[bosssmannn]

Picked up my camo EPS viking today and they had a pioneer in the back they just finished putting together.
I was so torn on what to get at first when I started researching the two new 2014 models when they were announced. I was only going to look at Honda and Yamaha. Polaris never had a chance in my life again, kawasaki looked nice but i didn't like their belt design while Can-am I have heard horror stories of getting parts.
Both bikes Im sure will make a lot of people happy but to me the Honda was smaller inside. I'm 6'6 240 lbs, so a little room to move is nice. I also compared the rear differentials and Honda was noticeable smaller, looked light weight. I liked the four seat idea of Honda. But also liked metal skid plate on most of the bottom and the rear engine is going to make maintance a breeze. The little bit of extra top speed might also come in handy as well.
I have owned a Honda rincon and a grizzly and to me these are as different as those atvs are.

 

[Teryx2k16]

Ive only owned Yamaha atvs, uptil i sold my last one, a 2002 Big Bear 400 2wd. Thats when i wanted a sxs, the Rhino was to small, so i desided to give Polaris a try, that was a big mistake, but anyways, that was my first and will be the last Polaris i ever get. Now back to Yamaha, and couldnt be more happy. Congrads on your Camo Viking, your gonna love it. I bet the EPS is nice too.

Ive got a 2011 CanAm Outlander 800 XT-P, thats awesome, never gave me a problem.

 

[bosssmannn]

I drove my daughters this morning to the hunting camp in Mississippi and put about 30 miles on it today. I am totally impressed of how smooth this thing rides and steers. I kept the speeds low to break it in. We have some steep hills there and I really liked the engine brake. I can see how this will save the brakes. Very easy to descend hills with this feature.
I can definitely say I made the right decision, this thing is perfect for me.

 

[Teryx2k16]

I drove my daughters this morning to the hunting camp in Mississippi and put about 30 miles on it today. I am totally impressed of how smooth this thing rides and steers. I kept the speeds low to break it in. We have some steep hills there and I really liked the engine brake. I can see how this will save the brakes. Very easy to descend hills with this feature.
I can definitely say I made the right decision, this thing is perfect for me.

Glad to hear it, im really enjoying mine aswell, it does ride really nice, and i dont have EPS, but its easy to steer though.

 

[cheeyz]

best thing to do is just play around in both of them and get a feel for which one you like more.

in terms of capability they are both capable. both will be reliable.

 

[internalliberian]

Glad to hear from bosssmannn that he is contented with his Yamaha Viking. I agree with him. It really looks great and perfect. Yes, I think, he made the right decision for choosing that.

 

[nytroboy77]

I was at a dealer last weekend that sells both. He has sold three Vikings and 0 Pioneers. He's not real sure why but he did say that his Honda rep isn't very happy about it. lol

 

[Teryx2k16]

Guess its the same deal with the Big Red Honda SxS, guy i talked to many times that worked at the honda shop that was part of the Polaris dealer where i got a ranger couple years ago, that i sold last year. He said basically they couln't give them away, nobody wanted them.

 

[mass-n-trash]

Just from my own experience, I tested both the Pioneer and the Viking several times before my purchase. This is my first SxS and I was not brand loyal. While the Pioneer does have some neat ideas and I thought was well built...IMO, the Viking really stands out head and shoulders over the Pioneer.

 

[tooldad]

It was my first SxS also. Was strongly looking at the new JD gator RSX. JD's wanna-be RZR. Also looked at the pioneer. The Pioneer was 3rd on my list. Not a fan of Polaris and their CVT. Friends have the pioneer, felt like I was driving a cabover truck. They got it for the 4 seater option and have always been a honda family. I own 1 honda atv and it's been good.

Viking won out for looks, comfort, ultramatic clutch, steel dump bed, price, 3 full seats in front, grab bar, reliability from the Rhino brand.

No regrets so far. Only trouble is the shift linkage, but will take it in for it's first oil change soon and it will be adjusted under warranty

 

[Narrowsboy]

Tool dad. What do you find wrong with the shift linkage? I find mine stiff or reluctant to come out of reverse sometimes. Is that what you are seeing?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Teryx2k16]

Sometimes the shifter is stiff, like said above, especially in Reverse, what you ahve to do is give a little stomp on the gas peddle, and it then moves freely.

