OZ ATV :: The Australian ATV Forum

[Holger]

Hello
I am looking for a bit of advice. I want to buy an Outlander 800 but am not sure what to buy, short or long wheel base. My riding would be mainly on fire trails and open country, but sometimes single trail in the woods. I don't mind a fast pace, but I am not a speed is everything guy. The long wheel base appeals to me for the reason of more room and family reasons. As far as I understand the long wheel base has advantages on open trail, mud and is a better hill climber. Drawback is less manoeuvrability in tight situations.
Who has ridden both and can give me a bit of advice and tell me what you bought and why.
Thanks

[yogie]

I have riden both, but own neither... myself I would by a maxi in a heart beat, because of its only reason they made it that way and that is to take a passenger, sure the turning cirlcle is bigger, but so what.

But I think the maxi guys will say maxi and short wheel base guys will say the maxi is no good, but like I said its designed to carry a passenger, so if you need to or want do that then its a no brainer.
_________________
2005 KFX700
With a few bells and whistles
and the twin yoshi's
American Star A-arms, tie rods
elka stickers
Shorty Shifter
I have a Waco
rossco gave me a flexx sticker
honda thumb
Great at climbing trees
durablue stickers

[bullet]

The Max is only 200mm longer so the turning circle is not that much bigger, but it will stand out as a minor negative, noticable in tight technical woods riding etc.
Having said that there are some advantages in tight stuff too. They very obviously climb up steep banks out of creeks better, with less tendancy to tip backward.

The shorter wheelbase offers a sportier and more responsive ride, where as the longer Max offers a smoother ride, which is noticably less darty and has better direction stability.

Trying to find a comparable difference, I often draw similarity to a short or long wheel base landcruiser chassis. Thinking about how they would compare in; feel on a bumpy road, tow a caravan, or 4wd capability.

Away from the sports side of things...
The Max is so much more versatile, as far as payload, stability, passengers, towing, camping etc.

The shorter wheel base fits on many utes and trailers a lot more easily.

The DPS (power steering) models make a huge difference too.
Ie. it is almost easier to turn a tighter circle on rough terrain on a DPS Max than it is on a normal steering standard wheelbase model.
While the theoretical turning circle is still bigger, the DPS just makes it so much easier to effortlesly turn to full lock and get around quicker.

Depends what you are into really, so I hope that helps
_________________
Can-Am X Team
Bullet #Y12. MrsB #Y18.

[Holger]

Thanks guy's, you reinforced what I thought and after talking to the finance minister a (and a bit more saving ) Max it will be.

[mikerosenkids]

Hey Holger
I have a 2009 Max 800r and an old 2004 400 Ho and both have there differences, Depends what you want to do on them.
I love the Max cause of the style of camping and riding I do in the scrub collecting fire wood, carrying passengers but it is long.
I have built a rear rack that extends back about 300mm past the back of the bike but allows you to carry a bit of light gear/dogs even with a passenger so for me a Max.

Cheers Mike