honda side by side??

[Johnny Quest]

ive heard rumors that honda is gonna be coming out with a side by side. any word on if this rumor is true?? if so, does anyone have any specs or prices?? is it gonna come in a 6x6 model?? i know that the ranger 6x6 is probably the way to go, but i want to look at all my options first. i need the 6x6 for the extra bed room for rescue equipment (oxygen, backboards for patients, etc)

[wildcatkit52]

I believe I read in one of the latest rags that honda was coming up with one.

I can't wait to see what direction they go with it.

I can say that with the ones out now, each has it's good and bad points. The 08 Arctic Cats look to be nice. I wonder when they are gonna stick their new 950cc engines in the Prowler?

The RZR is cool. Guy Cooper seems to like his. It would take the Rhino and Prowler on take off easy. The stock Prowler was tall and tippy compared to the slightly modified Rhinos. It was just as fast as them though. The corners and overall speed goes to the RZR though is was driven by Guy Cooper!

On the track the Rhino I rode in would bottom out but with the few mods it flew. The Cat did just as good on the jumps. It didn't bottom out the suspension... Being taller it needs work to corner and set up for jumps, but it WAS a brand new stocker with no scratches. Until the my brother laid it over. I didn't get to see the RZR on the track. Guy was busy with a pit bike rag photographer.

[jot017]

Suppose to be called the Honda Hippo. Looks pretty sweet. They announce their 08 line up in about a week, so we'll see for sure.

[wildcatkit52]

That image is a joke from the April issue... They are working on a sidexside, but that isn't it... Honda isn't going to put a 1800cc goldwing engine on it.

[Crowdog]

Honda made their annoucements for the next year. "Big Red" will be available next summer.



Details -> Honda Big Red MUV

[AtomicBeesting]

*edit* crowdog beat me by a minute

Announced today.... and it's dissapointing and very ugly!


http://www.hondanews.com/categories/133/photos/15624
Play around with the last digit of the url to see more pics

"Big Red (early-announcement 2009 model)
Honda enters the MUV market with a side-by-side machine that leapfrogs the competition to set new standards in utility and recreation. With numerous automotive-based technologies, Big Red features a powerful 675cc OHV liquid-cooled PGM-fuel-injected single-cylinder engine and an automatic transmission with three selectable drive modes plus Reverse, front and rear independent double-wishbone suspension, a roomy cab featuring rubber-mounted bucket seats with adjustable backs, and a specially designed, highly durable, tilting cargo bed. A broad selection of Honda Genuine Accessories will also be offered. Big Red will be available in the Summer of 2008."

[wildcatkit52]

Behind the curve I'd say. Leapfrog the competition? I think not! Look at the RZR, Rhino, or 08 700 Prowler!

PROWLER XTX 700 H1 LE

695cc SOHC 4-stroke, 4-valve

102x85 bore and stroke

Liquid cooled with fan

Automatic CVT with EBS

2/4 WD with Diff lock

Overall width 61.3 in.
Overall height 77.5 in.
Overall length 115 in.
Wheelbase 75 in.
Suspension Travel
front 10 inches
rear 10 inches

Ground clearance 12.5 in.

Suspension Type
Double A-arm front and rear

Hydraulic Disc brakes front and rear

Tires and wheels

26x9-14 front 7 inch wheels

26x11-14 rear 8 inch wheels

8.2 gal fuel capacity

Dry weight 1165 lbs

The 650 Prowler will run 52-53 mph stock on flat ground... What will the 700 do?

Honda isn't known for being the fastest lately... Can't wait to see how they do perform, because they look like @$$!!!

[66cummins]

Ugly as hell!

[RoCkSkuLLz]

they should re-name it the big-ugly!

what a disappointment, I was expecting something different from Honda. Glad I went Rhino

[amphibious]

Quick, someone call Audi. Honda's trying to steal their ugly grille design.

Am I the only one that thinks it looks like the product of a genetic experiment between an Audi R8 and a lawnmower?

[Jaggedx]

let us have a crack at one, We can make almost anything look good. the first reaction to the RZR was almost the same and we have made them look sweet.
I am disapointed that Honda did not go just a little bit sportier though.
Why Is it so hard for these mfgrs to put an extra cylinder in these machines.
These big bore one lungers just don't cut it for these heavy vehicles. Just my opinion.

