Can Am Max 800 vs Polaris Touring 850

WYO · #1 04-08-2012, 07:04 PM

I know this has been discussed many times across the web (been researching a bit), but I thought I'd see if I could get some fresh ideas. I plan on buying a 2-up in the next month or so and was wanting your thoughts. I'm also posting a similar question on the polaris forum just for comparison.

I'm either going with the 800 Max XT or XTP or the Polaris 850 Touring LE. Really the price isn't an issue (why worry about the price if you plan on keeping it for a real long time--still have my '86 Honda Fourtrax (runs like it was new FWIW)). Anyway, it's mostly for hunting/fishing/camping with a little bit of riding around town. I also plan on getting a plow and some trax to get to a cabin in the mountains. Can't say that most of the riding is technical, but it can get very rocky/rough with occasional trail clearing of large downed trees, so was obviously looking into the differences in the awd systems.

I have some Polaris experience with my dad having an X2 700. I have never ridden a Can Am, but I do prefer their looks. I've heard better things about the local Polaris dealer than the Can Am, but hopefully you don't have to return to the dealer much. Interestingly the local Polaris dealer has another shop a couple hours away that is both a Polaris and Can Am dealership, I hope to get their opinions as soon as I can make it over there.

Thanks for your replies!

ENZOCANN · #2 04-09-2012, 07:51 AM

I'd say go to the dealer that is 2 hrs away and ride 'em both,if you can.Forget about looks- the performance of a Can am will get you pulling out your wallet fast.Put some skids on it and plan on replacing the shocks within the first six months(unless your only riding on a golf course or really like A soft cushy non performance type suspension) and you will be a happy camper.The only things I have been dissatisfied with about my '11 Outlander max 800 XT are the cheap crappy stock springs and shocks and the lack of decent skids.OK, to be fair not much of anything you might buy new comes with decent skid plates,but I feel these machines need them & for the money you spend, BRP might make a little more effort in this area ( I hear the new G2 800 &1000 have better ones but they are not available in a 2up yet). Otherwise,in the performance department it kicks some serious butt bone stock.I don't think the 850 popo is in the same league at all,the V twin Rotax 800 is a pretty peppy powerplant.Serious throttle therapy for those who like to feel a machine move out FAST.Lots of power.If your serious about running tracks you might want to look into some clutching upgrades- the stock clutches are great for all around riding and light work ,but a loaded machine with tracks weighs a lot and they start to fall short in some situations,IMHO.

Wheelie.Man · #3 04-09-2012, 08:14 AM

The new 850xp is no pig it is just as fast and peppy and may even be a little faster.

You know it is all in wat you want out of it WYO.
Sportsman Rides Better and will not need a shock upgrade in 6 months or ever They have the best ride out there. And there 4x4 set up is the best out there as well when you put it in 4 wheel drive you get 4 wheel drive right away. The atv does not have to thing about it and stop one wheel to start another.

Here is a video that shows what i am trying to say.

Polaris Sportsman XP 850 vs Can-Am Outlander 800 - YouTube

spikester · #4 04-09-2012, 08:36 AM

Bla Can am could come out with a promo and make theirs look better as well, my visco works way better than that. They are comparing to an older model can am as well. If your going for the ride, i would just go ride the 2 bikes and see which one you like the best. They both have power steering now and the engine braking is great on the can am. Its basically up to you when riding it though they are both great built machines.

coonhunter79 · #5 04-09-2012, 09:02 AM

The Polaris felt cheap to me.. I liked the outlander a lot better hands down..and as far as performance the 850 can't run with the outty I seen it with my own two eyes

Wheelie.Man · #6 04-09-2012, 09:02 AM

Find it and let me see it.

Hey Can am are great Atvs. There is no need to put one down over the other They all have trouble.

choPppps · #7 04-09-2012, 09:23 AM

I have driven both and they both feel different. I would suggest that you try and ride both to compare and see what you like. The 850 can keep up just fine as well. LOL.

Wheelie.Man · #8 04-09-2012, 09:31 AM

Yes they are both great atvs the only thing that puts the 850xp on top in my mind is the Ride it's like sitting on a couch. I have road both and still ride both. My friend owns a Atv dealer ship. He sells Can am , Polaris , and Arctic cat. I have time on them all. And I will never bash any of them cause it is all in what you like .

jafjaf · #9 04-09-2012, 10:29 AM

I ride with a freind who has the 2011 850 I have outlander max 650xt I tough mud conditions its can am with ease in steep climbs its can am in rough conditions climbing over blow down etc. the polaris broke both back springs. for the ride going real slow maybe pol is slightly smoother going fast its the can am for sure much more comfortable and a real confident ride . Power wise there isnt much difference as the 650 gets the 850 most of the time and top speed is can am at 74 mph From a summer of comparing thats what we have found. anyways . fuel economy goes to the can am also.

smaug · #10 04-09-2012, 11:54 AM

A 850XP uses about 50% more fuel than a Can-Am 650/800 from my own experience. We drove for days on trails and I could always ride about 50% longer before I had to stop and fill fuel(I rode 2-up with a lot of camping equipment too, my buddy only rode 1-up). I will also say that the fact that you cant run 12" wheels on a 850XP really blows, Those OE 14" wheel/tire combo are junk and the real alternative to the OE setup is putting on some 27" tires on.

One last thing. Around here, track kit on the 850XP has not been a great success so far. It seems that because of the 20% lower gear ratio on the front diff on the 850, when you add tracks to it, axles will break all the time and so will a-arms mounts(Tatou 4S track system). Maybe Polaris own track system has a better solution for their own bikes, I dont know.
Its also a PITA to do maintenance on the XP generation atvs. That rear mounted CVT system is no fun at all to mess around with out in the bush...