I'm looking at either the 800 XT or the Max 800 XT as my next ATV and having trouble deciding.

On paper they're basically the same machine save for the Max being 8" longer and a little bit heavier, but also (arguably) more versatile.

I would be riding mostly 1-up.

For any current owners here can you post your opinions / pros-cons of one vs. the other?

Thanks!

 

Why buy a more expensive 2up if your riding solo? More weight less turning radius.

Longer is better for steep hill climbs.

 

What I like about the two-up model is the versatility. Other than that, I dunno? That's why I'm looking for people with experience with the machines in question.

 

The advantages of the 2-up are it's safer to ride with a passenger than a one up as the passenger is sitting to the front of the rear axle. Also, on hills the longer wheelbase is much better than the shorter 1-up. I've had both. The longer wheelbase is tons better. More room on the racks too. With the Outlander Max you can have the passenger seat in place and have enough room on the rack for a large cargo box. On a Polaris Touring, for comparison, you have a little room on each side of the passenger seat for a small box or bag. I find the 2-up machines a lot more predictable in power slides too.

The downsides are extremely tight twisty trails require a bit more work to wend your way through than a 1-up. You also may need a larger trailer as the Max is almost 8' long. The last downside is the breakover angle where the middle of the quad is going over an obstacle. The shorter the wheelbase the higher the breakover angle. So, a longer wheelbase will have you scraping the skid plates when you go over something a 1-up just clears.

The Max will have a better resale value.

 

Thanks Moose. That's precisely the kind of feedback I was looking for. Is the turning radius that much worse considering there is only an 8" difference in length?

Again, thanks for the input.

 

Not sure how much tighter the single rider machine can turn than the Max. I don't think it's all that much. I haven't found any trails where I can't get the Max through where single rider machines can go. It's just a matter of having to plan out your turns a little more when on a tight trail. Was recently out on a two track that winds its way between trees. Just had to make sure to turn a little wider going into the turns between trees so the back end wouldn't scrape. Not a big deal.

 

Thanks again!

 

Agree with the Moose, get a Max. I have two (an 04 650 Bomb Max Quest and an 09 Outlander Max Ltd.) and as far as I am concerned, two ups are the way to go. The longer wheelbase gives a better ride and is more stable at high speed.

By the way, Moose and NL, I switched from an 07 Polaris X2 500 to Can Am.