New Pioneer 520 Arrived

[jjeff]

There is an aftermarket kit for power steering for the pioneer. I had on ours and it worked perfectly, and I would highly recommend it.
Here is a link to a writeup I did on the install and a bunch of other people's comments.

No link, Id be interested in it.

 

[Code54]

Let's try that again - my bad.

P500 - Power steering install

Last week I installed power steering on our Pioneer 500. I purchased the SuperATV (Ezsteer) system that is sold by SuperATV and several other companies. I paid $450 shipped to the house for mine if you are wondering. I personally think the system is well made and works GREAT - one of the best...

hondasxs.com

 

[coobie]

Nice looking machine,Enjoy..

 

[dj1701]

My P520 is only 5 months old but I'll offer my short term impression. As I mentioned doing I did add a Tusk 1/2 shield and 26" wheels and tires. The abrupt shifting when new smoothed out dramatically over the first 30-40 miles to the point that it's not objectionable at all now. The only thing I've done is the first oil and filter change. I will say changing the filter is more involved than either of my Mules or previous Polaris. As I recall the seat and seat back along with a couple plastic panels secured with a dozen or more push pins, along with the airbox snorkel have to be removed just to be able to get to it. Way too much, come on Honda! Fortunately it doesn't have to be changed real often. I think I should find a source and order a couple dozen puch pins to have on hand though.
Compared to the little Mule 610 (now named Mule SX) the P520 is superior in most ways, it's far faster and more powerful and rides better. The little Mule has around 14hp and while it can get to 22 mph or so on level or down hill, it may drop to 10mph up a grade. The P520 seems geared pretty low and be governed to 37mph but will get there pretty quickly and can do so up grade w/o losing much speed. The 2" taller 26" tires seem to be a win win, they help both the ride and gearing. Its small size makes it a breeze to ride on my wooded trails and the bed makes it more useful than an ATV. There's a chain saw and loppers in mine practically all the time. It comfortably fits two large adults, or 1 adult and two smaller people such as myself and two grandsons 6 and 8, but there's only belts for two people. I like the throaty sound of the single cylinder Honda engine. I find it to be a fun little SxS that's fast enough and functional.
However compared to a larger SxS such as the Polaris midsize Ranger 500 or my Mule Pro MX the little Pioneer rides choppy, or maybe I should say the larger machines ride smoother allowing them to go faster over rough ground. The infinitely variable CVT shifts seamlessly where the Pioneer lurches a bit shifting up and down between the 5 gears. But it's nice being able to short shift the pioneer up in to a higher gear to lower RPM when say on level and not needing the power. Neither the little Mule nor the Pioneer have power steering and it's really not required IMO, but my Mule MX's PS does make slow speed turning effortless.

I am in the market for a small UTV. I have looked them over online pretty good, and I think the 520 is the ticket. Would love to see more pics of this one.

Thanks for sharing.

Dave

 

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
I’ll definitely post pics of mine when I take delivery next month.

Mike

 

[Milo]

For many the size is a nice compromise of being small enough to get into tight areas and not take a lot of garage space, yet comfortable for two adults and a bed large enough to carry a decent amount of stuff.

 

[dj1701]

For many the size is a nice compromise of being small enough to get into tight areas and not take a lot of garage space, yet comfortable for two adults and a bed large enough to carry a decent amount of stuff.

That's pretty cool. Love the wheels and tires. I read that it was geared low. Do the bigger tires hurt the low end any? Any problems with steering?

Does it have a tilt steering wheel?

 

[Milo]

It is geared low and even with the 2" larger tires first gear is still very low, no problem at all starting off in second. The tires didn't effect the steering at all as far as I could tell. IMO steering effort is largely dependent on traction with this vehicle, which is due to not having a differential. No problem driving on fields and wooded trails but to make a sharp turn on my gravel driveway, or worse yet a paved surface, requires some effort. It really needs an open/locking differential IMO.

 

[Gem99ultra]

There is an aftermarket kit for power steering for the pioneer. I had on ours and it worked perfectly, and I would highly recommend it.
Here is a link to a writeup I did on the install and a bunch of other people's comments.

I also have a Pioneer 500. There's a easy free mod on the Honda SxS board to eliminate the required 2-hand shift to reverse.

I went from the 24" tires to 26", but wish I'd gone on to 27". The 27" puts the speedo exactly correct whereas the 24" is extremely optimistic. I use mine only for work duties but it's been completely free of breakdowns for over 3 years now.

 

[Rdrcr]

I also have a Pioneer 500. There's a easy free mod on the Honda SxS board to eliminate the required 2-hand shift to reverse.

I went from the 24" tires to 26", but wish I'd gone on to 27". The 27" puts the speedo exactly correct whereas the 24" is extremely optimistic. I use mine only for work duties but it's been completely free of breakdowns for over 3 years now.

What’s the free mod for the reverse shift?

Is there a recommended vendor for wheels/tires for the 500/520?

Mike

 

[Milo]

I imagine you just adjust the release cable so that it's "engaged" all the time? I thought about doing this but I have grandsons who'll probably start driving it this year and anything I can do to help it survive them is probably a good idea.

 

[ericm979]

The oil change on the Pioneer 700 is also a pain. I think it's the most difficult of any vehicle I've owned in 45 years of owning lots of motor vehicles.

I put an electronic power steering kit on the 700. It's been great and trouble free.

 

[Gem99ultra]

I imagine you just adjust the release cable so that it's "engaged" all the time? I thought about doing this but I have grandsons who'll probably start driving it this year and anything I can do to help it survive them is probably a good idea.

Your 'fix' is exactly right. I've elected to NOT make that mod to mine - I don't trust myself to never jam the gears. An experienced off-roader could probably benefit with this mod, but min P500 is only used for farm duties.

The electric power steering is an absolutely needed mod...

 

[Rdrcr]

My Pioneer 520 has arrived at the dealership. I’ll be picking it up next Wednesday.

Looking forward to it.

Mike

 

[Rdrcr]

Picked up the new Honda Pioneer 520 today!!!

I’m looking forward to installing some accessories and get it out on the trails!

Mike

 

[Milo]

Now the fun begins!

 

[jjeff]

Now the fun begins!

Nice the 500and 520 can fit in your truck bed.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Looks pretty much identical to my P500. You'll enjoy it.
I opt'd for the canopy, windshield & winch.

The speedo is very "agressive:.Later I replaced the 24" tires with 26" and almost got the speedo right on the money. 27" would have been right-on.

Log on to hondasxs.com for a ton of free tips, mods, and worthwhile accessories.

 

[Rdrcr]

We finally had a break in the weather and I was able to drive the 520 around without getting soaked.

All I can say…it’s a blast to drive and seems really well made and engineered. I’m very happy.

It is a bit noisy at top speed and the gearing is really short. But, it’s got good low end torque and handles my hills with ease.

I have and will be installing the windshield, hard top, rear view mirror, under hood storage and choogbox glove box.
And, I’m sure I’ll be adding 27” tires and a winch would be nice.

Mike

 

[jjeff]

View attachment 742280
We finally had a break in the weather and I was able to drive the 520 around without getting soaked.

All I can say…it’s a blast to drive and seems really well made and engineered. I’m very happy.

It is a bit noisy at top speed and the gearing is really short. But, it’s got good low end torque and handles my hills with ease.

I have and will be installing the windshield, hard top, rear view mirror, under hood storage and choogbox glove box.
And, I’m sure I’ll be adding 27” tires and a winch would be nice.

Mike

Depending what kind of windshield you get underhood storage is hard to access in my experience, and my windshield was a flip up hardcoated Honda OEM. Ended up taking front storage box out.