Honda's Tim Patnode joined us for a couple of days riding in Georgia's tight, wooded trails aboard the new TRX400EX. While we were there finding out what the new TRX400EX is all about we had great discussions about his past experience with the company and Honda's unique philosophy. In hanging out with Tim for those days, we learned some interesting things and knew that we should share them with you.
ATV Rider: While you're the newest addition to Honda's media group, you've worked for Honda for many years in a different role and understand the products better than most. Tell us a little about your background with Honda.
Tim Patnode: Essentially, the good experiences I had with Honda products led me to apply at Hinshaw's Honda in Auburn, Washington. They put me up front selling Honda motorcycles, ATVs and power equipment. The six years I spent there helped me land the District Sales Manager (DSM) position at American Honda where I was fortunate enough to have three different territories with large ATV markets. My experiences at the dealership and eight years as a DSM really opened my eyes to the many uses for ATVs beyond the recreational riding I was most familiar with.
ATVR: We appreciate your coming all the way to Georgia and riding the new Honda 400EX with us. What did you think about riding here in the south in comparison to the type of riding that you have in California?
TP: Riding with you here in Georgia is very similar to the woods riding I experienced in Washington. The abundance of trees make it very technical, however those cacti needles and rocks in the desert aren't something you want to brush into, either.
ATVR: Since I'm able to travel and ride all around the country, I'm aware of how varied the terrains can be and how differently machines handle in all these changing environments. Did the 400EX feel different out here to you than it did back on the West Coast?
TP: I understand what you mean, but in my opinion one of the best traits of the 400EX is how comfortable it is to ride. Even more so this year with the suspension changes and more room between the seat, pegs and handlebar. Whether I'm zooming up a sand dune, riding down a rocky desert trail or dicing though the trees with you in Georgia, the 400 makes it easy to get up the next day and do it again. The beauty of the TRX400EX is its size; powerful enough to have fun in wide-open spaces yet light and nimble enough to enjoy the ride when the trails get tight.
ATVR: We totally agree with you. Can you tell us about the improvements that the 400EX received for 2008 and why these improvements were made?
TP: The TRX400EX is one of our most popular sport ATVs ever, but we wanted to restyle and reach beyond current ATV appearances to keep demand high. For 2008, we gave it the most significant cosmetic makeover ever, but we didn't stop with the radical new appearance. Updates designed into the suspension and chassis components and a lighter clutch pull work together to increase operator comfort. This is especially important for a reliable trail machine where all-day rides are common.
ATVR: We thought that the restyling was great on the new 400EX. What part of the market or type of rider does Honda seek to reach with the new and improved 400EX?
TP: The TRX400EX is designed for riders 16 years and older who want a reliable, fun-to-ride sport four-wheeler that's easy to maintain and able to handle the trails whether you ride in Georgia or California.
ATVR: Over the past couple of days, I heard you mention on several occasions how much time and effort Honda puts into the research and development of its products. Can you expand on that?
TP: Well, the length of time a product spends in R&D doesn't necessarily indicate specific design challenges, but great care and time is taken to vet potential issues before production so the customer has a great ownership experience.
ATVR: Most ATV riders understand at least small portions of Honda's background, but in a nutshell, can you tell us a little about Honda's philosophy?
TP: Sure! Long before companies thought of "public relations" or had "mission statements" Soichiro Honda [founder of Honda Motor Co., Ltd.] understood that for a company to be successful it had to respect the individual. It was out of this core belief that the Honda philosophy was born. Because of his belief in the importance of each individual, our goal is to provide joy to those who buy, sell and create our products and services. This also extends to society as a whole as Mr. Honda wanted his company to be a contributing, conscientious member of society-basically a company that everyone wants to exist.