Looking at two different ATVs right now, either an outlander 800 or pick up this red 2005 Arctic Cat V2 650 4x4 that is a left over (brand new). They want 6K for the AC and I think I can get it for less, probably 5.5K out the door. As you know this AC V2 uses a carb'd Kawasaki 650 V-twin that's used in the Kawasaki Brute Force 650.

Problem is I was set on a Camo Outlander 800 XT, should I just stick with what I want? I can probably get one for 9K out the door. The XT is a must with the aluminum wheels, better tires, bumpers, handguards and winch.

 

I race GNCC's, but I race bikes not quads. I will tell you this. The Can-AM is absolutely ruling the GNCC's right now. They are rugged that is for sure. But the price is pretty steep ... I didn't pay that much for my Yamaha Rhino..

 

It has been my experiance, that if you don't get exactly what you have your mind set on in the first place, you'll never be happy with anything else.

 

I know pretty much nothing about quads other than the cammo Outlander 800 at the fair looked awesome... But I have found the same thing as vzdude to be true.

 

If you're set on a Can Am, go for it. They have done a good job on the 4-wheeler, especially the weight distribution for the passenger. If you don't want to spend the money, the 65o prarie motor was a very good (tried and true)motor if you take care of it.

 

Those Can Am's are frickin monsters. A buddy of mine has one. I was going about 30mph on my 2006 660 Grizzly, I look behind me and my buddy left from a dead stop and it was pulling on me HARD, of course he swallowed me up and flew past me like I was standing still. If you want the power & speed get the Can Am hands down. They are pretty heavy though. My buddy was having a couple of issues going places where I was going in my 660, I don't know if it was driver error or the dang machine just weighed so much that it would sink fast when going slow through deep mud.

All in all I would say it is a good machine. Pricey as all hell but if you want it get it. Be sure to post some pictures up when you do.

 

can am all the way. i bought one today. switching my nitrous kit to it and a lift kit soon!!!!!!! we mud race them. so its the ultimate bike to have.

the v2 is nothing more then a nightmare. i have put more belts on them then anything. they have carb issues also.

 

I'll post pics when I get them . Hopefully by the end of the year.

Anyone know if they run good deals on ATVs during the winter months up north. If I can find a dealer up there willing to deal I can just get them shipped down freight for about $300 a piece.

 

Cool, I don't plan on doing anything like that to mine .

And if the V2 is a nightmare then I'll just pass on it. It was just an off chance of finding it when I was looking. I've pretty much looked at everything now and think the outlander is the deal.

 

I have a '07 can-am 800 outty. I traded in a 650 kawasaki in for it. (sick kawasaki "Third World Clutch design"..was a PIA..for maintance & belts.). I like the quick start up with the fuel injection & smooth cold idle on the can-am.. When I was looking for a new one, I did check the kawasaki line, But once again kawasaki failed to inprove their line this year again, by not offering FI. Man, once you have the FI you will not go back to the carb..engine,... I'am a die hard ski doo man & the ride is very smooth with the IRS. you will never ride a straight axle again.We often put on 100 to 150 miles a ride..some guys I heard of have OVER 16,000 miles on them with NO problems..there is something you should know..about the big 800cc ..they do produce "Heat" on your legs .I dont mind it that much, because the power & ride make up for it. I'am going to send my exhaust pipe & muffler in to be ceramic coated, which will almost eliminate all the heat issue. (about $125.00) Some speedometers fog up . I had mine replaced once & the new one fogged up again..IN 2008 they changed the speedometer & should had that fixed..they come with a 3 year warranty...the V-twin FI engine is very good on fuel MPG..wife has a suzuki 700 FI and the can-am at times is as good as her single cyl 700 FI suzuki.. get the can-am ..Its nuts !!!!

 

Anyone know how to mod the front diff so it can be manually locked and unlocked? That's honestly the only downside I think there is to the can am.

 

Kawasaki Brute Force is Fuel Injected for 2008. The 2007 was not. I agree that FI is better and wish mine had it...but I haven't had any problem with my 2007's carb. Starts right up.

 

How about the new Arctic Cat Thundercat 950? AC always trailed in the power department in their class, but apparently this 950 makes 188 lb/ft torque It comes out in a month or two.



It's been getting great reviews so far:

http://www.atvscene.com/machines/arc...at9501-08.html

http://atvsource.com/articles/machin...at_1000_p1.htm

 

The only problem with the Can-Am is the airbox. On the last ATV derby here, there was a deep water hazard. Almost every Can-Am sucked water into the airbox, and several quit altogether. The Polaris, Yamahas, and Hondas had no problem there.

 

I have just been sitting back on this but I went to Hatfield Mccoy last weekend and rode with about 15 guys, one in which had an outlander 800 and i want lie ITS QUICK COMFORTABLE AND NICE, but in the end a 500 sportsman had to pull it back to camp because it sucked water and died right in the middle of a creek.

but as far as power it is not slack in that department.