Guy's I just joined the forum. I've been reading about the Outlander 800 for the last 2 months and finally took the plunge. After many calls I was able to locate a 06' 800 Max XT. I just picked it up and am planning on the first real ride this weekend in Upper Mich.

My question is for most regular trail riding, does it matter if I use 2 wheel drive or since the Outty has Visco-Loc is there any reason not to just keep it in 4 wheel drive all the time? I understand that it may affect gas mileage, but since I don't have the opportunity to ride every day, I'm really not concerned about the extra cost. What advantages, disadvantages might I expect? Any issues on component wear and tear? The little bit that I've been able to ride my machine, I haven't noticed a real difference in steering pull or effort.

Also, in reading the manual, it is suggested that you be stopped when engaging 4 wheel drive, yet the dealer told me that as long as I was going straight and not applying any extra power, I could shift on the fly. Comments?

Let me know your thoughts!

 

Why would you want to drive around in 4wd all the time unless you need it? It's a simple flip of the switch. I can shift on the fly, by slightly easing back on the throttle. I wouldn't risk the extra wear and tear by supplying power to one of the front wheels all the time unless your in the slippery stuff.. Just my opinion.

 

HE IS RIGHT...no point to ride 4wd...yuo can just hit the switch when neeeded

you will be suprised at what it can do in 2wd...i went about 4 ride until i found a need to even put it in 4wd..

 

Broadjumper...You dont ned to be in 4 wheel drive to experience what this thing can do. Yes, you can switch to 4 wheel on the fly (although I dont recommend moving fast)....2 wheel will take you just about everywhere.

 

Welcome to the forum man. And I would ride it in 2 unless needed for rocks and sinkholes and mud and such. 2 wheel allows you to powerslide your corners and rip it up.....Just my .02

 

in the dunes i leave mine in 4x4 most of the time. I always come to a stop when going from 2x4 to 4x4, a guy i know had a problem on his 400 when shifting from 2 to 4 on the fly so i'll come to a stop for peace of mind.

 

The 2 wd is safer imo when taking tight turns. Just slide forward and down inside the turn and your Outy in 2 wd will just follow the trail, skidding as much as it needs to follow the turn as it tightens up on you. I don't think the 3wd would do that as well. Anyway, why have more parts flying around in there than what you need.

Just changed front and rear gear oil, front oil came out a nice clear blue color, rear came out brown, sure it had some shavings in it also.

Average ride, you will not need 4 wd. BTW, I always stop to shift in or out of 4wd or change gears.

 

Thanks for all the comments guys! I had a chance to put some miles on last weekend and am really impressed with the 800 max! Great handling, great power, smooth and quick. My 20 year old daughter rode with me the whole weekend and I hardly knew she was back there.

With respect to traction, the only time I decided to use 4 wheel drive was going over logs and through some mud holes. Wish I could ride every day!