 

[Narrowsboy]

I am experiencing the same thing and use the same coaxing to get it out of reverse


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[robin2515]

Mine has also been aggravating to shift but most definitely getting better as the it gets more and more broke in. Also I was torn between the pioneer and viking but the lack of low range on the pioneer was a big factor. When I went to the honda dealer to drive a pioneer he told me I couldn't because the ones on the floor had done been purchased, the only way he could have let me drive one was to order one. I called my yamaha dealer and asked if he had a viking ,he did but it had already been purchased but said come on and drive it if I wanted. So that is when I just decided to go with the viking. I've still got a 350 big bear bought in 94, and it still runs. So for the only problem I'm having with my viking is the rear a arms collect massive amounts of mud and debris and it can be aggravating to clean out.

 

[Teryx2k16]

Not sure if this was already posted

 

[mass-n-trash]

I'm surprised I had not seen that video. The Viking is my first SxS and I looked at several brands before I purchased the Viking. I can tell you that, for the most part, this video is NOT overly exaggerated in the Viking's favor for promotional purposes. It pretty much points out exactly why I chose the Viking over the Pioneer. The most "spot on" part was where they showed the Pioneer running out of power on a hill...been there, tested that, and that's a FACT!

To be fair...if you have 4 people, the Pioneer is a better option than the Viking. Also, I did like the adjustable shocks on the Pioneer.

I'm not going to get into the ground clearance thing though

Viking2k14...Good find!

 

[Teryx2k16]

I'm surprised I had not seen that video. The Viking is my first SxS and I looked at several brands before I purchased the Viking. I can tell you that, for the most part, this video is NOT overly exaggerated in the Viking's favor for promotional purposes. It pretty much points out exactly why I chose the Viking over the Pioneer. The most "spot on" part was where they showed the Pioneer running out of power on a hill...been there, tested that, and that's a FACT!

To be fair...if you have 4 people, the Pioneer is a better option than the Viking. Also, I did like the adjustable shocks on the Pioneer.

I'm not going to get into the ground clearance thing though

Viking2k14...Good find!

Thanks M-N-T, I hadn't noticed it before, it just poped up today, when i did my Regular Viking Video search on Youtube, changed the filter upload time, to this week, and it was like the second or so on the list.

 

[VikingRyder]

I'm surprised I had not seen that video. The Viking is my first SxS and I looked at several brands before I purchased the Viking. I can tell you that, for the most part, this video is NOT overly exaggerated in the Viking's favor for promotional purposes. It pretty much points out exactly why I chose the Viking over the Pioneer. The most "spot on" part was where they showed the Pioneer running out of power on a hill...been there, tested that, and that's a FACT!

To be fair...if you have 4 people, the Pioneer is a better option than the Viking. Also, I did like the adjustable shocks on the Pioneer.

I'm not going to get into the ground clearance thing though

Viking2k14...Good find!

4th person can go in the bed and hold on for their life

 

[Ransom Proctor]

that's a great video. they made several good points. I think the stalling on hill climbs and in the sand pulling the wagon would be a deal breaker for me. plus, the cargo bed size to be able to haul a pallet was nice too.

 

[Babyhead]

Pioneer isn't all that bad

I like the softer sprung suspension of the pioneer. The Viking is certainly built with stiffer springs. Maybe more for work.

Similar to the Viking, the Pioneer's MSRP is somewhat realistic. I am not rich enough to go the can-am route.

I also know Honda's reliability ranks among the best. I have a 97' Honda 300 that just won't quit. It still runs like brand new. I take good care of it but that thing just works. It isn't fancy by today's standards.

The biggest issues I see with the pioneer is the tranny, cockpit, and storage when 4 seats are in use. I don't think I could fit my medium sized tackle box behind the seats! And we really need a low range for this type of vehicle. The viking's cockpit is really roomy but comfortable at the same time.