Redtape

I like the question and need to buy one too, but light weight is very important to me. The heavier helmets are very uncomfortable to wear. Some people enjoy more dangerous riding experiences, and some of us have no need to wear a full helmet IMHO.

They talk about belt spreading, but I don't think Honda Pioneers even have a belt to shred. I have never wanted to have a belt to worry about on any machine - snowmobile or ATV/UYV. But a lot of people with more experience than I have choose belt driven machines. It's hard to say Polaris and Ski-Doo aren't really popular even in Alaska.

Honda is a well-made machine as most all of Honda products, but I'll warn you that the cab in the P1000 gets hot from the engine heat. If yd need a windshield, make absolutely sure you can open part of it for much needed ventilation. Can Am did have a reliable rep when I was shopping 5 years ago, but Honda rep can't be beat. Polaris has many more machines on the road (trails), more dealers, and more accessories available. I own several Honda machines including a P1000 primarily because they just keep running year after year. The P1000 is not sporty, but it is a great workhorse that you can certainly use on the trails. It has plenty of power. I don't think you need the paddle shifting unless you're really into "playing" in the dirt which some people seem to enjoy.

I have 2 Honda's which are very reliable, but the availability of dealers and add on stuff is more limited than say Polaris. I think I'd take a hard look at Polaris just because they are very popular (resaleable), many dealers, and easy to buy add on stuff. Can Am didn't have the best reputation when I was looking 6 years ago, but they may be more reliable now. Don't buy a full fixed windshield since you will probably need some ventilation. My Honda 1000 with a full, fixed windshield, generates so much heat that I remove the doors for ventilation. Enjoy whatever you choose...........

Unfortunately, we have no choice except to ride paved roads, and there is little chance for a problem except the rare possibility of collision. We do not wear helmets, but if we were on trails where rollover was possible, we would probably change our choice. I did research helmets just to have one if we need them, and I came to the conclusion that the weight of the helmet is very important. I had a motorcycle, and the helmet gave me a pain in the neck. Try to wear one around the store for a little while to judge your comfort level. Any helmet you buy should be DOT approved to meet the requirements of any trails that require helmets. Considering the safety factor, it is hard to suggest not wearing a helmet, but we don't just from a comfort standpoint.

I assume you're having a problem with the seat being hot from the engine heat. I purchased an insulating material on Amazone, foil on one side and insulation on the other side, and it helps. It about 1/2 inch thick and can be cut with scissors to fit. I also bought a portable fan that I have yet to try. There are some more complex and effective fixes, and you can search the Honda forum for those. They involve installing a permanent fan and PVC venting.

I find your post very interesting. I just took a quick look and they do look like nice machines, but I don't have a dealer within 70 miles that I see. Your post makes me want me to take a closer look. If I were to be shopping for a machine, I'd make an effort to consider the CFMOTO. My Honda Foreman ATV is about 24 years old, and it could have a premature serious problem, but so far it keeps on plowing snow and hauling firewood. LOL

Having owed ATVs/UTVs for 30 years, I would strongly advise owning only major brands like Honda or Polaris. The cheap machines are just what you pay for - cheap machines. Be sure you know where you can get service, parts, and answers to any questions prior to buying a machine. You need a dealer and not a Lowes store when something needs attention. I've owned Honda products which are very high quality, but I'd think hard about Polaris if I were in the market for a machine. There are a few other manufacturers that I'm sure offer reasonable support, but a dealer is critical IMHO even though the better machines are reliable. The forums are a good place for information of course. If you have a trail that you plan to ride in your area, go there and talk to the people that have experience. People really like to help.