now that i am back home i can elaborate more.
and when i get a minute ill upload some pics, and my buddy is uploading video.
trails were good, really only the second time i have been on REAL trails.
we rode pinnacle, indian, and pocahontas. did like 120 miles.
i rode with 2 other guys, one had a RZR 570 with a decent set of remote res shocks on it, LED light bar, Maxxis 8 ply tires, otherwise stock. the Other had a CanAm Commander 800XT, which was basically stock aside from windshield, stereo and the like.
now more on my thoughts on the Pioneer and REAL trail riding.
POWER: i didn't really feel like it lacked much power, maybe a few times i wish i had some more, but it was enough for the trails. I think the major holdback from keeping up with my buddies 570 RZR was the suspension on the Pioneer, the shocks are just absolute crap.
TRANSMISSION: when descending a hill the trans is awesome, kicks it and low and really gets the use of the engine breaking, when you come off the hill to flat ground it just doesn't wanna come out of first for a bit, not sure what thats about. When you ascend a hill it just keeps it in first, which sucks kinda, because your pinned, and can't gain any speed, it doesn't really loose ground, unless its a long drawn out climb, but it never really gains ground either. it just keeps a steady SLOW pace. then on flat ground, the transmission is always changing gears, it gets a gel lot a work out. also makes for not very fun situations when you wanna roost a bit and kick it sideways in a berm. Actually kind of tuff to slide the thing at all.
SUSPENSION: it has enough ground clearance for sure, but again the shocks really limit the machine.
TIRES: if you buy a pioneer and intend to trail ride it at all, might as while buy tires when your picking out the Pioneer. the stock 4 ply won't last on the trails.
FUEL ECONOMY: out of all the machines, i had the worst fuel economy, probably cause i had to be on and off the gas so much to work the suspension to my advantage and not beat myself to death.
IN THE MUD: I went through a few mud holes, and in performed great, albeit i wish it had a little more power in one situation, it still went through every hole i tried.
I went everywhere the other 2 did, but i was less confident, WAY less comfortable, and really had to be cautious and go slow because of the terrible shocks.
a set of decent shocks would transform the pioneer, but i still don't think its at home on the trail as some other options. if your gonna dual purpose the pioneer, don't expect to much from it on trails.
The RZR had no issues at all that day, and the Commander had an overheating issues due to mud clogging the radiator. I had the most stops for failures due to gash in the sidewall of a tire, and a slighty bent tie rod.
Riding it around on my Property i had no dislikes about the machine, and still don't for that purpose, but i want to dual purpose it, and I'm debating keeping and putting some money in better/bigger tires and shocks, or selling and buying a new machine that will fit my needs a little better for the trail
