Test: Can-Am Outlander MAX 650 XT

The designers and engineers responsible for the Outlander's appearance faced a daunting task. Considering that they combine usability, the performance of a working four-wheeler, and such sportiness under one roof that you can win a cross-country race without any modifications (well, if a steel man like Marco Jager is also a little helps), there is no doubt about the versatility. Thus, for the "yellowheads" that we tested in all possible and impossible conditions, the term "multi-practitioner" is just the right term.

Since it is an approved four-wheeler and can be driven on the roads, we tested it in the city. I’ll note right away that it is by no means recommended to drive “from Gorichko to Piran” along the motorway. The maximum speed is 120 km / h, but in fact it is very “happening” on the road at 90 km / h, since the design is adapted primarily for off-road use, or if we are talking about asphalt, only for lower , i.e. city ​​speeds.

However, the fact is that with it you will definitely be noticed in the city. A colleague who was driving around town at the time I was testing it said that all of Ljubljana was full of me! Yes, if today people are accustomed to all kinds of motorcycles and one or another special vehicle, then such an ATV attracts their attention.

While flying around the city, it turned out that he had too little trunk for small items, not to mention putting a helmet under the seat or in waterproof boxes. Gloves, a thinner jacket, or raincoat still fit inside, but a backpack, laptop, or similar does not. In fact, every best 50cc city scooter has more usable luggage space. On the other hand, it impresses with its seating position, because due to the high seat height you can easily control the traffic in front of you, and with a pair of side mirrors, you can clearly see everything that happens behind you. back.

Because of its width, it is somewhat disadvantageous compared to motorcycles or scooters to race to the front row in front of traffic lights, but its acceleration and short wheelbase still allow it a lot of much-needed maneuverability in the city. With a "group" start from 0 to, say, 70 km / h, when the green light comes on, it won't even be caught by a motorcycle, let alone a car! The only thing you really need to look out for when there is tarmac under the wheels is that cornering speed adjusts to its high center of gravity, as it loves to lift the rear inner wheel when oversteer, and when cornering hard you will pass turning on two wheels.

But enough about the city. If, for example, you smell a scooter and such an ATV at the same time, but you are limited by budget or the size of the garage, or, say, the resilience and lack of understanding of the better half, that you need both. once the Outlander "covers" most of the scooter. But really only shines on the field. Last but not least, its air tires indicate what it's actually designed for. When the rubble turns into a cart track, there is no need to press a button to engage all four wheels from the rear pair; this is necessary only when an emptiness shines in front of you, say, if the road was demolished by a stream or a landslide. On such a climber, the driver gets scared earlier than the technician!

With all-wheel drive, it knows almost no obstacles, and the excellent automatic "sticky" front differential lock does the job. Since the wheels are individually mounted, that is, at the front on double A-rails, and at the rear on robust suspensions adapted for off-road, each wheel is even better suited to the ground. However, good ground contact is critical. But even if this modern technology is not enough or you doubt your safety, there is also a winch with remote control or buttons on the left side of the steering wheel. In this way, the Outlander can defend itself in mountaineering style through the verticals.

Extensive belly and chassis protection ensures that it doesn't feel awkward, and vital parts are also well protected by durable bumpers. The gearbox also impresses with its simplicity and efficiency. It is a continuously variable variomat (CVT) in which you select the desired operation using the position of the gear lever.

H means normal driving, but it also knows gearbox, idle, reverse, and P means hillside parking.

When it comes to sitting behind the wheel and in the back seat, I can confidently say that you will have a hard time finding the best combination. The passenger will get the same comfort as on a Honda Gold Wing or, say, a BMW K 1600 GTL. The seat is two-level, so the passengers are slightly raised, and also made sure that the passenger's footrests are raised. When climbing off-road, the passenger will also have very good support thanks to the large rubber-coated handles.

The driver has little to do with controls, and the difference between the base hardware and the XT hardware is that the XT also supports servo amplifier. The handle can be operated even by the most gentle female hand.

Traveling on forgotten roads and rubble is only limited by the size of the fuel tank. You can expect approximately three hours of operation followed by a short refueling. On asphalt and with the throttle lever constantly open, fuel consumption increases dramatically. The two-cylinder Rotax 650cc can do a lot, but the thirst for the chase is not its virtue.

From a financial standpoint, of course, this is not the cheapest ATV on the market, but on the other hand, it is a premium and what it offers is also the greatest you can get or expect from a modern ATV. If you need a roof and car seats, this Can-Am is called the Commander.

text: Petr Kavčič, photo: Boštjan Svetličič

• Basic data

  Sales: Ski and sea

  Base model price: 14360 €

• Technical information

  engine: two-cylinder, four-stroke, 649,6 cm3, liquid-cooled, electronic fuel injection

  Power: n.p.

  Torque: n.p.

  Energy transfer: Continuously variable transmission CVT

  Frame: steel

  brakes: two coils in the front, one coil in the back

  Suspension: MacPherson struts, 203mm travel, 229mm individual suspension reverse travel

  Tires: 26 x 8 x 12, 26 x 10 x 12

  Growth: 877 mm

  Fuel tank: 16,3

  Wheelbase: 1.499 mm

  Weight: 326 kg

We praise and reproach

versatility

engine power and torque

comfort

podcast

field capacity

Equipment

workmanship and components

brakes

price

we lacked a little more autonomy with fuel to drive on the road