Topic: Honda Pioneer owners out there?

[Steve F]

I'm getting to the point where my wife and I are looking at retirement within the next couple of years. I live in Illinois, and can't wait to get the "H" out and move somewhere where the climate and other things are more suitable and tolerable. I'm thinking about Arizona, my son already lives there, and I still haven't decided on an area yet, but there is so much open space and places to go off-roading.
 I was looking at the HONDA and what the others are offering for side-by-side ATV's, and I really like what HONDA has to offer. I'm pretty sure there are Pioneer owners here on this forum, and no better place to ask than the actual owners.
 So, I'm wondering what year, size, model you have and what things you did to personalize them. I'm going to admit I'm new to this kind of thing, but living in Illinois hasn't been a very good place to go off-roading unless you travel hundreds of miles to some guy's farm. Now, my wife has even said that it "looks like a ton of fun" (I kid you not)  . So, since I essentially have the blessing from the boss, that makes thing a bit more easy when looking for a machine.
 Right now, I'm leaning more to the Pioneer 1000, but maybe not the top of the line Limited edition.
 Your thoughts and words of wisdom will be much appreciated.
 Steve F

[dave500]

ive never liked quad bikes as their #$%*ing dangerous compared to a two wheeler,those side by sides look like geriatric 4wd golf carts and I figure can lull you into a false sense of security aswell?id feel like a #$%*witt driving one.

[J-Rod10]

ive never liked quad bikes as their #$%*ing dangerous compared to a two wheeler,those side by sides look like geriatric 4wd golf carts and I figure can lull you into a false sense of security aswell?id feel like a #$%*witt driving one.

A kid I coached in baseball was in one last year. Didn't have his seat belt on. Rolled it around a corner, and the bar on the cage, crushed his skull.

[dave500]

oh man nasty,on farms here theres been a spate of quad bike fatalities,like I said your lulled in on four wheels till they turn over.

[Bodi]

Have to agree - but ridden sedately they're not too bad. I see a lot of them "touring" on the dry parts of snowmobile trails here in summer (these trails go across lakes and rivers that freeze over in winter) and running around on roads in rural areas in provinces that license them for that. For more spirited off-roading I think a bike is safer: you get feedback on what's happening rather than a nasty surprise when your quad is on two wheels and going over.
The biggest plus is that in most provinces a street legal ATV with a roll cage does not require a helmet. That's a concern in summer - believe it or not it gets stinking hot in Canada. Sticky humid hot. No idea what the rules are in the US of A.