Hi Rod,
With you being one of the most highly respected non bias posters and seeing that you are now going to purchase a new Can Am 800 would you be so kind as to post your findings between the Polaris 850 and the Can Am 800. Both are great machines but I for one would really be interested in your opinion and findings. Thanks in advance.

 

Yes I will,it will be natural for me to compare it to the XP,so that will be easy. It will be a 2up and have PS though...so not exaclty apples to apples in some respects..
Heck the way trying to sell my 850 is going I might still have it when the Can-Am gets here and be able to ride them back to back..then again who knows when we will get the Can-Am's. Me and a couple other guys have the Camo's on order from the same dealer and we have yet to see one(Camo) anywhere in the US. I heard there was 1 that just arrived at a dealer in Canada,where they have been seeing 2010's for quite awhile now. I might end up getting the XT-P..if I don't get the Camo before early Sept..just have to lose those ugly wheel inserts lol.

I'll have to pick up another Polaris just so I can hang out here

 

You can always "hang out" here, what inspired you to switch?

 

lol..thanks..

I've been looking at getting a 2up or a SxS for awhile,wanted a versatile 2up when I bought the XP but passed on the 800 X2 for the XP improvements,it really impressed me,and still does..but I was hoping for a 850 X2 or maybe even an 850 RZR for 2010,not really expecting it but hoping for it. Well Polaris didn't make anything that suited me for 2010. So I started looking at the Can-Ams again..yes there are things I think Polaris does better..but those things don't weigh enough for ME to make me buy the 2010 850 Touring..bottom line I want a 2up and the 2010 Touring just doesn't do it for me..the Can-Am MAX XT has the versatility I want,the rear seat is easily removed and replaced with an included 5 gal. storage box. The rear rack has space even with the rear seat installed...ect ect. The MAX's rear seat is centered forward of the rear axle...and it has a longer wheel base.
I'm sorry but the XP Touring just looks thrown together..an after thought..
Time will tell whether I regret getting the Can-Am, but you know there is one sure way to find out..try it for yourself! Everyone has different opinions on what makes a great machine..and everyone sharing those opinions comes in handy..but the best way to find out what you like is to try it first hand. That is why you won't find me posting much if anything about a machine I have not owned...I will say that the biggest thing that I am concerned about on the Can-Am is the visco lok and the frame..supposedly the new visco lok "QE" on the DPS machines is almost instant engagement...we'll see about that...reports are that does engage nearly as fast as a Polaris/Hilliard..but I have seen no video of evidence of that even though I have asked for it on other forums..you can bet I'll post a video of that either way...
And the frame is what it is....at least it does come with some skid protection now...again we'll see how that turns out.

For those that are not open minded I am not trying to turn this into Can-Am vs. Polaris..remember the question was asked! I do welcome debate though...I think we are all here to learn and get info to help us make the best choices to suit our situations.

 

I can understand wanting a can am, they are sweet.
Having a 800ltd and a 850 xp both is kind of nice as the wife and I swap rides when we go weeling. The can am does things the 850 doesn't and vice versa.
The only thing I would recomend for the can am is front shocks. The stock front shocks are junk. I put the HPG's on the front of my can am and made a huge improvement.
I have been looking for front shocks for the 850 but can't seem to find any.
Any way HIGHOCTANE, keep posting with your extensive knowledg it will come in handy for some of us not so smart people.

 

LOL...I'm not that knowledgeable Speeddrive1..just a smart *** lol..
But I do tend to get a little wrapped up in things and spend a lot of time researching and analyzing..I enjoy it..so if I can share what I learn with those that are more interested in the end result rather than the research then that is a good thing IMO.
Thanks for the info..I have heard that about the front shocks from several people..makes you wonder why they haven't fixed them doesn't it?

 

i would also be interested on this one HIGHOCTANE. keep us posted.

 

I hope you enjoy your new PROJECT HO! If it has weak spots I'm sure you will improve them and it will be an awesome quad when you're done with it!
When you get it be sure and post a couple of pic's for us!