[qualt]

Yesterday I came to realize a major design flaw in the Pioneer in regards to potential sales.

I tried to load my Pioneer into an enclosed trailer and at 6' 7" tall there was no way it is going to fit; in fact it isn't going to fit in the majority of enclosed trailers. On some other brands, if necessary, you can sometimes compress the suspension with ratchet straps and also lower the tire pressure (obviously a pain in the butt to do) but even that will not work with the Pioneer. Moreover, if someone installs larger tires it would be even worse.

I haven't checked the height specs of all the different makes but it seems that the Pioneer is the tallest of them all. Yeah, I know you could fabricate a new shorter cage (probably would look better too) but I doubt if too many people have the skill or even the tools to do that.

Therefore, if anyone from Honda reads these posts then you may want to bring that up in a future design meeting, because at 6' 7" tall you have virtually eliminated sales to those with Toy Hauler style trailers, and the majority of enclosed trailers as well.

Of course a simple solution would be to bring out an Limited Edition model with upgraded suspension, tires, wheels, and then give that model the lower roll cage. Heck, that is all bolt on stuff so there wouldn't even need much new engineering.

 

[midnighthrasher]

I would like to see a aftermarket bolt on roll cage.

 

[Moose]

Qualt,

You make a good point. Its a pain to fit it in anything. Mine comes in at 83 1/4" with my 28" tires and Poly roof.

BUT!

At 6'7" tall myself, I still end up with my skull above the roll bar when sitting upright in it. I was very happy with the extra height added by the poly roof. Its not often I can wear a hat in a vehicle.

So while I agree with the practicality issues you state. I'm still happy to have it the way that it is.

 

[rich450es]

the pioneer (IMO) is more work (jobsite, farm, utility ) then sport riding (trails, rocks, snow, etc etc) and my guess is the small % of people that load it up in a toy hauler and drive far is low % wise (7-10 % is my guess) so honda worries more about the 90-93% .......this is my thinking

 

[qualt]

the pioneer (IMO) is more work (jobsite, farm, utility ) then sport riding (trails, rocks, snow, etc etc) and my guess is the small % of people that load it up in a toy hauler and drive far is low % wise (7-10 % is my guess) so honda worries more about the 90-93% .......this is my thinking

If I were on the future Pioneer design team I would certainly take the height issue into consideration. Now you may be totally correct in your assumption, and they have already considered that, but then again maybe not. But even if they did, most manufactures still welcome customer input, therefore the responses to this post (positive or negative) may help future designs. If most people say "Hey leave it the way it is" then, of course, there is no need to change anything and the aftermarket can do whatever modifications customers desire.

 

[Dick]

I think in order to get it in enclosed trailers they would have to change the seat design to sit lower and that is one of the things I like about them I can bend my knees. Some of the sport models I felt like I was sitting on the floor.

Though they should design it to fit in the standard garage with a roof on it. The engineers could cut 4 or 5" without sacrificing much.

 

[qualt]

I would like to see a aftermarket bolt on roll cage.

If I had time I might make one for mine but I have way too much going on already (and I'm suppose to be retired!). However, if there are enough replies like yours, someone might make a jig and start producing Pioneer aftermarket cages. There are numerous fabricators in the So. California area that make custom cages but as I recall their minimum charge is about $800.

 

[Dick]

qualt it wouldn't cost Honda anything to make a couple of roll cage designs because they just bolt on anyway. They could even swap them out at the dealer if necessary. I bet you will see that if the Pioneers become popular. Would please tall and short people.

 

[rich450es]

qualt it wouldn't cost Honda anything to make a couple of roll cage designs because they just bolt on anyway. They could even swap them out at the dealer if necessary. I bet you will see that if the Pioneers become popular. Would please tall and short people.

but .......think about the $ honda would have to spend to make sure that the new shorter cage is safe (mooses head would hit the ground if his pioneer rolled over )after honda getting sued so much in the 80s because of the ATC ....honda doesn't take any chances with safety.

 

[rinconruss]

Mine bearly fits in the garage without the roof.

It is nice to pull up next to my friends in their rangers and rzrs, look down and say "whats up"

 

[Dick]

Your probably right Rich.

The size is impressive the first time you walk up to one, looking at them in pictures just doesn't give a good perspective.

I was talking to a co-worker today he is buying a Polaris 1000 rzr 2 seater and paying $10,000 more than I did for a P4. That's a lot of coin. I don't even like the looks of the new 2014's they seem to look boxy or something with the changes. He said it will do 85 mph, that's too fast on these type tires. How come Polaris isn't getting sued?

 

[skorp1702]

Cowboy campers/horse trailers it should fit fine in those lol but other than that the majority of ppl have a open trailer

 

[realtreegrizzly]

What is there about 8 bolts to remove the cage how long would it take to just remove the bolts and slide it down a little

 

[Biggs]

realtree is correct. The cage is just bolted on. It wouldn't take much to unbolt cage and toss it in the bed of a truck or in trailer.

 

[Utard]

That is why you get one of these.

But yeah I know what you mean it is a bit dorky tall.

 

[NEED FOR SPEED]

That is why you get one of these.

But yeah I know what you mean it is a bit dorky tall.

Nice trailer!!!

 

[Tornadorage]

<-- Had to cut the garage door But I still love it.

 

[Kyhunter]

Ive looked at Toyhaulers and Enclosed trailers. Theyd be nice to have at some of the places we go riding. Unless Honda or Yamaha Comes out with a Sport SXS in the next year or so I see myself in a XP1000 but i'll keep the pioneer for hunting.

 

[Brac]

It's a issue fitting almost any sidexside in enclosed trailers. Check any of the various forums and it's a common thread. A lot of people on the rzr forum chop their cages or buy/build custom cages.

 

[Ransom Proctor]

I think the cage height is a major design flaw too. way more people will want to put these things in their private garages, storage sheds, toy haulers or enclosed trailers than the benefit of having it fit very tall people. then add a roof, for some people larger tires and a lift and this thing will be sky high. we have tall barns at our place, so the only issue I'd have is fitting it in my toy hauler.

but you know the arctic prowler is even taller at 79 inches.