400HO question ?
 

i just got a 2008 outlander 400 HO. i'm not familiar with can am at all. is it an automatic 4wd ? is the switch on the right handle bar diff lock or 2wd to 4wd ? also it only has 1 brake lever on the left and a foot pedal on he right. is the lever for front brake and the pedal for rear ? it runs and rides great . is this a good bike ? any responses appreciated.

Its a AWD atv, It will be in 2wd even with the switch in 4wd unless the rear wheel slip then it will engage both front wheels until the rear wheels regain traction then return to 2wd.
2wd mode just leaves it in 2wd no matter what. Polaris has a similar system. No need for diff lock since when it engages the front wheels both front wheels engage at once not just one front wheel like on a conventional 4wd.

400 ho
 

thanks TLC. any answer on the brakes and also the engine braking seems severe at low speed. is this normal?

Not sure about the brakes. If its like Polaris the had lever operates the back and front brakes at the same time like a car. The foot brake will be the back brake only.