First Impression of Outlander 800

I’ll throw out some personal trivia to get some activity over here. Rode with some guys this weekend and had the opportunity to drive the Outlander 800 I have heard so much about. My initial impression was WOW on the suspension. I never knew a quad could have such a comfortable ride. Now for the engine. Not as fast as I was led to believe. It definitely comes on strong but top speed was not scary. Coming from a snowmobile background the top speed of quads is not very exciting but then again that’s not what they are all about. I didnt pound on the 800 since it wasnt mine so I didnt try the wheelie thing which I hear is almost uncontrolable on pavement. Sounds good. My poor AC500 didnt fair so well. After puting on the trailer i noticed it hemoraging oil from rear diff so I definitley broke something. Taking it to the shop soon.

I’ve never ridden the Can Am’s, but I’d like to.I’ve heard they are a nice quad, but are in need of some undercarriage protection as they have weak frames.

What year was it? I never drove a 800 yet, but almost bought one a few months ago. Decided on a Polaris instead.

It was new last year. Very sharp machine. Looks very technical underneath. I jumped on it in gear and drove it in a straight line for a couple miles so I didnt get to play with it at all.

I have a 2007 650xt and could’nt be happier. It fits me well and has the all the power and suspention I want. Only thing I would like to see changed is where the winch is mounted. I was spoiled with my grizzly 660 equipt with the Montana Jack reviever system; which let me change where the winch mounted(front or back) and being able to flip the winch 90 degrees to lift my plow. Sure wish they made a kit for my Can Am.

I rode the 650 when comparing it to the Polaris 800. And I think the 650 would take my 800 in a drag…or at least it would be darned close! The 800 was no contest. A buddy of mine has one, and he WALKED away from me. My 800 is a 65 MPH ride with the 26″ ITP’s. That 800 was an absolute beast on our recent trail ride.
How fast do you need to go? You may want to try a dirtbike!
Polaris has a new XP 850 that looks fantastic! I wanna ride that one!

I have the 2008 outlander 800 xt.I decided on this model after test riding Polaris,Articat,Honda and Suzuki.
All the above machines were good but the suspension,handling,size,and warranty were what sold me on the Outlander.And if you are looking for speed this thing is almost to fast,I had to see what the toppend was just once and I had it up to 85 according to the speedometer (still could have gone a little faster but was to chicken to try ).I had looked into the 650 but got a great deal on the 800 and since I have such a long driveway to plow I thought it would be easer on the motor to go with the 800.
All I can say is that I have never regreted my decision .
Thanks
Don

I would have gone that way as well. But I got my 800 Polaris for $5800. I literally could have bought 2 wheelers for the price of the Can Am.

But it sure is an impressive wheeler! I would love to have the ride of my Polaris, and the power of the Can Am!

Chris, the Sportsman XP ride and handling is better than both the Outty and the Polaris 800, and the power is on par with the outlander.

I was able to get a 09 XP 850 with a winch for less money than a 08 Outlander 800. Not to put down any of the machines. I think all the big bore machines are very very good. It’s very tough to beat the Vtwin engines from CanAm or Kawi.

IMO, there is really no clear “best atv”. There are just too many variables and personal opinions.

I agree!
How do you like that power steering?

I’ve owned acouple of different wheelers. 2000 Warrior, 2001 Big Bear, 2002 Wolverine, and a 2004 Outlander 400XT and have to say that of all these wheelers the Big bear was the best mudder but the Outlander had by far the best ride. Never had any problems with any of them and definately put them all through some abuse that probably would have voided my warranties. If I did go buy a wheeler again I would surely go for a Can-Am

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Polaris has a new XP 850 that looks fantastic! I wanna ride that one!

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2009 ATV of the year.

What? That fat old pig of a wheeler???

Guess some people don’t think so.