Okay - it was a sarcastic title - but I'm looking for real info. I'm the current owner of a 2003 Polaris 600 Twin. I like the machine, and I'm happy with the performance - however, it is EXTREMELY cold blooded - and I've had some small problems with it that cause me some aggrivation. I recently drove the 700 EFI, and could really tell the difference the EFI made in the response of the ATV.

I'm not a motorhead - and I'm not a hardcore rider - and I get absolutely nothing but aggrivated if I have to "tinker". My machine is used mostly for utility - pulling small trees, plowing snow, hauling wagons, and doing general work around our property. There are however some things that don't appeal to me on the Polaris. First of all, its not overly nimble. It sometimes just feels a little top heavy, and you almost have to fight it through sharp turns that you take with any amount of speed. I liken it to driving a large SUV rather than a car (which I suppose it is, relatively speaking).... People think I'm too critical about my next complaint, but there is some sort of resonance on the machine that drives me crazy. When revving it up, you can feel the vibration in both the seat and the handlebars - and its pretty stout - and you can feel it strongly at certain RPM's especially driving in low. It doesn't really affect driving too much, but to me, for the price, its an annoyance. I've driven other machines, (both Polaris and Other Brands) and they don't have it like mine does. Finally - again I'll mention how cold blooded it is. Its like pulling teeth getting this machine to run in temperatures below 35 degrees. You really have to baby-sit it, and it takes a LONG time to warm up. I would say the only feature I really hate on my Polaris is the ridiculous "SLOW" button that must be used in reverse to engage the 4WD. Complete PIA when you are doing work - especially plowing deep snow. I HATE IT. I don't understand the purpose behind it, and see it as nothing but a nuisance.

So, getting to my point, in doing research for my next possible ATV purchase, everything I've read about Bombardier's has been positive. I don't know ANYONE that owns one, and I've only seen them in person at the Sportsman shows. I came here to see what the typical problems with them are here, and amazingly, I scrolled through 4 or 5 pages of threads, and not one of them was in regard to a valid mechanical problem. All the problems I saw were either upgrade related or accident related. So I'm thinking, maybe these things ARE as good as they say! Check out any of the other manufacturers, and its problems galore - even if they are small - its an annoyance.

On with my questions. I was curious how the Outlander standard handled, and how HUGE the Outlander XT really was - can it go all the places a "regular" utility ATV can? I'm interested in the 650 for a couple reasons. First, based on my experience with the Polaris, I think I really want EFI for cold start performance. Second, while I don't use it often, but I like having the power my 600 provides, even though a 400 would probably be sufficient - and if offered with EFI - I would probably consider it. I really don't think I need the dispacement, however, how do the Chassis sizes vary? I often ride double, and carry large items on the racks like treestands, tools, etc. so the physical size of the machine, its racks, etc. are also a concern, and a driving force for looking at the larger 650.

How is the 4x4 system on these ATV's? Is it true 4WD, or is it similar to AWD where once you start to spin the backwheels, the fronts engage. Frankly, I don't care which system it is, as long as its effective, and I don't get stuck.

Do the Bombs have anything similar to the Polaris backup button? I hate that thing!

Anyone have any problems with the inboard braking system? Is it hard to get to or maintain?

Is the bike itself fairly low maintenance? Any greasing or lubing required on a regular basis?

Finally, are they a robust machine? I've noticed a lot of squeaks and stuff on my Polaris. Just hasn't seemed to hold up as well as the MSRP reflected. Little things like the speedometer quit working, chassis squeaks, etc. We've babied this machine as far as abuse. I run the engine hard, but don't physically abuse the machine.....

Any input would be appreciated. I was amazed not to see any "problem" threads....

Thanks,
Mike

EDIT - Last question - do you think the lack of weight of the 650 compaired to my Sportsman would be an issue? It seems the only thing I've ever lacked when doing work was traction at times. Will the lighter machine make it less capable when doing "pulling" work or plowing?

 

If money is no issue the Outlander 800 is by far the most advanced machine yet. Go to a Bomb dealer and ask for the dvd that has a shootout with the Outlander 800, the Sportsman 800, and the Bruteforce 750.


I recently bought a 2004 Sportsman 700 non EFI and it works great. I live in central Nebraska and used the 700 when it was 10 degrees outside and did not have any problems. Just chocked it and let it warm up a little longer. I have heard from sveral dealers that the 600 is very cold blooded has has issues starting but the 700 and the 500 are fine.

