Comments / Reviews From 800 Owners

TraxterMan says:

"Ok 550 kms ( about 340 miles) and 27 hours on it, and yes it just gets better, I noticed an little more power in the mid range and there definitely is more power in the low end, it is an awesome feeling to have all the power you want and much more then I actually used during it’s break in, I doubt I could ever run out of available power with my particular riding style. The bike with one oil change at 17 hours ( 0w40 synthetic) runs smoother then when new and is consistent and smooth through out the whole power band. The ride with both front and rear suspension on the stiffest settings is similar to a cushion of air ( I personally appreciate how smooth and comfortable the ride is ) I know some will not like this plush ride of it, however it still absorbs the bumps with suspension to spare.

Some negatives I have noticed, the oils filter is hard to get at the bolts that hold the cover for it on if you have big hands ( just one of the bolts is hard to get at ) but that is where my wife comes in with her smaller hands. Also the dash has a lot of info available form it, but you would think they would have incorporated a good old fashioned clock in it, you the ones the tell you what time it is ? Ground clearance, should be more IMO, it lacks here even though they ( Bomb ) say’s it has 12” s or so, I continually am hitting in places where I have never hit with my 05 650 V-2 ( mind you I did have 27” mud lites on the Cat) Brakes, the fronts ,the rare time you actually need them ( because engine brake is second to none) are noisy and are over all just lacking in stopping power, ( I have to still burnish the pads in more ) the rear brake ( foot brake) works just fine and combine this brake with the throttle in corners and you can drift sideways through just about any corner, just like a sport bike. That is it so far for negatives !!

Positives, remember just IMO Fuel mileage, at first roughly 20 miles to the Canadian gallon, last tank was 23.35 miles to the Canadian gallon, that is more then one of my riding buddies was getting on his 500 Poo Poo, and just a little more the my wife on her 400 Outy, so I am impressed with the fuel mileage. Starts by turning it on and hitting the starter button, that simple and it stays running and running and running, the fuel injection SO FAR ANYWAY is great. Low range, if you need it hold tight , this gear will get you wheeling for ever then some and I pitty the rider behind you because you are throwing two big rooster tails every time you hit the throttle even just a little.

Over all so far I am very happy with this ride, there is nothing I regret about getting it."

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LaMigraTx says:

"My Overall thoughts of the BRP 800EFI to date"

With 677 miles on my machine and 61 engine hours I will give my overall perspective to date. My first impressions of this machine still has not changed on this machine, and I still consider this machine hell on wheels. However, there are some things that need to be seriously considered. I will rate this machine on a scale 1 to 10, with 10 being the best, and 1the worse.

"Frame"
I was a staunch supporter of this frame in its stock form meaning no need for skid plates unless running extreme terrain. Some people were a little more skeptical, and my attitude was lets wait and see what happens. I reported from day one and knew the underneath was over exposed since their were no factory skid plates, however, I felt in riding light to normal terrain this machine should be fine for now and I would eventually order skid plates. Well at the 589th mile the skid plates went from being priority 5 to priority 1. Having bashed my frame in pretty good it was time to get skid plates ASAP. People that are considering this machine do not be afraid of this frame, it just needs protection just like any other frame/machine. I still feel the frame is a great and innovative design, but skid plates are absoutely required. Don't have the false sense of security this machine will skid and slide over every obstacle or this frame is indestructable since skid plates are not a stock option.
Rating stock form = 5 / Rating with skid plates = 8

"Brakes"
I am finally use to the single brake lever, and the brakes work great. Now the foot brake that controls the rear brakes I am not impressed with. If you are at a dead spot on a hill and apply the foot brake it will hold you, but as far as coming to a dead stop or at least slowing down quickly the foot brake is not going to do it. On the flip side the single brake lever on the handlebar works great, it applies braking to all three brakes front and back, and brings you to an immediate stop. You will get some sound on occasion from the rear brakes when applied, a sort of rubbing or grinding noise. This is normal and happens to all BRP 400s and 800s. Most people will replace these factory pads with decent aftermarket pads that won't do make this sound. The inboard mounted rear and front disc brakes does keep the discs cleaned longer and keeps them out of the elements. As far as changing the brake pads they are very easy to do, and takes little effort. So far I am very happy with the braking system and have no complaints, other than the odd sound that sometimes comes from the rear brake.
Rating = 9

"Lights"
The front lights are good, but could be better in some people minds. I have seen better lighting, but most of those machines have a Third Pod Headlight, which of course will throw more light. If you are not happy with the low beams on the front headlights, you can switch to the high beams and they will throw ample light.
Rating = 5

"Suspension and Comfort"
I feel in love with this suspension immediately even with the first production "soft" shocks. Many people felt the shocks were too soft, so Bombardier upgraded the shocks to a stiffer shock and people seem to be happy with this new shock. The rear suspension is second to none and performs great. You really feel like you are gliding or floating down the trail, I have never felt anything like this before. Without a doubt this is one of the most comfortable machines to ride. The seat is just as comfortable as the Polaris seat, and provides ample coverage and support.
Rating = 10

