Honda Pioneer 500 Torq Locker Review

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[@1983thunderbird]

You did a super great job with this video Jason. This will help many to decide if they want/need this for there own 500.

[@jeremiebaker5136]

Probably your best video yet sir! Excellent job!

[@MegaDuke1982]

Awesome video again Jason! Keep up the great work!

[@WBOS72]

Thank you for doing these vids. This is a game changer for me.

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

For a lot of us P5 owners!

[@EpicTrekker]

Just ordered my Torq locker, thanks for the vids!

[@normdickson2438]

You just made the best torque locker video I’ve ever seen I was hesitating on this upgrade until I saw this video thank you

[@Txfire409]

Definitely getting one! Thanks for the vid.

[@dmudder5529]

Been subscribed to your videos, and this very detailed and thought out - before-and- after comparisons exceeded expectations. Thanks to Torque Masters, you, Chooglin. As a slow speed trail and rocky hill climber with 50 inch restricted trails, this will make the P500 better for those riding conditions. Locker on order for P500 w/power steering. Ready for the 2019 Honda SxS Takeover!

[@sonnynick1]

Great video. I definitely want the locker now🇺🇸

[@AZTech25]

Fantastic job my friend thanks for all the great info you really thought of it all for this one!!!!!!

[@MyATVlife]

Great video 👍 really good before/after testing.

[@PondstompingAdventures]

Awesome! Great review!

[@tszymk77]

This is such a good channel. So many detailed measurements and experiments.

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Thank you! Appreciate that!

[@compasslife6658]

Man, you're having fun! Great attitude and video. New subscriber 😉

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Appreciate it!

[@pririshable]

Just ordered a Torq lodker for my Hp500 and will be checking your install video, Thanks Jason!

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Just an FYI I made in the comments of the install vid you don’t have to completely remove the 4x4 indicator sensor on the drivers side of the diff. Just unplug the wire. Much easier than trying to get a wrench in there...lol

[@kmcattle6497]

Love the video and information.

[@jasonharris1074]

The push button locker that I have on my Foreman 500 should have been installed factory in my P500. Biggest downer on the P500

[@DirtySanchez317]

Bro love the vids because of your vids I'm buying a new p500

[@blondiethebuilder5676]

Great video. I have a 500 as well. Loving it since I got it two years ago. But always had trouble mudding with my friends. Definitely will be adding this torque locker. Do you have a video installing it

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

I do have a complete install video!

[@Bucknasty84k10]

I love the factory selectable locker on my foreman. Honda should definitely offer it for the pioneer 500.

[@tananam9782]

Bucknasty84k10: When the Foreman/Rubicon system came out, I did some research into a retrofit. Unfortunately, while the P500 shares many components with the ATVs, the front differential isn't one of them. It's a different design. If there was an easy way to miniaturize the selectable front and rear lockers on the P1000, I'd be all over that. It wouldn't be an easy proposition, especially the rear.

[@off-roadnpew2183]

Gsfbffx Pdhhdf p1000 have so many recalls. When I went got my ax’s they couldn’t sell the 1k because of a recall, rubicion are awesome if you put a gr on it

[@skidrc]

Very Informative and entertaining! Id like to see a similar comparison with a P1000 & P1000 Limited. Comparing the diff lock that comes with the P1000 vs the I4WD on the limited. Would be nice to see a true test like this instead of people talking on forums with no real experience with both.

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

I love that idea!

[@williamzachary3838]

I appreciate your videos and have used several of them in doing routine maintenance on my P500. I’m in north Idaho for now, but I’m a native of southern Appalachia and that will always be home. I don’t want to sound insulting, but the correct pronunciation of “Appalachian” is Appa-LATCH-un, not Appa-LAY-shun. Keep the videos coming, they’re a great resource.

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

See,the problem is my wife is a speech therapist and has trained me to say Appalachian the correct way grammatically...lol.

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

Wv native here… it’s definitely appa-lay-shun.

[@josephcampbell6865]

Great review! thank you

[@truckcampercanada2747]

Epic video.

