[gagala]

HI guys,

I am on the final steps of a decision I will have to live with for many years and I am trying to get it right.

P4 vs Viking.

My first choice is the P4. But I have 2 concerns.

1. This machine will be used at my cabin for hunting and fishing mostly. I will need this machine to navigate very hilly and rough terrain.....not in maintained trails. That means traveling at extremely low speeds for extended period of times. Should I be concerned with the lack of low range on the P4?

2. I will also use this machine to clean my driveway in the winter. So here again how is it plowing with the P4 without a low range?

I am not concerned with the P4 doing these things once in a while, but on a constant basis for years to come.

So my basic question is should I be concerned by the lack of low range on the P4?

No EPS on the P4 was also an issue, but I have accepted that it is not needed after reading all your comments.

If lack of low range is not an issue, then a P4 it will be.

Interestingly enough, a Viking with EPS would cost me $700.00 less than the P4 and I would get $1000.00 in free accessories from Yamaha.

I am willing to pay more for the P4, but I need to be sure it will do what I need.

My dealer sells both and I will be there tomorrow for a final road test and hopefully a final decision.

I need to commit now before the spring fever hits the buyers and the prices go up....

Thanks in advance for helping me with this.

 

[carhartt61]

I've owned several Yamaha's and Honda's over the last 40 years(motorcycles and atv's). I think the motors are rock solid on both. I was interested in the Viking until I heard about the noise/vibration. My yamaha 4 wheeler always annoyed me with its tone. The honda never does.
I've used my pioneer to push some impressive piles of snow so personally I don't think the lack of low range is much of a issue for me.(too cold to do any trail riding yet) If you are leaning to using it as more sport than utility and don't care about the extra noise, the yamaha might get my vote.

 

[rinconruss]

I have never driven the yamaha so i can not compair. The group i ride with is a mix of atv, sxs, stock jeeps, super mod jeeps, samari, and just about any type of vehicle you can imagine being in the woods. I ride in mostly very soft sand and mud with a little grassy field. My wife rides with me most of the time and dies not like going fast. I have crawled the my P2 through some of the nastiest mud holes that Florida can produce and have never had a pronlem with the low gear. The P2 seems to crawl through better than some of the othrer sxs that i ride with at a lower rmp. I do not think the low gear is an issue.

 

[gagala]

Thanks guys, you are re-assuring me.

 

[White Park]

Just like carhartt I have plowed a lot of snow in the short time in which I have owned my Pioneer and have never really seen a need for a low range. I cannot speak for the Yamaha but I can tell you the Pioneer will not disappoint you.

 

[hondaman87]

the other thing to think of is with the Yamaha you could burn up belts with a lot of slower speeds also you will wear a grove in the clutches with constant slow speeds. The pioneer has not loose of power at low speeds. you should not have any problems doing all of what you want to do with the pioneer.

 

[Utard]

1st gear is a low range

 

[mnhntr]

Push enough snow with a belted machine and you will smoke the belt like my buddy did on his Ranger. I pushed a ton of snow this winter with the pioneer and never needed a lower gear.

 

[skorp1702]

1st gear feels about like halfway between 1st and 2nd on a reg manual trans. I has more than enough. The low speeds are no problem just like any other auto trans as long as the tires are turning and the motor is good temp your good to go.

 

[gagala]

Thanks everyone.
Well all of that is very good info.
It is re-assuring.
I will see what I can work out with the dealer.

 

[gagala]

Done.

A red P4 it is .

I am taking delivery next week-end.

The information shared on this forum has been very helpful to me in reaching my decision.

 

[GaPioneer]

Congrats! I'm sure you've heard we like pictures. lol

 

[carhartt61]

good choice

HI guys,

1. This machine will be used at my cabin for hunting and fishing mostly. I will need this machine to navigate ...
That means traveling at extremely low speeds for extended period of times.

We must see this fishing application documented. I assume the slow speeds are either for wake restrictions or you are trolling for Lakers. Either use is totally acceptable.
Due to the light construction of the (tailgate) stern, I assume you will be using a 2 stroke outboard?
(duwop should of gotten a patent. tisk tisk)

(yes I am naturally a smarta$$) Congrats!!

 

[skorp1702]

A red at low speeds id also like to see that lol