Can-Am's hard work and affordable price on the Outlander L hasn't gone unnoticed:

Can-Am Outlander L ATV Wins Design Award - ATVConnection.com

 

The Outlander L is a good machine but all they did was take a lot of the bells and whistles off the regular Outlander 500(now 570) and upgrade the 400 to a 450. Swapping out the composite racks with steel(better in my opinion anyway) and putting on cheaper wheels and tires and no QE Visco lock. Its not like they reinvented the wheel, they just found a way to make it a little cheaper. I give them credit for building a machine that does cost a bit less. Traditionally, cost was never considered, only building the best performing machines and hoping customers would just pay extra for the extra performance. The L series was Can-Am's first real attempt at a budget atv and yes I believe it is a success. I think adding an optional XT package to the L models would be a huge seller. The lower initial cost of the L over the regular Outlander would make the Outlander L XT still cost less than a non XT Outlander.

 

Actually the QE Visco lock is on the Outlander L DPS models.
It's on mine.

 

So really its just different plastic and less expensive wheels and tires. I honestly can't see even buying a normal Outlander 500 or 570 if the L is exactly the same thing.

 

So how are you liking the 450L Max? I wasn't really being negative about the L models, I think they're a great idea. But Can-Am didn't really re-invent the wheel or anything. They simply found a less expensive way to build their 450 and 500 models to appeal to a wider range of customers. Yamaha did this with the Kodiak models, which are basically a less expensive version of the new Grizzly.

 

So far it suits my needs quite well.
It's my first ATV so not much experience to compare it with.
Bought it for icefishing (too bad the ice is not really co-operating this year) and some trail riding.
Not into racing or high speed riding. I'd rather take some time to enjoy the sights on the trails.

 

I think you made a good choice. The L platform is probably the best of the entry level models that anyone puts out there. It would be nice to see Can-Am base a utility utv off this platform. Could even make it a 50" model to give the Honda Pioneer 500 some competition. Put the 570 v-twin in it, price it under 10 grand and you would have a hit.

 

Is that $10,000 (US) or $10,000 (Can)????

 

I guess since we're talking about a fictional machine I just made up, it doesn't really matter that much but I usually think in terms of US dollars. I do see Can-Am coming out with a 50" model and also something like the Polaris Ace. I can't see them just letting Polaris dominate that niche market with the only vehicle in it.