Thanks guys, I really do appreciate the comments.

I invested $12,000 in my 08 700 X2 with tracks and it has impressed the dickens out of me.

The main draw back with 4 season tracks is the fact that you can go so many places around here (late spring/early winter) that others can't.

Thus the need for another tracked machine per wife's request. She has requested one with power steering but it isn't mandatory, but she definitly wants a machine capable of keeping up with the one we already have. "No peeing like a puppy while riding with the big dogs." (I know the 500's will hold their own, but if your pulling a loaded sled in 40 miles the extra cc's are a bonus) Thus I was giving the Can Am some serious thought.

I've got a call into the person with the ad, but haven't recieved a call back. We'll see.

 

I have heard the 800 Outlander has fairly heavy steering. May want to research that if it's a concern.

 

I've read too much about broken frames on Can-Ams and what people do to reinforce them. I'll pass on them until they make a beefier frame.

 

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote>Originally posted by: uncertifiedmechanic

I biggy in this arena is the fact that a "recoil" is not available on the larger motors, I certainly miss those days, as when the battery failed on my '07 X2 800 Poo, I was lucky enough to have a fellow ATV rider with a set of jumper cables on his ride. The battery is poorly placed on this model, and when Mud is mated to the battery, bad things happen</end quote></div>

Most of the reason the rcoil has been ommited is cause of the EFI is common on the larger bore machines. My new 550 XP does not have one and if it pulled anyything like my 500 Honda you would not start it unless it was warm anyway. When my hondas battery dies. its electric controlled hydro tranny "thinks" it only can do 20 mph.

 

My wife bought herself a can am 800 max ltd. Came with the winch, full bumpers and gps brand new for 9,000.
Let me tell you that this thing runs great. You could buy new and put tracks on it and still be about what the used one goes for.
The only complaint is that the thumb throttle is stiff. On the wifes I took the spring out of the throttle housing and just rely on the return spring on the throttle body.
If you ride responsibly you will have no problems with the frame or tires but if your very aggresive then some skids may be in order.
I did put hpg shock kit on and it made a huge diference in the rebound dampening on the front end.

 

WFO, I just looked at your pics, very nice. I used to drive over the road and have traveled that section of us 12 and I would have to say that it is one of my more memorable trips. The scenery was spectacular, I would like to some day go fourwheeling out there. Last year we did the alpine loop in sw colorado and that was also fantastic.
I will send you a pm to a link to a can am forum so check your pm.
Sorry for the off topic.

 

Anything with tracks, I would suggest EPS. That being said, you are limited to the new KQ, XP, or Griz. The CanAm's seem to be awesome, but I think they are a little over priced for a great engine on an aluminum platform.....let alone being made in Mexico.

I bought my XP for a better price than the close out 08 model CanAm 800. That was when the XP first came out also. probably even better pricing now.

 

I will admit to limited knowledge on this comparison, but by the companies own admission, the CanAms are performance first machines!
From what I have seen, it seems obvious to me that these bikes are designed for speed and NOT for work!
Putting tracks on a CanAm 800 and working it would be like putting snow tires on a Corvette and pulling a 20' trailer!

 

I beg to differ, the can am will work and a lot of people have can ams with tracks.

 

I think what jokout meant was that can's have lighter duty frames. Will it work? absolutely. But for how long before you trash the frame? The frame is the weak link on the can's according to the forums I've read on them. Not brand bashing here just stating what has been documented.