What I learned. Deep snow and slush was not a good fit for my ATV. I ended up buying a Skandic for the deep snow fishing trips, which worked out fine. I can however carry much more gear on my ATV than a snowmobile and preferred using that for that reason. Last year was huge amounts of snow for us and while I could get anywhere I wanted to go on the Skandic I found the conditions less than enjoyable to fish in. I must be getting old. Anyway this year I decided if the snow gets too deep I’m not fishing so I sold my Skandic. I also found that trail riding on the 500 was not good with any mud puddles. The radiator would plug with mud and the machine would overheat. So I pretty much stopped trail riding and just used the machine to plow my driveway (occasionally, I have a snowblower as well) and ice fish. Total hrs 152 and 748 miles only on the machine.
I come here looking for some insight as dealers tend to be brand loyal (not that you guys would be) or in most cases the salesman doesn’t know squat about the product in which he is selling (that was my Friday experience, lol).
I am now looking to upgrade my ATV. I was told that the higher HP machines handle the snow better than the lower HP machines. So I was looking to go up to the 800-850 size. Between that and the increase in ground clearance over my 2008 I figure I should be able to fish in most conditions that I want to fish in.
OK now the options. I already have the lock and ride box for my current ATV but I ice fish with a Otter box (non-lock and ride). I also have a lock and ride windshield and the plow. These would transfer over to a new 850 sportsman nicely though I would need a new frame mount for the plow.
That being said I wanted to look at the Can Am’s as I have been hearing good things about them (mostly anyway). Of course this time of year nobody local had any 800 or 850’s (Can Am) for me to look at ( I did get to see the Polaris 850). Plenty of 570’s as that seems to be the major market in sleds around here for obvious price point reasons. So I don’t want to order a machine without doing some research first.
What I’m looking at:
Outlander XT 850
Outlander XT-P 850
Outlander XT Max 850
Outlander XT-P Max 850
Quite a list lol.
Question #1: At first I was only interested in the one up’s until I spoke with a local dealer. He mentioned that the 2-up is a little more stable machine due to the extra length. I did read some of that on this forum as well. My concern with a 2-up is I still plan on plowing and needing more space for the machine. Though really thinking about it that concern is probably not valid. The dealer also asked how I ride and didn’t think I would need the extras that the -P provides as I am not an aggressive rider. I have a balance issue from a vestibular disorder, however I have ridden before with this condition, I just can’t go crazy due to the possibility of getting the dizzy. I can deal with that.
Do you think a 2-up would be a better fit due to the above?
Question #2: I have read that the stock shocks suck.
I’m not a crazy rider but I don’t putt along either and I always felt better is well, better.
So is it worth going up to the -P for the better shocks?
Question #3: Skid plates. I did read about bent frames and what not due to lack of protection.
Should I consider a full set of skid plates and is after market the way to go there?
Question #4: How would the Can Am plow mount and Skid plates work out? Can both be on the machine at the same time? How much clearance is lost due to the plow mount?
On my Polaris I would remove the mount plate during the time I would trail ride and bolt it back on for winter and ice fishing season. Not ideal but I didn’t have to worry about damaging it rock climbing.
Question #5: This is the first year for the 850 Rotax. I was always told to stay away from first year releases of anything. Should that apply here as well?
Question 6: Am I crazy switching brands?
I’d need to buy a new plow, windshield (if I choose to have one again) and lock and ride box for trail riding (the otter box is just too damn big for trails, ask me how I know, lol).
So what I get for answers will help me with my decision. After reading thru this forum I’m leaning towards a 2-up but haven’t decided if the xt max or xt-p max is the way to go.
Oh yeah one other question. The brochures I got list color options for the models and it doesn’t match the website color options. The XT and XT max lists a matte black and octane blue which I liked. I also don’t mind the -P orange and black. I think if I couldn’t get the xt in the matte black and octane blue I’d just get the -p. My last ATV was a color I wouldn’t have chosen if I had a choice. It was the only left over available and I saved a lot of $$ because it was a left over. Only polaris leftovers locally that I could find. So it looks like I’ll be buying new if I choose Can Am.
If you made it this far feel free to comment.
Sorry for the extra long post,
NH-rider
