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News › 2009 Outlander 400XT MAX EFI REVIEW

2009 CAN-AM
Outlander 400XT MAX EFI
REVIEW

by

Scott Monroe

Introduction:

After spending the first part of our day riding the 400XT EFI we decided to keep on our journey to give each Outlander their time in the spot light. As with all the MAX versions of the Outlander, the SST frame has been lengthened to accommodate the longer wheelbase needed for the passenger seat / storage area.

We were excited to get some seat time on the MAX version in the one up configuration and the two up, wanting to see just how the 400cc motor and front struts handled the extra weight.

To read the complete review please click: HERE

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We were excited to get some seat time on the MAX version in the one up configuration and the two up, wanting to see just how the 400cc motor and front struts handled the extra weight.

New for 2009:

For 2009 model the Outlander 400XT MAX EFI gets Can-Am’s new high-density polyethylene injection–molded skid plate. The Outlander 400XT MAX EFI has also been given improved and redesigned decals along with new colorations.

Ride Impressions (one-up configuration):

I finished riding the Outlander 400XT EFI and came away impressed. It is easily one of the better middle-class ATV’s presently offered in my opinion. However I was concerned that maybe the 400cc motor wouldn’t be up to the challenge of lugging the extra pounds around in the MAX configuration.

Immediately some of my concerns were answered. Every Outlander I’ve ever ridden has had the punch on demand to make the bike feel lighter or smaller at the whim of the right thumb. Though not as pronounced as the larger Outlander, even the 400XT EFI has the ability to break the rear loose at almost will to create the sportier feel or help the front wheel get over obstacles (like logs). The Outlander 400XT MAX EFI unfortunately does not have this ability nor was it designed.

This is not to say it doesn’t have adequate power, because it does. But this Outlander more then any other depends on correct gearing and the rider being able to make the correct decision on high or low range. Especially before being put into a rough situation like thick mud, steep hill climbs and so on. This decision-making is even more important when riding in the two-up configuration.

To be completely fair though, the 400cc motor does get the Outlander 400XT MAX moving and doing so at a pace that most owners will find enjoyable and many will have no complaints about its trail performance.

Once out on the trail it rode very comfortably and as with the Outlander 400XT it steered very easily and went where it was pointed under normal riding conditions. When going through the test sections of mud, hills, side hills, and off-chamber situations it performed well and confidently. It never felt tipsy or like it didn’t have the power to make it out of a situation especially if put in the correct high or low gear.

Also we must add, that the ease of the two-up seat being removed and the tool / storage box being added is a great feature. Something that really is a solid addition to the Outlander MAX and the 400XT MAX is no different.

Riding Impressions (two-up configuration):

Things were still comfortable when we switched to the two-up configuration especially for the driver. The driver still had a good feel of balance, control and steering ease even with the addition of the passenger. Speaking of the passenger, is there a more comfortable seat and seating position out there? The MAX stadium seating arrangement is second to none and immediately gives the passenger a sense of involvement.

Not only does it give the passenger an improved view of the trail and terrain it serves as helping the rider as well. With the passenger having a better idea of what is ahead, they are able to read and react along with the driver. Staying in tune with the driver is key when riding with a passenger and Can-Am has nailed this aspect of two-up riding. A truly incredible and comfortable ride for both driver and passenger. Something that once experienced will give many owners and their riding partners a safe and fun ATV experience.

Now onto the power and suspension! While the front and rear suspension was nice in soaking up the bumps and for moderate cornering, the power definitely took the biggest hit in noticing the extra weight of a passenger.

During more aggressive turns in the two up configuration the struts and rear suspension were still adequate but the lack of power really showed. Due to that lack of power and rear wheel spin the bike started to feel heavier and tended to push just slightly in the corners. Not only did we feel some push, but then with less wheel spin the ATV started to lean just a bit more in the corners causing the driver and passenger to counter with being more aggressive in their leaning.

When put in an off-chamber situation it was stable and safe, but the lack of suspension travel really started to rear its ugly head. With an inch less suspension travel for the front and the back respectively then the 650 and 800 Outlanders (the 500 Outlander has 1” more travel in rear, both have struts and are the same) it has a harder time keeping traction to the ground.

Thankfully the Visco-Lok works very well in compensating and getting power to the wheel that needs it and this ends up compensating some for the lack of suspension articulation.

When coming upon larger longer hills, deep mud, large rocks, or to crawl over logs and general obstacles it is a must to be in the low-range. Also something to remember, that in the two-up configuration the rider does have to work a bit harder with the smaller engine and less suspension travel to get this MAX to and from. However not something that is going to take the enjoyment out of the ride or riding experience.

What is meant by this though, is in off-chamber, log crawl, hill riding and aggressive riding situations it is the second rider who finds themselves having to participate more in leaning and helping more with their body weight.

Lets face it, there is sometimes no substitution for power and the Outlander 400XT MAX is as we stated adequate in this department.

Final Thoughts:

To summarize the Outlander 400XT MAX EFI I would say it does most everything well, something’s great and other adequately. For an entry level two-up ATV it will go everywhere any other two-up ATV will go. It just will not do it as fast or as easily but non-the less it will get the job done.

For basic trail riding, utility work and occasional aggressive rides off into mud, trails, boulders it will do fine. But where the Outlander 400XT MAX EFI makes its money is trail riding and in the comfort department. It is lighter, very easy to steer and a joy to drive for miles with a passenger over and over.

For what it is and make no mistake it is an entry level two-up small bore ATV. It comes with load of features in its XT package (such as, cast-aluminum wheels, Carlisle ACT radial tires, steel front and rear bumpers, steering stem hand protectors, and Warn 3,000lbs winch) and most importantly it is safe and fun.

It gives the driver and passenger confidence and will give its owners years of service in the great outdoors.

SPECIFICATIONS:

Posted by Weasel on Wednesday, June 25, 2008 (02:06:11) (1255 reads)

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