Because of the new 800 EFI's on the market you can find the 700 non EFI stuff very cheap. That is what I did. Mine is a late 04 model it had 800 miles on it and lookes brandnew and I paid $4500.00. Also some dealers still have brand new 05 700 non EFI Sportsmans for way less than the 800EFI.

 

All the Polaris twins are prone to the vibration you dislike. If you want a smooth PO better to go for the 500.
The Bomb 4wd works in reverse, no button pushing. The front diff has a visco-lok torque biasing differential in it. Superior to a locker in cornering situations, but less effective where real big torque bias is needed, because it needs some front wheel spin to develop the bias.
The Outlander standard is one of the best handling utilities out there. Light, quick.
There's only about six or eight zerks on the Outlander.

And yeah, when pulling or plowing, weight does help.

DT

 

Growing up as a kid I usually had a cheap bike, whatever generic brand. When I got older a friend of mine got a new SCHWINN 10 speed, he let me ride it and WOW, what a difference the brakes worked awsome, shifting gears was so easy, it just felt so much better.

Thats kind of how I'd compare a BRP machine to some of their competition. They simply just have a durable feel to them, the engines always sound beefy and they are sturdy. I've rolled my Outlander, first thought it was totaled, got it back on 4 wheels, straightened out the handle bars and away we went, had to replace some plastic but it didn't miss a beat, ditto with my DS, rolled it, slightly bent steering shaft/handle bars was the only damage and fairly easy to fix, ride it with no problems.

As you stated, MOST problems are owner related.

 

We got the 650 Outlander at the dealership last week. I took it for a ride and I really liked the power of the motor. A V-twin w/ EFI is the hot ticket. We have had very few issues w/ the Outlanders, I wouldn't hesitate to own one myself.

You don't have to wait for the rear tires to spin for the front wheels to engage like the Polaris. We have seen absolutely zero issues w/ the 4wd system. It is a better system than Polaris in the way of less parts and the rear tire spin way of making it work. There is a button to override the reverse rev limiter but does not need to be pushed to make the 4wd work. (CAUTION: Pushing the override button while in reverse will allow the machine to pretty much go just as fast in reverse as it will forward, and can cause you to loose control. Don't ask me how I know this!)
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There are 6 grease zerks (how many on a Polaris, like 20 something?) on the Outlander. Two on each of the front lower a-arms and one on each u-joint, front and back. Other maintenance is your normal valve adjustments, oil changes, air filter cleanings, etc.

The inboard brakes are something else we have seen zero problems w/. The OEM pads are a little soft and may wear quickly depending on what you ride in. Have installed EBC heavy duty pads w/ great success.

Bottom line, check one out, I think you will like it. I honestly can say that it was nice, for a while, to sit on the back of a 2-seater while the wife drove. We had a 400 Max for the weekend, it didn't have quite enough power w/ the added length, weight and second person aboard. But I know the 650 will if your looking a Max model. I'm hoping to use one on our upcoming trip this summer.

 

Not sure what I did to get it, probably filled out something on Bombardiers website, but they sent me a DVD that's about a 1/2 hour long comparing the new outlander's against other makes. They say that the results were verified by a third party to ensure that it's unbiased. Im not sure I quite beleive all that, but it's a good DVD to see these machines in action. The visco-lock 4X4 system was most impressive. They put 3 of the four wheels on rollers so they'd spin and one wheel up against a 4 inch high block. Only the Bomb's system got the quad moving. Anyway, you should go to their website and try to get the DVD, it's worth it if you're considering one of these machines. If you can't get one, email me your address and I can send you my DVD. Best of all, if they send you a DVD, you have a shot at winning an OUlander 650!

 

heres what so great about bombardier 70 hph or so off an 80 foot drop off. lost the front a arms and bent my rear axel. shoot man i bet a crash like that would have folded one of those other name brand bikes into a pretzel.

 

You can't go wrong with a bomb

 

For what you describe just get the 800 max. It will do it all with ease and have power to spare. A very simple and very well built machine. i have the regular 800 and it's like riding a jet ski through the desert.

 

The machines are great, the people are BRP are just plain nasty with you. Make sure you get what BRP advertises!