Outlander 650 MAX XT. Problem solved.

 

BANG - That was the sound of me pulling the trigger.

Now I just have to wait till bonus time.

 

After you get it do a search on eBay for a frame modification. That and some good skid plates might get you to the strength of the other quads frames.

 

OK, take this for what it's worth (not much probably) but I've been a m/c guy for 40 years, had a little quad experience back in the day (late 80's) I still have 3 m/c's but at my ADVANCED age, I decided to get one of these new fancy quads because my wife wanted to go out with me and at 53, she HATED the back of the dual sport....

We bought a 2010 650 max XT and we flat love it. We've been on numerous rides so far and she couldn't be more comfortable (or me for that matter) Today I took about a 4 hour solo ride. I wondered if the machine might feel "big" to me at that point, but LOL, I was surprised at how much FUN that thing was. It handled great and I appreciated the fact that I truly think we have a machine that fits all our needs!

Best of luck, and remember, it's only money...

 

@Moose - I was on e-bay and they have skid kits that are in the 275 range with free shipping from Canada. Seems kinda low in price. They mention the thickness and grade of aluminum that they use so I am going to do some reasearch. My buddy does fabrication and I will get his thoughts on this before I would buy it but from what I read this is smart money spent. Notice it is lacking rear arm armor??

Made with 3/16” 5052 H-32 Aluminum, the toughest and most quality manufactured skid plates on the market.

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@BBogey - Your opinion matters glad to hear you enjoy the machine.
If you have any ride specific thoughts please post.

 

So at lunch since I have never sat on a Max I went to my local dealer.
While the machine was only the 400 model it was an XT so besides the powerplant is is what I am looking for.

First impresions - Wow it is pretty sharp and since it was pulled out of a line of quads it was standing alone and I have to say it didnt look "so" big.
They must have small folks in all the promo pictures cause when I got on the vehicle I could fell the rear seat in my rear seat.
(you loose about 4 inches of the main seat due to overlap) Because of my height I was in a very upright position I dont know how hard I would like to ride with a passenger but then again I have not driven the unit myself let alone with another person.
The one thing I could not find on the internet was pictures of the quick release seat and how it worked. I have to say I am impressed and the less than 30 second switch that is mentioned was more like 15. The storage insert is handy and would be able to hold keys/money/phone / first aid and possibly lunch or an extra pair of gloves or some glasses. even with the rear seat there is room to attatch a stowage pack.
Now with the rear seat removed and the 4 inches gained the feel and your position is more natural. Also the storage pocket is flush with the seat so you can really get back if the need arrives. (I find that on my King even with the the "U" shaped pack I bump my backside into it at times. With this model there is just more room in the rear and that is a big plus.
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Something else I like is the rear foot rests this could come in very handy when crossing deep water, much better than bringing your feet forward into the fenders which I have been known to do. Standing on the rear rest during a water crossing is much more stable when the need would arise. Also getting out of mud it would give you a better angle and more stable platform to work from. Much better than putting a knee on the seat or a boot on the rear rack. During a technical climb this raised position could also be of help when shifting weight.
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Single brake control with rear only on the right side floor. Being a 2 handbrake guy all my life I am not so sure about this set up but they wouldnt use it if it didnt work. I have to say the foot brake sat a little high and with my stiff riding boots I may have to reach to engage but I would see this as a temporary thing until I got used to the unit.
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Racks and bumpers - Solid
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Remote control winch with it's own storage - very nice.
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Final thoughts.... I wouldnt take my wife or anyone else for that matter on the back of the bike where I ride but if I went to one of the state parks and did a loop or an organized park on marked trails sure why not.
The reason is my height and position on the bike in relation to the rear seat. I am sure that with a rider I will be restricted and my concern is saftey.
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I am just couting the days till I have cash in hand and can go out and get "my" ride.
**************** now the disclaimer... No test rides at the dealer so I have no observations beyond the showroom floor and that is all that they are showroom observations (for now)
I will be at Hatfield and Mc Coy next month for Trail Fest and I will hop on a demo there and go for a spin. I will post more thoughts then.

 

The 650 XT is a nice machine, and Can-Am continues to listen to it's customers and refine (and fix issue) their machines. However, they continue to ignore one of the big ones... the frame. I've seen what one small mistake can do to an Outty frame. If you buy one, the first thing you MUST do is get the frame mod and GOOD skids.

 

Here we go with the frame thing again. I have an 06 that has over 6000 miles of hard riding, including lots of rock gardens. No frame issues and I have hit hard a number of times. I will grant you that there have been some frame issues, same as all the different makes, but most all of the time it involves hitting an immovable object at speed. Skids and/or the inexpensive frame mod and you are good to go. Can Am did add additional bracing in the area that has seen the most problems so there you go.

 

[quote=King Quad;2960290]

Made with 3/16” 5052 H-32 Aluminum, the toughest and most quality manufactured skid plates on the market.

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quote]

299 buy it now issue solved.
That is with free shipping.
I have to think after seeing the "fix" for the frame that can-am had to do a little something since they dont want folks doing that kind of mod
Besides skid plates are a good idea for any machine if you want to take care of it and are going to ride it hard.

 

The rear trailing arm suspension looks pretty tough and I've never heard of anyone complaining. Probably why there isn't a skid plate for them.