Hi All....I am considering buying a new 2011 Outlander 800r xxc and have a few questions:

First off I am a big guy, 5'10 260

I currently ride a 2005 BF750

1. My riding style varies but consists of mostly woods. I do however like to blast around the pits and get into the mud. Is the xxc the right package or would I be better suited on the XTP package.

2. What are the limitations of the XXC as compared to the XTP or other packages? I notice it has a front sway bar. Will I get less articulation if I am going through a rocky area?

3. I have heard that the CAN AMs have frame issues as well as issues with the 4wd system. Is this true of the newer models? I am especially concerned about this bc I am a bigger guy

4. Can you install a winch on the XXC?

Any suggestions and comments would be greatly appreciated. I would even consider other manufacturers if you think there are other good options.

Thanks

 

All the Outlanders can be outfitted with a winch if what I've seen from their accessory catalog holds true. The frames ARE on the weak side compared to other makers. This can be fixed with a frame insert modification. My son and I were able to do it on his Renegade. Took a couple hours but it's time well spent for peace of mind. Having ridden his 09 Renegade and my 06 Sportsman X2 I can tell you that the 09 and earlier CanAms 4wd system takes alot longer to hook up. I understand they've made it engage faster in newer models but don't have any seat time to give you an answer. The thing that's fun about the CanAms is the engine. You like to go fast? Get the CanAm.

 

I would also suggest trying out the Sportsman XP 850 and see if you like it. I'm 6'3" and about 350 and like the size of my X2. The newer ones are even better. If I can get the money together I hope to get an 850 X2. I have a bad back and the Polaris ride is the most comfortable out there. My son's CanAm is a nice ride too but the Polaris is that much better for comfort.

 

Don't clip a tree doing 40 and your frame will be fine- I've owned half dozen can-am's', and ride'em pretty hard- jumps, deep water, steep rocky hills, fast trail riding and I've taken a few solid bumps- one good bump even threw my steering off a little- but never any problem with my frames. The frame mod moose mentioned above does give peace of mind and is probably a good idea if you're an aggressive rider.

the 05-07 visco front diff was known for needing a good 1 or 2 revolutions of the wheel before the diff locked up- but since the redesigned front diff in 08- that's pretty much a non issue now- you'll get instant lock-in ( within 1/4 turn of the wheel or less) Buy the xxc- you'll love it!

Most brute owners get used to that low end white knuckle pull, so It's a common jump from the BF- from what I've noticed, a lot of brute riders jump on a can-am and fall in love... king quad owners usually end up on a polaris sooner or later and seem to be more focused on comfort then pull- grizzly riders usually just want the most bang for their buck with good overall comfort and power, but not the best in either. Honda riders are just a totally weird breed indeed - most just refuse to believe any other atv can be as reliable as a honda and are forced to accept the loss of current standard atv features.
guys who've only owned one kind of atv and have never experienced another brand will tell you they have the fastest, best atv made...and guys who have owned many atv's and can't sleep at 3am (like me) will give you long winded drawn out rants on something totally off topic

 

Like Beergut said.... Also, the ride on a 500 Renegade is not the same as the 800 Outlanders. It is my opinion after owning both a Sportsman and an Outlander that they are very similar with the nod going to the CanAm. And my 06 Outlander 800 has over 7000 miles of very hard riding and, guess what; Much to the Wanna Be's chagrin, no frame problems. It just cracks me up that the myth of Can Am frame weakness is propogated by a few, the truth is that they have no more or less problems than other makes with the traditional space frame. And it is the only frame that can be made bulletproof with a simple insert.
Get what tickless you and be happy. None of us with opinions will be making the payments. LOL