I'm in the market to buy a new big bore 4x4, I've pretty much narrowed my search down to the Outlander 800, Brute Force 750, and Polaris 850XP. What's everyone's feelings on this? Out of the standard length models, how does each handle two-up riding?

 

This months ATV Action (July) has a comparison of these three plus the AC T-Cat. Basically ranked them:

#1 Outlander 800R
#2 Polaris 850XP
#3 Kaxi BF750i
#4 AC T-Cat

All had areas that they were best in - Outy = engine and handling, Polaris = ride comfort, BF = value and T-Cat = top speed so consider how you intend to use the machine. All are top of the line quads and willset you back some serious ATV money.

 

Which will be the most comfortable for two-up riding?

 

Ride comfort will go to the Polaris as it has the plushest ride. Harshest but sportiest ride is the Outlander. Polaris, Can-Am and AC all have two-up machines in these models. At this time, Kawi does not have a real two-up machine.

While you 'can' ride double an a regular ATV, if you are going to be doing much riding with a passenger give serious consideration to the real 2-up models. They will be much more comfortable and will handle better. Plus, some riding areas do not allow 2-up riding on a non-2-up machine.

 

I do not want to get one of the longer purpose built 2-up machines. It is just occasionally that I will have a passenger.

 

Then your best bet is to test sit the different models and see which one feels best. Then, balance your expected ride time with just one vs riding double to make a choice. You are going to sacrafice comfort on any single ATV when you ride double. Just plan on riding slower.

My brother has an AC TRV that he rides single probably 99% of the time. No real handling issues with the longer bike - very rarely he will have to back and fill on an extreamly tight turn - but this is very rare. Beyond that, the longer wheelbase actually handles better for steep hills. For those few times that he does have a passenger, it is much nicer than riding double on a single rider ATV.

 

I like the Can-AM Outlander but I also like the Sportsman 850XP... I have rode both and feel like the XP is a little smother and around here it is about $400 cheaper. They both Preform VERY well, but I don't really care for the VERSA LOCK front end... I also like the new look of the XP. Plus I am a supporter of union made products made in the U.S.A.

 

My vote is Outlander - main 2 reasons, V twin and 127 pounds less weight. However, a little warry cause I heard a guy say he trashed his Outlander frame in a simple tip over.

 

Here, I found some graphs about power somewhere about the Can Am 800 vs the Polaris XP. Lemme find them, I'll post them up tongith.

 

theres a video on polaris' website where they test the 850xp against the grizzly 700, brute force 750 and the outlander 800. of course, since its on their site, it wins, but the tests are all valid, and are worth looking at:

2009 Polaris Sportsman XP 850 EFI ATV : Competitive Comparisons