I got a buddy wantin to get in the game. His wife finally relented but she says he's got to get one built for two. I need some reports from you guys ridin double. What's the best, worst?

 

I don't own any...yet. From my research on the web, here's what I found.

CanAm Outy XT 650-800: Hands down the fastest 2up on wheels. Flaws: Shocks known to sag, 12 inch ground clearance more like 8.
Crutchfield Racing shocks and steering damper recommended. Heat from exhaust vents on riders legs-homemade heatshield needed. Visco Lok 4x4 takes a while to learn, can be exasperating to use without a steady throttle thumb.

Arctic Cat 650H1 TRV- Strong frame, H1 engine has lots of torque at low speed, 11 inches ground clearance. Rear seat can be removed and replaced with rack or cargo box. Not a speed demon, can be a bit cumbersome to steer due to LOA, fully locking front diff. Rear shocks can sag with heavy loads. Some complain the suspension is too stiff.

For 2008 they are offering the 700 TRV EFI which uses the Suzuki 700 King Quad engine, a 500 cc model using the Suzuki Vinson engine, and the 650 H1 Arctic Cat engine. All three use the same chassis.

Polaris X2- smooth Polaris ride, rear seat flips up as needed, some riders gripe the seat is uncomfortable, because passenger legs are spread too far apart to reach footrests, and not enough sponge in the seat..

Polaris 500-800 EFI Touring-New for 2008, with redesigned rear passenger seat focusing on comfort. Heated rear seat available.

They are all very good. My advice is ride them all, find the one you like; and then find the best dealer.

Personally, I like the Arctic Cat and am waiting for the 700 EFI LE. The Suzuki 700 is a very good engine, and my local AC dealer has been in business since 1996.

HTH

Hefty

 

Thanks for the input. It doesn't sound like there are any real standouts in this class yet. I do really like the AC idea of interchangable platforms though.

 

AC hands down.

 

I've ridden the Polaris 800 2-up and the Can-Am Outlander 800 2-up.

Basically the Outlander was faster. The Polaris rode better and was more capable on the trail.

Either one would be a good choice though. They're both good machines. I liked the Polaris a little better though. It just seemed to be a little better in everything but the power department. Put the Rotax in the Polaris and you would have one heck of a machine.

 

im really liking that green 2 up cat i just looked at hurry up settlement i need cash now! the dealer is waiting for me.

 

I like Cat green, as you can see in my pics. Its a pretty machine. That prowler will go through, and over anything.

 

I have zero experiance on 2up's but the people in my atv club have 3 AC's to nothing else so I guess there would be something to be said for that. 1 couple traded their old one in with 6,000+ miles and got another. Can't say as I have seen any others, real 2up's, on the trails. Just the ones that add a kimplex type box with a seat.

 

Every mag so far rated the Can-Am 2-up's overall best so far, it all depends on what you want to use them for will determin what is best for you.

 

LimonFresco
The shock problem on the Can Ams was only on the 06/07- 650 and 800. The shocks have been changed for 2008. Steering damper is recomended for fast spirited riding on any machine. Heat transfer is apparent on all big bore machines,not just the outys. Visco-Loc engagement has been improved for 2008. After you learn how it engages you will love it.
Can Am also makes the 2up in the 400 and 500. I recommend your buddy to test ride the Can Am, Arctic Cat, and the Polaris while riding double so they both can can a true feel of the machine. The rear passenger seat rest can also be removed on the Can Am.