We went on a run yesterday,2 couples on logging rds my buddy and his wife on there 650 outlander xt two up and my wife on our sportsman 500ho efi x2 tourring. After a while we decided to switch bikes and compare this is what we found. We both agreed that the outlander had a lot more power, 650 vs 500, another thing was less vibration on outlander was less noticable than my sportsman, v twin vs my single. also engine braking on outlander seemed to brake more, and brakes were sharper on outlander. Now for steering my sportsman was ligther to steer than the outlander, both women liked the seat on the sportsman better we drove 125km and when we fueled there was exactly 1$ difference the outlander using the most. This was running an average of between 15 to 35 mph, we both agree that there is very little diff between the 2 bike and it was great to be able to switch to compare we are both very happy with our bikes and concluded that it boils down to just a few little preferrences and those are a personal thing overall we liked both bikes just fine no bragging rights to neither of us. To note both bikes are 2008.

 

real comparison 700 vs 650

 

I agree this was just to switch to see the diff it was not a competition,and was a chance to try a diff bike, I also found the outlander motor to have more of a high pitch kind of whinning sound to it like whistle, I dont know if other twins sound like that this was my first ride on a twin?

 

It is nice to try other machines and not think of it as a contest. Each has their strong points. Went riding with a buddy that has a cat and we swapped machines to try out the other. Not to cut or rag (which it seems many do) but just out of curiosity. My wifes 400 outty has a whine to it also when going.