Trying To Decide: Outlander XT 500 or Honda Foreman Rubicon

The 500L and 500XT are both a better machine, with that said I did recently purchase a new 500 Rubicon. Only because I wanted a 5 speed footshift with IRS, I did not opt for the "likely to be problematic" DCT. This is a machine I use for work everyday, this is not a weekend warrior. If I wanted to have any kind of fun at all I would buy something else. lol

Let me tell you a story about a man named Jed..... But seriously, I currently have a '07 Rubicon with 16000KM and a '13 Canam 650 XT Max with 6000KM. I started on dirt bikes then went to an old worn out Yamaha 3 wheeler then to an old (1985) Honda 2x4 250. I used them primarily for hunting and fishing. Never put a lot of miles on the older machines, 50-60 KMs, seats were to uncomfortable for long trips.

In '08, the old Honda 250 required a new front hub which was no longer available so I decided since Honda was offering some pretty good deals to go see what I could find. Ended up with a slightly used '07 Rubicon. 147 Kms, full bumpers, ITP wheels with crappy stock tires.

Put the passenger seat and winch on it, loaded up the wife and I went from using a quad strictly as a utility vehicle to a recreational rider. That first summer seen 6000 KM. I average about 2500 kms a year now a days.

One day, while out riding with friends we encountered a steep hill but with no room to turn around we had to climb it. I had the wife scoot up to where a was sitting and then i sat on her lap. First time I was ever concerned we might flip over backwards.

Time for a 2up, to me the only realistic choice was Canam. So next came the Canam and I couldn't be happier, rides better, 2x the power, more clearance, way better lights, more comfy seats.

I rarely ride the Rubicon these days, just seems so small and sluggish. I kept it for my kids and friends to ride with us.

Now when it comes to maintenance, the Honda requires a lot lot less. But I justify that with the fact that the Canam is worth it just for the dramatically increased riding experience. My only regret is that I let the dealer talk me outa the XT-P model.

I took a look at the new Rubicons and if I were to get one with the automatic IRS, it's more expensive then the 500L around here.

Guess botton line is, don't assume you'll just use it one certain way, as I discovered, a great riding quad can easily lead to a lot more riding then you first thought you would. Kinda addictive.

This is the maintenance schedule from a 2012 service manual


From my '07 hinda service manual



Keep in mind this is 2007 compared to 2012, Maybe Honda has upped the maintenance on their newer machines, you would have to look at the user manual and see if it lists the maintenance required.