Pioneer
is only for drivers 16 years and older. Multi-purpose utility vehicles
can be hazardous to operate. For your safety, be responsible. Always
wear a helmet, eye protection and appropriate clothing. Always wear your
seat belt, and keep the side nets and doors closed. Avoid excessive
speeds and be careful on difficult terrain. All MUV drivers should watch
the safety video “Multipurpose Utility Vehicles: A Guide to Safe
Operation” and read the Owner’s Manual before operating the vehicle.
Never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, on public roads or
with more than one passenger. Driver and passenger must be tall enough
for seat belt to fit properly and to brace themselves with both feet
firmly on the floor. Passenger must be able to grasp the hand hold with
the seat belt on and both feet on the floor. Respect the environment
when driving. Pioneer is a registered trademark of Honda Motor Co.,
Ltd.
Big Fun. Little Restrictions.
The first secret of getting away from it all is to go where most
people can’t. That’s where a Honda Pioneer side-by-side comes in. The
second secret? To go where other side-by-sides can’t. And that’s where
the Pioneer 500 truly rocks. 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. And for 2020, a new Moose Brown color
option. Work or fun, the Pioneer 500 gets the job done.
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. 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.
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.
- TraxLox®
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-inch 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.
Engine
- Engine Type: 475cc liquid-cooled, single cylinder four-stroke
- Bore And Stroke: 92.0 mm x 71.5 mm
- Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
- Induction: Electronic fuel injection (PGM-FI), 36 mm throttle body
- Ignition: Full-transistorized type with electronic advance
Drive Train
- Clutch: Automatic
- Transmission:
Five-speed automatic transmission with AT/MT modes with paddle shifting
and reverse. Two drive modes include 2WD and 4WD.
- Driveline: Direct front and rear driveshafts
Chassis/Suspension/Brakes
- Front Suspension: Independent double-wishbone; 5.9 in. travel
- Rear Suspension: Independent double-wishbone with preload adjustablility; 5.9 in. travel
- Front Brake: Dual 200 mm hydraulic disc
- Rear Brake: 170 mm hydraulic disc
- Front Tires: Dual 24 x 8-12
- Rear Tires: 24 x 10-12
Dimensions
- Length: 102.6 in.
- Width: 50.0 in.
- Height: 71.3 in.
- Wheelbase: 73 in.
- Towing Capacity: 1000 lb.
- Ground Clearance: 8.5 in.
- Turning Radius: 12.8 ft.
- Curb Weight: 1025 lb. - Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel.
- Fuel Capacity: 4.1 gal., including 1.1-gal. reserve
Other
- Safety: Recommended for drivers 16 years of age and older.
- Available Colors: Red, White, Moose Brown
- Model ID: SXS500M2
Factory Warranty Information
- Duration: One Year
- Description: Transferable limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan
