and a 27x9-14 all the way around?

Mike

 

[Root Cause]

I'm going with 14's for sure....26-27 inch tires.

Now, do I have to stagger the tire sizes?
Or, can I just go with 14x7 wheels and a 27x9-14 all the way around?

Mike

If you are going stick with staggering like the OEMs, I doubt you would have an issue.
When you go a lot bigger, then rubbing comes into play when turning the front tires so keep that in mind- but again, I don't think you are being too aggressive.

If you want to have the ability to rotate them or change the stance a bit by using the same wheel size, I would go to hondasxs.com and poke around there. Whatever can be done with a 500 or 520, has been done and posted there. Helpful group. Beware, they like to spend your money but good group of guys,

 

[Code54]

Check out www.HondaSxS.com when you have a few minutes - the 500 forum will give you TONS of info on the machine/tires/wheels/maintenance/etc...

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
I'll have to register...it won't let me read any threads without logging in.

Mike

 

[Root Cause]

^^^^
I'll have to register...it won't let me read any threads without logging in.

Mike

It will be worth it.

I learned to adjust the valves using them. Good to learn what does and doesn't work well at others expense.

 

[Code54]

It will be worth it.

I learned to adjust the valves using them. Good to learn what does and doesn't work well at others expense.

I have to ask - did you learn to adjust the valves from the post by Code54 on HondaSxS? I am hoping you say yes because it means the post and photos helped someone!

 

[Root Cause]

I have to ask - did you learn to adjust the valves from the post by Code54 on HondaSxS? I am hoping you say yes because it means the post and photos helped someone!

Hey, Yep that is one that I looked at.

So thank you very much.

Not too difficult to do but I would not have tried it without the assist.

Lots of good guys and good info there-just like here.
I was expensive though to see all the add-ons and options.
I think the SXS was the downpayment for all the accessories I added over the first couple of years.

Great to meet up here and thanks again.

 

[Code54]

Lol - yes, they can get expensive quickly!

I am glad to know it is helping people do it themselves and save some hard-earned money. Feel free to hit me up on either site if you think I can help!