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The
Can-Am ATV Outlander - All the Models - Reviews and Specs.
The Can-Am
ATV Outlander models
start with the smooth and docile 400
and end with a bang on the rip snortin' V-twin, fuel injected 800R. The
Outlander series is really where Bombardier started their assault on
the ATV world. And they don't appear to be willing to let you forget
about it.
Rather than taking up space regurgitating a bunch of technical specs,
(you can click on the links for that) we're gonna get right to the
meat. What works ... What doesn't work ... Is it the right ATV for you?
Time's a wastin' - let's go.
400
- Strong running single cylinder, fuel injected Rotax engine. Trick
digital gage cluster with multi-function display. Good handling and
ergonomics. Good skid protection for running gear and brakes, if you
don't mind a few dents in the bottom frame rail. When in 4 wheel drive,
the visco-lok front differential reacts quicker than last year.
The bad would be the brakes. They stop OK, but have lousy feel. Not a
fan of linked brakes, especially with a left hand lever. I don't know
who does market research for these companies, but somebody needs to
tell 'em that a lot of ATV riders also spent time on motorcycles. And
bikes don't have left hand brake levers!
Potentially bad are reports that in muddy conditions, the radiator is
getting clogged with mud and causing overheating problems. Most seem to
think the body panel in front of the rad is to blame.
400 Max
- 8 inches longer and 50 pounds heavier. 200 lb. more towing capacity.
Seating for two. If you ride 2 up more often than not, this may be the
best choice for you. This is the one that put the Can-Am ATV Outlander
line on the map.
Click here for Can-Am ATV Outlander 400
specifications.
500
- Smallest of the Rotax V-twins, runs with most 650s. Good combination
of ride and handling. Comfortable riding position. Useful racks front
and rear, but can limit your ability to move around on the seat in
tight going. Also has the recalibrated visco-lok.
I like horsepower and fuel injection. I don't like it when it's hard to
control. This may be one of those times. It depends on what kind of
riding you do. If you like wide open spaces and don't do a lot of
tedious, low speed work, you won't have a problem. But between the soft
low end power and the response of the fuel injection, it can make
tight, low spe ed riding a
challenge.
Then there's the brakes. Basically the same complaint as the 400. Not a
lot of feel, left hand lever, noisy, prone to fade when wet.
You also need to know the 500 leans more toward sport than utility. The
handling suffers noticeably with a load on the racks, and the lack of
low end power makes slow speed work tougher than it needs to be.
500 Max -
Once again, 8 inches longer but this time only 43 lbs. heavier. Still
has over 5 gal. of rear storage combined with a convertible rack system
with backrest. This Can-Am ATV Outlander model is a favorite with
farmers and ranchers.
Click here for 500 Specifications.
650
- By most accounts, this ATV hits the sweet spot. It seems to be a
favorite of the magazine guys, along with the regular Joes that post
their opinions in the forums. It has that "just right" combination of
power, handling, comfort, ride, and versatility.
You have to really dig to find anyone with anything negative to say
about this Can-Am ATV Outlander model. The biggest complaint? ... lack
of bash protection for the exposed underside of the frame. Easily fixed
with a good skid plate. 
My 2 cents worth? I still don't like the brakes. Fix that and this
thing couldn't get much better. Don't believe me? Ask somebody that
owns one.
650 Max -
The Max can strut its stuff in the 650. It has enough power that taking
along a passenger is not something you try to avoid. Yet when going
solo, you don't feel you have too much ATV to herd. Of all the Can-Am
ATV Outlanders out
there, this one may be the most versatile of them all.
Click here for 650 Specifications.
800
- If you think you need
more power than the 650 ... you may be better off spending your money
on therapy. If you want
more power ... that's different. And you're exactly who the feisty
folks at Bombardier had in mind when they built the Can-Am ATV
Outlander 800.
When wretched excess seems normal to you, step right up to this utility
ATV that can shame many of the sport ATVs out there. Don't even bother
asking about the power ... way, way more than any sane person needs.
Cons? Pretty much the same as other Outlander models. Only magnified by
the blinding speed of this thing. Prone to frame damage if you don't
bolt on decent skid plates. Weird brake set up with very little feel.
Front shocks could be a problem if you push it in the rough stuff. The
speed and weight of the 800 can get you to that point real quick! Also
some reports about doing damage to the rear trailing arms in high speed
rough riding.
When your riding includes a lot of water, there have been complaints
about the CVT belt getting wet and slipping. Just a heads up.
To be fair, this laundry list of negatives is only likely to surface at
the extreme end of the riding spectrum. Just thought you needed to know.
800 Max
- Plenty of room to bring along a passenger to terrify. The longer
wheelbase may add some stability at speed but makes turning a little
slower. Maybe that's a good thing?
Click here for Can-Am ATV Outlander 800
specifications.
XT Package
- This option package can be added to any Outlander model. Includes
upgraded wheels and tires, winch with remote control and on board
storage for it, handlebar wind deflectors, and heavy duty front and
rear bumpers.
Related Links:
Can-Am
ATV DS Models.
Can-Am
ATV Renegade Models.
Can-Am ATV home page.
World of ATVs home page.
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