[@talenvongunden8112]

The p500 was my first side by side. I did love it it was a good machine I'd beat it hard and it took all of it. The biggest things that improved the machine for me upgrading the 26-in tires. Adding one and a half inch hub extenders. That really helped made me feel more stable and ride a little better. And the next biggest thing was adding a new performance muffler. Which really opened up the power in that little guy. It allowed me to shift everywhere I was at one gear higher for the same type of terrain. And lastly after learning the hard way I had to add a snorkel and I see you did as well

[@Devin_Stromgren]

Even if you never touch water the 500 still really needs a snorkel just to get the air intake up out of the dust.

[@OGBB33]

Nice video! You should upgrade your tires to more aggressive tread to tackle those mudholes. Throw some HL Outlaws on that bad boy and it’ll be a beast.

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

No doubt! These are just the stock tires of my non deluxe Pioneer 1000.

[@drec.134]

Some really good trail/mud tires XT300 not to aggressive!

[@robknapton2685]

700 forward rev shifter was brutal

[@fl350r]

I'll bet that cost was more a of a factor as to why Honda didn't include a factory select-able locker vs steering difficulty. Its their entry level low budget UTV and they wouldn't want to run off perspective buyers with higher prices. I'm seriously looking into this machine for my next ATV. I'm a rather tall and wide guy and I'm worried I wont fit well. How big of a fella are ya? Your attention to detail and enthusiasm earned my sub.

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

EricTheNotSoRed I’m 5”10 and around 168lbs so not a big fella by any means. I do know of some pretty big guys and gals that have these though and still love them. The best advice I can give you is get out to a dealer (preferably one that has a decent course for test drives) and see how they fit you.

[@geneirvine9710]

when you are stuck in a hole are you in danger of tearing up your cv boots or having water migrating into them?

[@twig7105]

Does anybody know anything about the 2021 Pioneer? Will it come with the diff lock on the front? The 500 is the only one on the Honda website that you cannot go on and build. Nobody seems to know what is going on.

[@micheldupuis]

THE PROBLEM I HAVE I CAN'T TAKE THE AXLES OFF WITH THE LOCKER IN THE DIFF. DO YOU HAVE A WAY OF REMOVING THE AXLE WITHOUT BREAKING ANYTHING?

[@peeinginthewind]

Is the website down ?

[@barrydawg7544]

I just checked one out today... very impressed... I have a foreman 500 that runs great,, but wanted something that the wife and I can ride together....question: Do all pioneer 500's have paddle shifters.. I really liked that on the 2020

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Yes, all models are paddle shift but they didn’t offer the automatic with paddle shifters till the 17’ model year. 15’ and 16’ P5 are paddle shift only with no auto.

[@lifebythehorns]

Hello, new subscriber here! I like the p500 but I'm in Colorado and will use it above 13000 ft. What are your thoughts on the absence of low range at high altitude?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

The P5 is naturally low geared so it shouldn’t be a problem. 15’-16’ models years actually had 1st gear marked as low but they changed it to a numerical 1 for 17+ model years. I would recommend manually shifting and not relying on the auto for hilly terrain.

[@scottschwenke1617]

I am looking at buying a P500, saw one at a dealer today with 27's and I definitely like the increase in ground clearance. I notice you stated that you used spacers, are they necessary? Do you get more mud flying up the sides and on yourself with the spacers?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

No spacers aren’t necessary with 27’s but they help in a couple way. First, as you would suspect, help with stability. Your driving style depends on if that is important to have more of or not. Second, they will help soft the ride as the added length equates to more leverage working against the shock taking some stiffness out of them. Mind, it’s a very small improvement, but unless you plan on upgrading shocks every little bit help. I had 1.5” spacers when I was running 27’s and there wasn’t a big jump in the amount of additional mud to hat flew in. The front fenders are so tall they don’t stop much to begin with...lol

[@scottschwenke1617]

Do you still have the machine? Up until now I have been an atv rider. Mainly hunting-fishing. I want a small dimension capable machine for off trail use. Your video of the front locker really intrigued me. I dont want a machine without a front locker

[@fatboyinskinnyjeans]

Thinking about making another account just to give you another like good video 😉

[@watchthis9792]

When you install the torque locker can you still make it have an open diff or is it strictly locked when you install the Torq Locker and how much does it cost thank you

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

The locker only locks the front wheels together when power is being sent to the front diff. In 2WD the locker ratchets to allow the wheels to spin at different speeds so there is no change in steering. The locker is around $500.

