My dealer had the factory demo ride this week.

400 Max XT.

The wife and I rode the 400 Max only because the 800 they had was not the 2 up version. I have to say the ride was exceptionally smooth. The course they had set up was a very tight woods trail with some mud and lots of bumps. The independent rear works very well, kept us level and smooth through what I thought would be a harsh ride. Now for me I think the suspension would be a little too spongy but if your off to have a pleasant afternoon ride with the wife than it does that well. The back seat is comfy, roomy and secure feeling. We did get hung up on a log that was at the top of a very slick mud hole, the frame got grounded, I did gt over it after the wife got off, I didn't want to hit it too hard with her on the back. I did notice the mud protection is not that great when your spinning all 4 wheels in the muck. We got pretty muddy. I would definitely get the fender extensions. I noticed the extra length on the really sharp turns. The steering felt light for a big machine with 2 riding. Owning a Polaris for the last 6 years the single brake did not even register except that I made a mental note that the brakes worked much better (less pressure needed) than my Polaris. The 400 was kind of jerky off the line especially in low range. I think they made the engagement come on strong because the 400 is a very low HP machine. The course did not let us get up to top end but I could tell the 400 was slow. Would I buy one, this would be a great bike for a retired couple who wanted to putt along on dirt roads out to their favorite north country restaurant.

Outty 800 XT

After the 400 I got a chance to ride the 800XT. The first thing I noticed was how smooth the engine felt when I started it. In fact everything about the bike and ride felt smooth. My Polaris is getting up there in years and miles and is probably not as smooth as it was when new but I have also ridden a new Poo 700 carb and EFI and they have significantly more vibration than this new V-twin. The power came on strong and lifted the front end. I did not ride a wheelie but the initial hit unloaded the front suspension quickly making the whole bike rock backwards. Although the XT's suspension felt slightly firmer than the MAX it still was very soft. The first turn I went into made the bike dive in the front outside tire. This was on a flat dirt section so I goosed it and brought the back end around. I did not like the body roll when riding aggressively but the power delivery was so smooth that it help cancel out the negative aspects of the handling. In other words I could use the throttle to help steer the beast. The soft suspension worked great when I was out on the tight woods trail. The steering felt light in the woods and I was able to negotiate all the tight turns without having to back up like I did with the MAX. I got hung up on the same log but by now I had dug the mud ruts so deep that there was no way I was climbing out so I made use of the handy winch. They later went in and re-routed the course. They looked at me funny when I came out of the woods completely covered with mud, I was having a blast. The radiator fan came on once for a minute while I tried to muscle my way back out of the mud hole I got stuck in. I was flinging mud for about five minutes before I decided to use the winch. I would have put more throttle into it if it had better mud protection but I was getting pelted as it was.

I'm interested in the 800 MAX. I think they need to rethink the springs and valving on the front suspension to limit the front end diving and body roll. The rear worked great. I was impressed with the smoothness of the engine and drive train, power delivery was smooth and deliberate. Brakes worked well. Comfortable seat, floor boards, handlebar position. Overall great ergos.

Given the price and the soft suspension I will probably wait till spring to see if they do some tweaking to the suspension, other than that I would say I am right there on a purchase.

 

Sparks: Good review, I wish we would see more of these. I am very interested in the Outty 800 and am trying to read everything I can about it. One question, how bad is the front end dive? Is it something that would keep you from buying it? Is the front end adjustable so you can stiffen it up some?

 

I rode both the 800 and the Max at my dealership for quite some time a few weeks ago.I loved them both..But the wife wants to strat riding with me instead of riding her own ATV,so the 800EFI HO MAX it is..I cant wait to get my red one onto my dealership in mid-October.

 

A few factors will keep me from a purchase till spring. First I don't have all the cash saved up yet and I hate financing toys. Also this year I have been super busy and not much riding so my trusty Xplorer will do till then. This will also let the new model bake for a while, heard there is one recall out now. Hopfully they will monkey with the suspension by spring as well. I sent a copy of my review to my dealer and they sent it along to BRP. But no the suspension alone would not stop me, I would put a stiffer spring on the front.