Dealers in Nor-Cal seem to be ordering many more 800 and 650 Max models than non-Max. Several dealers have claimed that the Max is much better handling quad with only one rider than standard Outty due to better front to rear stability and less tendancy to twitch around under power.
This seems like a case of trying to sell what they have available on the floor. I am wondering if anyone has experience with both the standard Outty 800 and the Outty 800 Max rider only. How does handling differ particularly in tight trails. I understand the benefit of longer wheelbase on steep hills but seems like negatives with tight twisties would outweigh the benefits. I have no plans to either ride double or to carry much cargo.

 

I was looking at outty and rode both and noticed no difference in handling. I didnt get to fully test it though as it was a test ride on each. I do know the max is alot more powerful (62 horse) . I was held back because i think they are to over priced

 

As long as you were looking at an 800 vs an 800 max they are both equiped with the same motor and the standard model is the faster of the 2, mainly do to the weight differnce. As far as handeling I would have to speculate the salesman was pushing what he had. Logic would lead me to believe the added wheelbase and weight of the MAX would make it push more in the turns and manuverabilty would have to be sacrifised if for no other reason than the added wheelbase of the MAX. That said I would be willing to bet the max would still handle better than some of the other large single seat machines on the market. I have herd the rear suspension is setup noticably stiffer on the Max to allow for the weight of a passenger on the back of it. If you have seen the comercial where the guy is shopping for a quad and he gets some other very large man to set on the back of a honda with him smashing the poor little rancher to ground, and then they show the Max 800 with the same large man on the back setting comfortably. I noticed the rear of the machine was showing little or no sign of sagging, in order to have a 300 pound person on the back like that guy was and the quad not be squated on the ground the rear spring rates have got to be substancialy higher than the standard machine uses.

 

Thanks for your ideas. I have given up on the max. I am convinced the extra 8 inches of wheelbase would mainly hurt handling for riding solo. On suspension I have also heard that front spring rates are stiffer on all XT models to better carry the extra weight of the factory installed winch and bumper. The 650 Outty has won quad of the year from one moto rag and it will probably give the Outty 800 a lot of competition in sales.

 

"Thanks for your ideas. I have given up on the max. I am convinced the extra 8 inches of wheelbase would mainly hurt handling for riding solo"

I used to own a 04 Outlander 400 standard and I really liked it. I now own a 06 Outlander 800 max and with the extra power and room I like it much better than the standard. I wouldn't want a 400 max but I think the extra length and weight settles down all that power on the 800 a bit.

 

Glad to hear from you. What kind of terrain do you normally ride in? Do you normally ride solo? Is this your hunting rig?

 

We ride in different areas from gravel/dirt roads, rocky trails up in the mtns and some grasslands. I usually have a passenger, but for a month or two I usually ride solo. Either way, I have been on almost all ATV models, from my 05 Kaw Brute Force and my freinds have Polaris 400/500/700, 05/06 Honda Rincons, 05 Yamaha Grizzly, 650 Kaw Prairie and I have ridden them all and hands down, the Outlander is the cadillac of ATV's, solo or with riders, in my humble opinion of course. I am an aircraft mechanic by trade and I always research my rides and the technology that Bombardier puts into their ATV's and Rotax, is similar to their aircraft and engines. Now after owning two Outlanders I am even more convinced they are the best of the best..

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