[@barrydawg7544]

Jason, how much does a torq-locker cost? Does the P500 come with power steering or did you put that on yourself?? Also can you give me the height from ground too top of cage? Thanks and really enjoy your videos.. and now a subscriber....

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

The Torq locker is around $500/$550 and totally worth it. I added the power steering as it’s not offered from the factory and it cost around the same for the EZ steer kit I installed. As for cage height, I can’t help you if your looking for the stock height. With the long travel kit and 32” tires I have installed I’m sitting a lot higher than a normal P5. I’ll still measure it if you want me too though so let me know!

[@barrydawg7544]

@@AppalachianMountainRiders Jason thanks for the come back. I checked with a dealer and the height is 71.300 inches high. The reason way I ask was because my 12' X 20' Barn shed only has a door opening height of 71 5/8. Its not going to make it in there especially if I add on a roof and bigger tires down the road.. bummer... as I really like this machine....

[@summitx670]

Do you have a video about your power steering setup on the p500? I've really been thinking about adding that to mine, but can't find much info on them.

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

Bump. Same here. My mother (63) will be driving my 520P buggy and it needs to be easy to steer. Just wondering how much difference an EPS kit actually makes.

[@summitx670]

@@freidrichnietzsche6643 I ended up installing the Tusk kit. It works great, but the install was horrific. I had to cut the bracket and weld it back together at a different angle so the universal joints wouldn't bind.

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

@@summitx670 damn. Appreciate the heads up.

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Never herd of anyone having to do that before. You sure you got the right kit? Mine bolted right in and took less than an hour to install.

[@summitx670]

@@AppalachianMountainRiders part numbers were all right. I did contact RMATV about it but they took too long to get back to me... It was not off by much, so if it was the wrong part it had to be for a nearly identical machine. Being off by 2 or 3 degrees at the bend made for it to be off by a mile at the steering rack.

[@glennquadingsnowmobilinghi9324]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@alm2636]

What power steering unit did you buy for your p500? I am about to buy a p500 but would like to make shure i get the right power steering setup. Great video!

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

I got the EZ steer. Works great! 2 years of abuse and not one hiccup even with the water and mud.

[@alm2636]

Awsome! Thankyou, ive been watching your videos all day! Love it!

[@alm2636]

well bought the p500 today!! was wondering what year your p500 was? looks a bit tight to fit a PS unit in. I have the 2018 Pioneer 500. Thanks man!

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Mines a 2016. The kit will fit don’t worry

[@alm2636]

@@AppalachianMountainRiders ok thank you!

[@The.Real.Timmii]

now throw portals and 30's on there and go everywhere

[@Polcat1979]

Did you do a video on your power steering?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

I don’t. It was bought and installed before I started making videos. The instruction that come with the kit is awesome however and very easy to follow.

[@Polcat1979]

Thanks!!

[@corgily]

Thanks for the review. Does the torq-locker affect the turning radius ?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

It adds about a foot and a half to the overall turning radius when in 4x4. I do show that in a vid somewhere. Might be the install vid

[@jayman812008]

corgily it shows turning radius later on in this vid...you must not have watched the entire vid...shame on you😁

[@TheKiltedHomesteader]

How much noise is there coming from the unit when it ratchets?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

You can’t hear it when riding

[@bjerkass]

or just use momentum and experience

[@christopherstraub9648]

Is there any issues in 2wd on dry pavement while turning?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

None. When no power is being sent to the front the locker design allows it to ratchet to let the wheels spin at different speeds when turning

[@solrus20]

Out of stock now. What seats did you install on your p500?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

I new they were going to go fast! They’ll have another batch ready in no time. I installed seats from a RZR 1000. Have a whole install vid of what I did. Was actually quite simple. kzbin.info/www/bejne/f4SydpqJabGorNU

[@solrus20]

AppalachianMountainRiders Do you like them? Comfort?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Much better than the stock bench! Makes riding all day more pleasant and enjoyable. The way I mounted them will set you forward an inch or two more which is fine for someone my size and I quickly got use to it. A larger individual might not find is as appealing though.