BS JX

[howyadoin]

Originally Posted by Jaggedx

let us have a crack at one, We can make almost anything look good. the first reaction to the RZR was almost the same and we have made them look sweet.
I am disapointed that Honda did not go just a little bit sportier though.
Why Is it so hard for these mfgrs to put an extra cylinder in these machines.
These big bore one lungers just don't cut it for these heavy vehicles. Just my opinion.

BS JX

Bill, you guys WILL have your work cut out for you on this one! That is a "nose" not even a mother could love!

[wildcatkit52]

Originally Posted by Jaggedx

let us have a crack at one, We can make almost anything look good. the first reaction to the RZR was almost the same and we have made them look sweet.
I am disapointed that Honda did not go just a little bit sportier though.
Why Is it so hard for these mfgrs to put an extra cylinder in these machines.
These big bore one lungers just don't cut it for these heavy vehicles. Just my opinion.

BS JX

Since becoming a cat dealer recently we have been wondering when the 950cc will end up in a prowler. Also, being an Xtreme dealer, and being from Russellville AR, I know that Lane is about to get his prototype 450 sport quad to trouble shoot. He has also just sent a Rhino into the factories for measurements so he can jump into this market by upgrading for the sport ready factory side by side spin like he did with the Typhoon.

[TRed]

Looks good to me. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone wants a sport model side by side. Go buy a dune buggy and smoke any and all of them. I use my Kawi Mule daily and drive my neighbors Rhino and deisel Kubota alot too, these things work great for what they are intended, working around the farm, and hunting. I duned a Rhino at Glamis, and while it's fun to put around on while drunk, it's way to slow and heavy. Then you got these fools putting 20G's into them and they get about half way up Oldmobile and need to turn around quick or roll backwards. My buddy has a old Pilot that will smoke a side by side, and you can jump it, dune it etc.. You want two seat fun that really works for dunes? For 5G's you can buy a VW powered two seater rail and blister the dunes.

[howyadoin]

Originally Posted by TRed

Looks good to me. I can't for the life of me understand why anyone wants a sport model side by side. Go buy a dune buggy and smoke any and all of them. I use my Kawi Mule daily and drive my neighbors Rhino and deisel Kubota alot too, these things work great for what they are intended, working around the farm, and hunting. I duned a Rhino at Glamis, and while it's fun to put around on while drunk, it's way to slow and heavy. Then you got these fools putting 20G's into them and they get about half way up Oldmobile and need to turn around quick or roll backwards. My buddy has a old Pilot that will smoke a side by side, and you can jump it, dune it etc.. You want two seat fun that really works for dunes? For 5G's you can buy a VW powered two seater rail and blister the dunes.

Basically...people that don't like working on shit all the time! If you're at all familiar w/$5k VW rails, then you certainly know that they are finicky. A lot of the SXS people don't want to have to maintain something like that (or have the knowledge typically), and that is the beauty of the SXS. They are as reliable as a four stroke quad, and carry 2-4 people (plus a full size cooler). By the way, anyone who can't get to the top of Olds on a Rhino, Prowler, Ranger, or RZR needs to sell their shit, put the skirt on, and head to the mall!!!

ps...God that Honda picture is terrible!

[TRed]

Originally Posted by howyadoin

anyone who can't get to the top of Olds on a Rhino, Prowler, Ranger, or RZR needs to sell their shit, put the skirt on, and head to the mall!!!

I see it all the time. Nobody ever makes it to the top unless they go all the way to the left and go up at an angle to the main hill. And I mean all the Rhinos, including the full cage ones all pimped out with engine mods and pipes etc.. They get all going as fast as they can, go through the woops, hit the hill, and about 2/3rds of the way up, they either bog down or do a quick uturn, f that, I like fricken flying off the top in 5th grear doing around 70mph.

[Jaggedx]

Originally Posted by TRed

I see it all the time. Nobody ever makes it to the top unless they go all the way to the left and go up at an angle to the main hill. And I mean all the Rhinos, including the full cage ones all pimped out with engine mods and pipes etc.. They get all going as fast as they can, go through the woops, hit the hill, and about 2/3rds of the way up, they either bog down or do a quick uturn, f that, I like fricken flying off the top in 5th grear doing around 70mph.

