Maybe this frame shown in the photo was defective from the factory. That's my guess.

I have noticed that ATV frames and drivelines show the same specs whether they are 570 at 45 hp or a 1000 at 90 hp. Polaris does mention a "high performance CVT" for their big engined machines, but that is about all I've seen. (Maybe it's a better belt.) So why can't a 90 hp machine tow more than 1500 pounds which is the same rating as the 45 hp machines.

A high horsepower machine is going to get more loads on it for sure due to weight and speed. Seems to me the rest of the machine (CVT, diffs, driveshafts, frames, suspensions, brakes, etc.) ought to be scaled up to match the power. But I don't see this in the brochure specs.

And redrocks, I sure here you on the RV industry and their campers. If the camper says "ultra lite", watch out. They are built for lightweight and easy towing, but little else. At least my Airstream is holding up well after 30 years.

I sure wish there was objective reliability data on ATVs so we would have to take such a leap of faith while writing the check.

David

 

ATVs can tow a lot more than what they're rated for but getting it stopped going downhill would be a challenge. The manufacturers have to consider not only what it can move but what it can stop moving too.

 

You are exactly right JumboFrank. We "camper pullers" are always discussing downgrade controllability when selecting a tow vehicle. Going downhill on one of these famous Colorado mountain passes with a 8000 pound camper (or more weight) attached to your rear bumper is maybe the most challenging towing maneuver, especially if there are sharp curves on the descent. Trailer brakes, tow vehicle brakes and engine braking all play a roll in the manufacturer's tow ratings.

I bet an ATV with disc brakes and engine braking would lock the wheels and the heavy trailer would continue to push you down the hill, skidding rather dangerously.

I was just surprised in the ATV world that many of the "work" specs between a 45 hp machine and a 90 hp machine stay the same, tow ratings and rack load ratings for example. Farmers in Iowa select tractors based on their drawbar pull, 3 point hitch lift, horsepower and the like. Higher horsepower tractors are bigger, beefier. It appears higher horsepower ATVs are just faster.

A good example is the Arctic Cat tow rating of 1050 pounds stays the same throughout the range. The Polaris tow rating of 1500 pounds stays the same throughout the range. Why can the Polaris tow more than an Arctic Cat? Their horsepower numbers are similar. I'm trying to learn about frames, transmissions, differentials and the like in the interest of reliability of the design.

Thus, maybe a high horsepower ATV will over stress the rest of the machine. Maybe the engineers design the machine for 90 horsepower, 70 ft lbs torque, and tell marketing to feel free to put a smaller engine in it at a lower cost. (Marketing replies "yah but, we don't need such an expensive transmission for a 45 hp machine that sells based on price.)

I write trying to learn from your experiences if a higher horsepower ATV machine is less reliable.

There is an outfit here in Colorado that puts a small block V8 in the Miata sportscar that triples the horsepower. Great fun. A modern day Cobra. Do you suppose the clutch, transmission, driveshaft, differential, brakes and chassis can take the stress?

David

 

I think the reason ATVs with different engines have the same towing numbers is because the frame, suspension, etc. are the same. HP has very little to do with it.

 

That quad is a single rider Sportsman. Much less likely to bend than a longer quad like the X2 or Touring. As said, I've never seen anything like that short of a tree coming down on it. Buddy I ride with rolled one end over end down a steep rock face for about 30 feet or so. Some plastics got ruined but the frame was intact. How big was the guy riding it???

 

The air shocks give a decent enough ride. Similar to a regular high pressure gas shock. The big thing is to be able to change the pressure in the rear shocks so that they can take the load you want to carry without having to get off, find your spanner wrench, and bend your spanner wrench as you try to put more pre-load on the shocks. Mine is still working great even after 4 brutal years in every condition imaginable. From 15 degrees to near 100, snow, ice, mud, water, sand, etc.

I haven't been on a Generation 2 Can-Am so I'm not sure how it compares now to the Sportsman line. I find the Can-Am I have to be decent enough but still not as nice as the Sportsman quads I've been on. The Can-Am's independent trailing arm motion is more straight up and down than the Sportsman's A-arm rear. Polaris introduced rolled independent rear suspension in the Sportsman X2. Instead of a directly up and down motion, the suspension is canted rearward so the bounce is directed up and back. I found it to be one of those sounds good on paper but actually works in real life, things. My understanding is that Can-Am did the same thing on the Generation 2 framed quads so it's probably a better ride than the one I have.

 

Well after a month of "research" I was not able to find reliability data for quad ATVs. The reviews I read were mostly very good or very bad. I am sure there are "lemon ATVs" of all makes out there that severely disappoint us, especially watching the dwindling checking account, or missing a trail ride trip with friends. So buying an ATV is a leap of faith. I wish for better reliability data.

Today I signed on the dotted line for the Can Am Outlander Max Limited. Probably the most expensive ATV out there, and certainly over my head. But hey, it has a "normal" key that "detunes" it to about a 500cc machine, and it has a low range. I have to sell my Honda sports car to help defray the high cost of a new ATV. I selected the Can AM mainly because of the good looks, and the fit and finish of the unit. The Rotax engine brand was a plus for me. Further, the dealer added 2 years of warranty coverage at no charge. That was a sign of faith the dealer has confidence in the machine. (I fully understand that warranty claims are completely negotiable, starting with "you abused the machine, warranty denied".)

I'm from Minnesota and I certainly am loyal to the Polaris brand, and still am. I didn't like the triple black, tank like styling of the Polaris 2 up Touring. They are styled that way for better rider visibility, you can actually see what the front wheels are hitting. The machine looks rugged. The performane is certainly on par with the Can Am. The Polaris was about $1500 cheaper with the same included and added accessories that I got on the Can Am. I think Polaris is the number one manufacturer of ATVs and UTVs.

I must say thank you gents for all your thoughtful inputs in this thread helping me select an ATV. I've learned quite a bit from this ATV Connection Forum that was helpful in making a decision.

So now I must go through the painful learning curve of trail riding an ATV. I will be slow and cautious as a newbie, but I hope to gain an "average" rating as soon as I can. Safety first. I want to see more of this great state of Colorado. I'll be on line here asking questions about this ATV hobby we all enjoy.

David

 

What? You got a Can-Am???



Congratulations. If I can swing it in the next few years the Limited would probably be the machine I'd go for.

Keep it in low for the technical, slow going stuff and watch the corners in high gear. It has enough power to lighten up the front end enough that you can negate your steering. Once you get up to speed the trick is to lean forward to weight the front end a bit, lightening up the rear, and into the corner. Hit the throttle like that and it will easily kick out the rear.

 

I figure I owe a picture, although all of you have seen a Can-Am Outlander Max before. I've ridden it about 2.5 hours now. I want to finish the break in 10 hours before I start pushing snow with it. I hope to enjoy this ATV and the ATV hobby for some years to come.

Again, thanks for your good advice in helping me select a ATV.

Happy New Year

David

 

Very nice. Good looking machine.