[@zatzaowe556]

can you use the rims that come with the p500 to mount 27" tires??

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Yep. Have 27” tires on my stock 12” rims right now actually. That’s what size tires I’m running in this vid.

[@zatzaowe556]

thanks,my niece is making fun of the 24" tires. what 27" tires are best for the muddy piney woods?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

😂😂😂. I’m a big fan of Blackwater Evolutions and I ride a lot of muddy wood trails. Had them on my Pioneer 1000 and will be putting them on my P5 soon. They are not so aggressive that they tear up the trail and break axles but have enough lug size to be decent in the mud. Plus they are one of the lightest 8ply tire you can get which is a huge benefit for us P5 owners. Original bighorns are a great all around tire as well but they are getting harder to find.

[@PondstompingAdventures]

How's the locker holding up?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Great! Now that we're getting some of that cold white stuff, the P5 is in 4wd all the time. Not a single hiccup from the locker. With the hills I ride the P5 always struggled for traction in the snow so I'm excited to see how it does this year as the snow gets deeper. There are a couple of places where I get stuck every year due to the snow drifting so those will be the first places I hit to see if I can make it through now!

[@ThinkSimply]

totally bada*s man. meticulous , and thorough. so im thinking about getting one of these things to plow city side walks instead of a snow blower... what do you think??

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

The nice thing about a SxS over a snow blower is you don’t have to stop using it once the snow is all moved...lol. You won’t find a more nimble, compact, and durable SxS for the money than you will with the Pioneer 500. I know lots of owners that use them to plow and they do great for their size.

[@corruptionoutdoors]

Overall is the Pioneer 500 worth it compared to a Can-Am trail?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Price wise you can’t beat it and they are little tanks just not very fast. I have yet to actually ride in a new Maverick trail though so can’t speak on the ride quality and power of it specifically but have taken a ride I. The new Maverick sport and power was awesome!

[@MegaDuke1982]

Where is your power steering from Jason and how much is it?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

It’s the ezsteer kit from superatv. It was 500 and some change but it’s been a couple years so I don’t remember exactly.

[@MegaDuke1982]

AppalachianMountainRiders thanks Jason!

[@dmudder5529]

About $550 a year ago, no regrets on the purchase.

[@johnnyturbo8460]

Looks like its time for a tire upgrade

[@vtdrive129]

Have you taped the power steering install?

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

vtdrive12 unfortunately I had installed my power steering before I was making KZbin vids. The Ez steer kit comes with fantastic instructions though and it’s not difficult to install at all.

[@17madracki17]

Give her 3 fingers !! with that out of the way i’m so interested how the cv last and the front diff now that it’s actually locked. in rocks and slow tech crawling i worry it’s going to be to much for everything.

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

The P5 is a tough little thing but only time will tell. There are going to be a pile of these installed within the next couple months so I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.

[@Devin_Stromgren]

Steering in 4x4 without power steering looks almost as hard as steering my dad's 2007 Ranger in 2 wheel drive. Almost. That thing is a bear to steer.

[@tylermatthews7655]

Drink every time he says torque locker...Lol

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Or every time it’s in text...lol

[@masongreen1871]

They don’t offer diff lock. My foreman has a diff lock

[@AppalachianMountainRiders]

Not in the 500. It's to "make it easier to steer in 4wd" (Directo quote from Honda)...lol. Almost every P5 owner I know has bought or is planning on buying the torq locker so I think Honda missed out on a way to make a few more bucks on the purchase of one. I know I would have willingly paid a few more $$$$ to have a locker from the factory!

[@Mr01cat]

Why are you using a helmet. They are not required for side by sides with roll bars and seat belts.

[@ivanzimmerman1733]

I'm too old for that sort of behavior

[@scottward6589]

Wouldn't have Honda bought pioneer 700 2014 exhaust valve broke went through piston 293 hours onit never ever been in mud like this thought it would last for many years but 7300$ to put a motor buy anything but a Honda

[@jaywinters2483]

It’s a commercial 👎