Hi all!
First post here, and I don't want a comparision/bash fest to break out, but I'm hoping you can give me some guidance.
OK-been a Honda guy forever, two wheel only, never owned a quad. Worked at a Honda dealership for a few years (partsman) so I know their stuff reasonably well.
The wife and I (and kids) are to the point that we've decided it's time to turn out streetbikes (CBR954RR and CBR600F4i) into a couple of quads.
Of course, Honda is the first to come to mind-my best friend still works at the Honda dealership (service manager) but I don't think he'll disown me if I decide to get something else. I like the Honda brand, but they're kinda boring (IMHO). I'm an old fart (40 actually) I don't need to be first to the top of the biggest hill, but I still like my stuff to be somewhat sporty.

That's the background-here's my questions-the first thing to come to mind (and out of his mouth) is the belt drive system. I tend to think they (the manufacturers) must have this stuff figured out by now. Any good (or bad) points I need to consider?
IRS-is it as fragile as I'm led to believe? Or are some people just able to break anything?
Lastly, the ground clearance thing-unless you go to the Rincon, you get 7-ish inches. The Outlander 500 or 650 (what I've been considering) are in the neighborhood of 12 inches. Big difference. Do the Can-am's squat much when out get on? I remember when the Rincon came out, with all 10 inches of clearance-with the plusher suspension, it (of course) is softer. We put me and by buddy on, (approx. 420lb combined) and the 10 inches turned to 7 in a hurry sitting on the showroom floor!

Sorry for the windy first post, I've got much more to ask, but this'll be a good start!

Any replies appreciated!

 

My buddy just bought the Rincon and I just bought the outlander 800 last year. except for the obvious power issue, we both like the feel of the seat, the comfort of the ride and the engine breaking going downhill on the Outty. But, he is convinced that Hondas are the most reliable bike out there.

 

My buddy just bought the Rincon and I just bought the outlander 800 last year. except for the obvious power issue, we both like the feel of the seat, the comfort of the ride and the engine breaking going downhill on the Outty. But, he is convinced that Hondas are the most reliable bike out there.

 

Sorry, I must have double clicked. Does anyone know how to delete a post. I'm a newbie here.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Tigerracer

My buddy just bought the Rincon and I just bought the outlander 800 last year. except for the obvious power issue, we both like the feel of the seat, the comfort of the ride and the engine breaking going downhill on the Outty. But, he is convinced that Hondas are the most reliable bike out there.</end quote></div>

Yeah, I'm convinced on the Honda reliability as well, I just think the other guys must not be all that bad by now. I don't think I'd want to get into one of the first few years' production from one of the other manufacturers, but everybody learns as they go along, and Can-am (to me) seems to have a reasonable quality product. (along with Polaris, and others)

I don't have any other dealers in my small town (100 km to nearest other brand) so without a drive, it's hard to compare.

 

What do you really want to do with the quad(s)?. Do you simply want to joyride established trails, or 'carry the kitchen sink'?. If joyride look at the Honda Rancher 420, the Honda 400ex( if you don't need 4x4), or the Can-AM Renegades.

If you want to carry 'the kitchen sink' look at the Honda Rubicon, or the Outies. If looking for 2up riding, definitely the Outies. I wouldn't ride 2 up on a Honda. It's illegal in some places and just plain unsafe, not to mention uncomfortable.

Whatever you buy, check out the dealer. Make sure they stand behind the sale, and explain the warranty fully to you. Alot of warranty work is at dealers discretion, the manufacturers use them as their eyes and ears.

 

Planned use would include trail riding (although up here, we have no real established trail systems, you make a trail by going the same route several times) but we do have several favorite places to visit.
Half the time it will be going where the kids can get to on their Z50's with the quads carrying a cooler or two for a weenie roast, or day tripping away from wherever we're camping.
Sometimes though, the guys get off on our own where we usually seem to get into some "black diamond" type of terrain-stuff where we're winching everything (including Argos) backwards down a hill, just to winch it all back up the other side. Or muddy swamp type stuff so sloppy the only thing that'll get across is an argo on tracks that can then winch the quads across.
So sometimes, I guess, we get into situations where a little more clearance and power would come in handy. Up 'till now, I've been using machines they rent out (the Honda shop) when they're not being rented. These are all TRX450s and es's, so they're the only machine I've any experience on.

 

If you go with something like the outty, you'll never second guess yourself unless unfortunatley you would get a lemon, which happens with all manufacturers from time to time.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: Tigerracer

If you go with something like the outty, you'll never second guess yourself unless unfortunatley you would get a lemon, which happens with all manufacturers from time to time.</end quote></div>

Yes-the Outlander seems to be fairly well thought out (and well thought of)

Question-the markedly higher output of the whole Can-am like, in comparision to the Hondas (like 40% more in some cases, according to the Can-am website) is this going to equate to higher maintenance? I see the maintenance scedule on the website calls for valvetrain inspection/adjustment quite regularily. Is this a huge chore? (if I wind up with a non-honda, my buddy will still help, but maybe not quite as quick-when a Honda breaks, he takes it personally and it doesn't stay broke for long!)

 

Look at the suspension, braking, and axles on the outty campared to a rincon, there is some much more to go wrong on the rincon. Can am took a step back and simplified it so much that it turned out a tremendous product.