TRed,
So try flyin' off the top at 70 with one of those 5K Vw two seaters you were talkin'g about. See how that works out! You don't like Side by Sides for sport riding, your opinion, no problem. Fact is, These vehicle offer more versitility than most other vehicles out there for a pretty reasonable cost. If someone sinks 20K into a Rhino then so be it. as long as they are happy with the vehicle Who gives a shit. I have been duning for about 25 years and I have yet to see a vehicle that has become so popular so fast. face it, Here is a vehicle that can work on the farm, take the kids to the bus stop, go to the beer store, haul firewood back to camp, run rock trails like a Jeep, haul a 48 Qt cooler, haul an elk,Pull a race car around the pits, Run about 50 mph, can go anywhere in the dunes (except to the top of Olds as you pointed out) Requires very little maintenence, Will fit in the back of a full size pick up, can haul 2-4 people, and all for about $10,000 sounds like a deal to me.
may not be your bag but I would not bash the side by side owners for making what seems to be a pretty smart purchase.

BS JX

[TRed]

Originally Posted by Jaggedx

TRed,
I have been duning for about 25 years and I have yet to see a vehicle that has become so popular so fast.

Have your eye's been closed? Quads were introduced since you have been duning, and their popularity grew way faster and way bigger.

Here is a vehicle that can work on the farm, take the kids to the bus stop, go to the beer store, haul firewood back to camp, run rock trails like a Jeep, haul a 48 Qt cooler, haul an elk,Pull a race car around the pits

Thanks for making my point, they work great for what they are intended, non of those things you mention are sport activities.

can go anywhere in the dunes

no they can't, that's why you never see them anywhere past the big hill climb areas. And I didn't bash owners, I am one. I think the Honda is a nice looking machine, and right on the mark for getting customers to buy. And as for a vw powered rail, I stand by my recommendation. I worked for Johny's Speed and Chrome during the hay days of VW powered dune rails, and for the money, a side by side can't touch them for high speed duning and hill climbing fun, both of which are sport activities.

[Symon623]

Originally Posted by TRed

I think the Honda is a nice looking machine, and right on the mark for getting customers to buy.

WTF? Who's eyes are closed now?

Personally I as well as many others would love to have one that'll do 100, but with that power, reliability and/or cost effectiveness becomes an issue. All these manufactures have the resources to go balls out on one, but at what cost? I seriously doubt anyone will pay $25K+ to start then drop another $10K for Jagged X to work their magic.....JMO

[rancherlee]

Originally Posted by wildcatkit52

Since becoming a cat dealer recently we have been wondering when the 950cc will end up in a prowler. Also, being an Xtreme dealer, and being from Russellville AR, I know that Lane is about to get his prototype 450 sport quad to trouble shoot. He has also just sent a Rhino into the factories for measurements so he can jump into this market by upgrading for the sport ready factory side by side spin like he did with the Typhoon.

I really don't see the point in going over 800cc, a few states cut off ATV's at the 800cc mark (minnesota is one of them) and bump them to a different class of offroad vehical which is very limited to there uses do to heavy restrictions on where they can "legally" ride. Heck all Side X sides in minnesota just got there nutts cut off and are in the new "class II" specs which limits them to marked trails, OHV parks, and shoulders of roads. Alot of other states are in the process of doing this overhaul also.

[Jaggedx]

What I am trying to point out is the overall versitility of these vehicles. Granted they are not "high performance" like some of the Quads or rails you see at the dunes but for the individual who goes to the dunes a couple times a year and maybe to the woods acouple times a year they are a great all around vehicle. Sand rails are very purpose built as are many of the sport quads you see at the dunes. Not eveyone needs to go mach 4 with their hair on fire. and for these people the side by side is just as much a "sport" vehicle as anything. Indeed I was around for the whole Quad revolution and comparing the first three or so years, the side by side market directly rivals the Quad market. in 1984 Suzuki introduced the Quadsport 230 then the 250 and soon the Quadzilla. They owned the market for a couple years until honda introduced the 250R in 1986. check the MFG numbers for the first couple years you will be surprised how many Rhinos are actully out there.
You don't have to like it but that's the way it it is and the industry is still in it's infancy. I personally think the Honda has potential and will probably be as popular as the Poalris Ranger.

Anyway most of the motorsports enthusiasts are willing to co-exist with one another.

maybe I will see you at China Wall sometime. I'll be in a tricked out 25K Rhino
(with a stock motor)

BS JX

[howyadoin]

Originally Posted by TRed

no they can't, that's why you never see them anywhere past the big hill climb areas.

We have been running mildly modified Rhinos up and over Olds, and through every one of the back bowls for the past couple of seasons! I'm not saying that we are running the same pace as the V8 long travels, but they will pretty much go anywhere! I think you'll be really surprised this year with the RZR's and their capabilities.