1. Why doesn't Honda make Pilots
anymore? Honda would have the real answer for this
question,but since you asked I will attempt my best guess:The price.In 1989
& 1990 there were plenty of high performance Quads available for thousands
less than the $5995.00 retail price of the Pilot. Honda had a difficult time
selling the Pilots and had new Pilots still in their warehouses until 1993. I
believe if Honda made a new Pilot the price would be above $10,000. These were
highly engineered cars and most of the hardware only fits the Pilot.
2. What is the price range on used
Pilots? Prices are highest in areas that have a
lot of riding areas(West & East Coast). I have seen Pilots for sale in the
Midwest for $1000 to $2000 less than the prices on either coast. Prices range
from $4500 to $7000 for original equipped Pilots depending on condition, on the
West coast.
3. What is considered a "good
"condition Pilot? I consider the general appearance of the
Pilot when making this decision. No rust, no bent frame or roll cage, original
tires and wheels, the surfaces of the clutch and rear pulley should be smooth
,no grooves(the clutch runs around $350.00 and the pulley is around $450.00).
The plastic should be in good condition(all the plastic for the Pilot runs over
a $1000.00). I prefer Pilots that are not modified-that way I can do the work
myself and don't have to wonder if the previous owner knew what he was doing.
If any of the above are not in this condition the price should
reflect the repair cost.
4. Do you have any Pilots for sale? I will post any Pilots for sale at the top of my page at
AOL,click HERE to
check
5. What are the differences between the 1989 and 1990
Pilot? The 90's had larger diameter upper front A-arms, a different
flag base,muffler and guard. None of this affects the performance of either
year.
6. What are the differences between the 1985 FL350 and the
Pilot? 1989 & 1990 PILOT F400R | 1985-FL350 | 400cc water cooled
A-arm independent suspension
LENGTH: 96.4 inches
WIDTH: 50.50 inches
HEIGHT: 57.2 inches
GROUND CLEARANCE: 5.3 inches
WHEELBASE: 62.2 inches
FUEL CAPACITY: 4.2 Gallons
WEIGHT: 605 pounds | 350cc air cooled
Trailing arm suspension
LENGTH: 85 inches
WIDTH: 58.1 inches
HEIGHT: 56.5 inches
GROUND CLEARANCE: 8.3 inches
WHEELBASE: 60.6 inches
FUEL CAPACITY: 3.8 Gallons?
WEIGHT: 602 pounds |

(Thanks to MJRicci1@aol.com for the great pic)
In short, the Pilot does everything the FL350 does, just better.
The water cooled engine allows you to ride for 2 hours without stopping. With an
air cooled engine you have to let it cool at least every 45 minutes. The
independent suspension on the Pilot provides for a very well handling machine
and the ride is much smoother. I have found the Pilot to be much more reliable
than the FL350. Honda really over engineered the Pilot. I have owned my first
Pilot since 1992 and have rolled it at least 30 separate times with damage only
to the tie rods,A-arms and roll cage(all easily repaired or replaced). No
frame,engine or transmission damage has occurred from this. The Odyssey's
trailing arm suspension would never stand up to the abuse I have put my Pilot
through.?Don't get me wrong ,the FL350 is a very capable machine that sells for
thousands less than the Pilot and is still a lot of fun for the $. |