In a new-product announcement, American Honda revealed that a new multipurpose side-by-side—the Pioneer 520—will be offered for the 2021 model year. An evolution of the Pioneer 500, the vehicle boasts updates highlighted by a new dump bed that increases its ability to haul loads, welcome news to everyone from hobby farmers to fishing enthusiasts.

Measuring 25.9 inches x 38.7 inches by 9.8 inches, the tilt bed has D-ring anchors and cutouts to accept buckets, milk crates, wood dividers and even cups. The bed is also compatible with Honda’s extensive line of Pro-Connect accessories, including racks, cargo boxes, chainsaw mounts and more, all of which are simple to install and remove.

Compared to the Pioneer 500, the Pioneer 520 has a 43cc larger displacement, the largest in its class at 518cc, making it more capable for hauling loads or scrambling up steep ascents. Improvements were also made to the suspension, which is plusher and more comfortable.

“Since its 2015 introduction, Honda’s smallest multipurpose side-by-side has proven that impressive performance is possible even in a compact, nimble package,” said Lee Edmunds, senior manager of powersports marketing for American Honda. “For 2021, the Pioneer 520 features a larger engine and a dump bed, but it retains the 50-inch width and 73-inch wheelbase that have been so popular. Whether customers are looking for an entry-level side-by-side, stepping up from an ATV, or just seeking a vehicle that can work hard and have fun without taking up a lot of room, the Pioneer 520 should be at the top of their list.”

The 2021 Honda Pioneer 520 is scheduled for release in January and will be available in Honda Phantom Camo®, Red, Olive and Reactor Blue. The MSRP is $9,499 for standard color options, and $10,099 for Honda Phantom Camo.

While the Pioneer 520 gets the headlines, Honda will also continue to offer the Pioneer 500 as a high-value option for customers who prioritize a good deal and don’t need the updates of the new side-by-side. Placing added emphasis on value, the Pioneer 500 will be available in Red, at a permanent price reduction of $8,499.

Honda’s website has additional information on the Pioneer 520 and Pioneer 500.

RETURNING MODELS

In addition to the Pioneer 520 and Pioneer 500 multipurpose side-by-sides, Honda announced several returning on-road motorcycle models for 2021. Many are available in exciting new color options, while the Rebel cruiser platform grows with the addition of the Rebel 500 ABS SE, which gets its unique looks through factory-fitted accessories.
 

CRF1100L AFRICA TWIN

Comprising two distinct versions based on a versatile platform, Honda’s Africa Twin embraces the “True Adventure” ethos, winning fans across a broad range of consumers. These adventure touring machines boast an aggressive appearance and capable performance, thanks to an enjoyable engine and capable chassis. Whereas the standard CRF1100L Africa Twin delivers sporting and off-road performance, the Adventure Sports ES boasts comfort and convenience for tackling long distances. Both versions are available with either a manual gearbox or Honda’s advanced automatic Dual Clutch Transmission, and for 2021, both are offered in new colors.

• Colors
  • CRF1100L Africa Twin:Pearl White/Blue/Red
  • CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES: Darkness Black Metallic
• MSRP
  • CRF1100L Africa Twin: $14,399
  • CRF1100L Africa Twin DCT: $15,199
  • CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES: $17,199
  • CRF1100L Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES DCT: $17,999
• Available: January
• Info

CBR1000RR

A World Superbike entry through the 2019 season, the Honda CBR1000RR refocuses its attention for the future starting in 2021, this double-R version transitioning to an alternative option for riders seeking both value and performance. First introduced overseas in 1992 (and in the U.S. shortly thereafter), this legendary model has long followed a “Total Control” philosophy, with a focus on cornering, acceleration and braking. It’s this approach that will enable the bike to carry on in its new role in Honda’s sport bike lineup, alongside the track-focused CBR1000RR-R Fireblade SP.

