I am currently looking at the 500 Outlander. I have not had the chance to ride one on a trail. When going down steep hills in low range, does the gearing hold you back? I know Polaris does not unless they are equipped with EBS which is not all that great. They have a new system called ADC. Atric Cat seems to have one of the best systems for holdback or creeping down a steep hill without braking.

 

Yes the engine braking will hold you back going down hill, I ride my 08 outlander 500 in Calif Sierras high country and I find that I rarely have to touch the brakes. unless it is really step you will actually have to give it gas to keep moving.

 

I think Can-am has the best engine brake out there... but just be careful when baking out of a steep decline out of a truck [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

The Outlanders have good motor braking going down hill, I have to motor my 650 going down hill. If they free wheel going down hill there is a problem. My wifes 500 did it she had trouble when we were at Black Mountain in northern Michigan, I didn't know her Quad was doing it. She said somthing when she road my 650. Took it to the dealer there was big problems in the gear box. Had to take it back 2 times before they got it fixed.
Not real happy with the front supension on the 500, the 650 is a lot better. Thinking we should have got 2 650's.