• Colors: Grand Prix Red; Matte Black Metallic
• MSRP
  • CBR1000RR: $16,499
  • CBR1000RR ABS: $16,799
• Available: January
• Info

CBR600RR

Over the years, Honda’s CBR600RR has attained semilegendary status, in part thanks to its eight World Supersport crowns (nine counting its CBR600F predecessor). For 2021, the middleweight supersport machine returns in a new Grand Prix Red Tricolor. Between its high-revving inline four-cylinder engine; nimble, responsive chassis and supple Showa 41 mm Big Piston Fork, the CBR600RR is equally at home on twisty back roads and at dedicated track days. 

• Color: Grand Prix Red Tricolor
• MSRP
  • CBR600RR: $11,899
  • CBR600RR ABS: $12,899
• Available: January
• Info

CBR650R ABS

Taking cues from the supersport realm but designed to be enjoyed on the street, the CBR650R ABS pulls motorcyclists’ heartstrings with its sharp lines, full fairings and corner-carving abilities, while still offering comfort, practicality and value. A fully faired sport variant of the CB650R, this model has undergone a number of changes for 2021, including the switch to a high-quality Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, as well as improvements to the aesthetics and emissions performance. The CBR650R boasts light, responsive handling through its finely tuned chassis, and enjoyable power through its high-revving inline four-cylinder engine. LED lighting and a sporty riding position complete the package, moving the bike toward an enjoyable intersection of values for the modern sport bike rider.

• Color: Matte Black Metallic
• MSRP: $9,699
• Available: February
• Info

CB650R ABS

Honda’s long history with middleweight machines that combine user-friendly four-cylinder engines with nimble, confidence-inspiring chassis lives on with the CB650R ABS, which has benefited from important improvements for 2021, including the switch to a Showa Separate Function Big Piston fork, better emissions performance, plus updates to the aesthetics and ergonomics. A popular and enjoyable naked bike that showcases Honda’s Neo Sports Café design theme through its smooth lines and compact packaging, this model builds on the CB heritage of serving two-wheel enthusiasts of varying riding backgrounds, from daily commuters to those who chase exhilaration along tight, twisting backroads.

• Color: Matte Black Metallic
• MSRP: $9,199
• Available: January
• Info

CB500F ABS

Honda’s CB500F is proof that less can be more. Boasting a sporty look and feel, this mid-displacement naked bike offers lightweight, nimble handling and practical performance around town. Ideal for commutes, daily trips into the city or weekend outings to the countryside or mountains, the CB500F blends performance with a neutral riding position. Meanwhile, the bike’s rider-focused feel is honed through decades of iconic Honda CB models that paved the road for this latest parallel-twin platform.

• Color: Matte Black Metallic
• MSRP: $6,499
• Available: January
• Info

REBEL 300 / 500

With an iconic peanut fuel tank, narrow frame, LED lighting and a host of available accessories, the Rebel 300 and 500 are big on style, but they’re also user-friendly and built around the elemental needs of a motorcyclist. Both offer unparalleled enjoyment through their minimalist design, customizable components and exceptional performance in any type of environment—be it city streets or twisting backroads. No wonder they’re the industry’s top-selling small-displacement cruisers.

• Colors
  • Rebel 300: Matte Gray Metallic; Pearl Blue
  • Rebel 500: Matte Gray Metallic; Matte Pearl White
• MSRP
  • Rebel 300: $4,599
  • Rebel 300 ABS: $4,899
  • Rebel 500: $6,299
  • Rebel 500 ABS: $6,599
• Available: January
• Info

REBEL 500 ABS SE

For 2021, Honda takes the “Born Rebel” attitude a step further, adding the factory-customized Rebel 500 ABS SE to the lineup and growing the Rebel family by one. Fitted from the factory with popular Honda accessories, the Rebel 500 ABS SE accentuates the platform’s blacked-out design through the addition of a black headlight cowl, black upper fork covers and black fork boots. A brown diamond-stitch seat offers a striking color contrast.

• Color: Matte Gray Metallic
• MSRP: $6,799
• Available: January
• Info

Link: Honda