"Handling" Given the HxWxL, power to weight ratio this machine handles like a dream, and performs great on tight trails and wide open runs. I have had this machine at high speeds, and on tight trails and never felt out of control. The steering in 4wd is very light, and even lighter in 2wd. You can stay in 4wd all day and not have any strain on your arms or diminshed handling ability.
Rating = 9

"Gas Mileage"
With its 5.6 gallon gas tank you count on almost 90 to 95 miles on that gas tank, with 18 to 22 mpg on open and easy terrain. Low gear in tight and difficult terrain expect less. Overall I am very happy with the gas mileage especially for 800cc machine.
Rating = 8

"Storage"
Is non-existence and as people are find out its not water tight. Personally, I didn't buy this machine for its storage, since I always buy aftermarket bags or boxes. But it would be nice to good storage like the Polaris machines. But then again all machines have crap storage.
Rating = 3

"Routine Maintenance"
So far I have changed the oil and filter super easy. You do not have to remove any plastics to get to these elements. You do have to remove the oil cover which is no big deal.
Cleaning the air filter is a little cumbersome, but not the end of the world.
Differentials front and back have not done that yet, but it looks like it might be tricky.
Radiator and Brake fluid is easy to get to and easy to fill, just pop the front compartment.
Brakes pads very easy to change out.
Spark arrestor and muffler are easy to clean.
Overall maintenance is very easy to do especially for the oil and filter.
Rating = 8

"2wd and 4wd/Visco-Lok System"
The drive system works amazingly well and I have had no problems. Its easy to engage between 2wd and 4wd, just a flick of the switch. When in 2wd the two rear wheels are pulling/powering, when in 4wd all four wheels are pulling (limited slip differential), when one wheel begins to slip the other wheel will progressively lock. You will basically never three wheel with this machine, and you do not have stop to engage the locker it will automatically kick in. It does take a couple turns of the wheel to lock, but it doesn't take long. I have had this machine in sand, mud, rocks, hill climbs, water, and I never had a problem with not having traction. All wheels were pulling at some point. I am very happy with the drive system of this machine.
Rating = 8

"Water Riding"
CVT intake and exhaust are okay, not the best like Polaris, but they are okay. Any serious water riding will require a snorkel. In addition you will need to install a drain plug on the CVT housing. Should water enter the CVT housing there is no way to get out, so you must install a drain plug.
The air filter is nice and high by the handlebars, so there is no need to snorkel this.
Rating = 5

"Mud Riding"
The max lift you can put on this machine is 1 1/2" front and rear. It has a front locker, it has 12" of Ground Clearance GC, more than enough power to turn any size tire out there, lightweight don't have to drag an elephant through the mud, and will fit 29.5 Outlaws without any mods. Downside is the battery and rear electrical components are exposed. However, all the critical eomponents are near the handlebars.
Rating = 8

"Technical Riding"
GET SKID PLATES!!! With its low center of gravity, and great low end torque this machine will pull and climb anything. With its Visco-Lok system you will always have constant traction on hill climbs and rock climbs. You will always have plenty of power for the steep hill climbs. I would dare say this is one of the best technical riding machines out there, other than the underneath needing protection. You need to protect the frame and footboards.
Rating = 9

"Clutch and Belt"
The clutch has performed great for me, no slippage in water, hill climbs, sand, mud or drag racing. I have hammered on this machine and it will stand it straight up on pavement, and the clutch always engages with no slips. You will hear the clutch engage when you put it in H, L, or R, and when you get on the gas. With 677 miles hard stompen miles on my machine the belt has not had to be adjusted or replaced, or slipped on me.
Rating = 10

"EFI Rotax Motor"
What can I say this is the first and true 800cc motor. I have raced nearly every machine out there. It will beat (not stomp the guts out of the BF750), it will easily beat the SP 800EFI, it will beat the KFZ 700, it will beat the Honda 450, it will easily beat the Twin Peaks 700, it will easily beat the Prairie 700, it will easily beat the AC 650, this is by far the fastest stock utility. Add mods to it and nothing will touch it. How does all this power translate to the trail and technical riding, quite nicely. The EFI is a two stage system, give a little throttle and the power is really retarded, hammer on the throttle and you get the full force. I never had a problem managing or felt unsafe with the power in tight or technical spots. Put this machine in Low and you crawl over and up any terrain. The EFI system provides a smooth yet intoxicating delivery of power.
Rating = 10

"EBS"
The Engine Braking System on this machine I would dare to say is the best on the market. I have been on hills and mountains where I was pointing straight down, no hand on the brakes, or throttle, and this machine just crawls downward in 4wd, Low. The EBS is applied to all four wheels, and is excellent.
Rating = 10

"Radiator"
The radiator is large, and fairly well protected. I have not had this machine overheat or come close. Keep in mind I have ridden over 70 miles in 110+ temps. I would suggest in getting the radiator screen to better protect it from rocks, or other sharp debris from getting kicked up into the radiator and dinging the fins.
Rating = 8

"Electrical Components"
Some people have had issues with the shifter being out of place, and causing the machine to go into limp mode. There is a Bulletin on this issue. Some people have experienced the engine light coming on, and then going off, etc... The pod has been replaced and a so called "Dummy Plug" on some people's quads and its seems to have fixed it. To date I have not had any electrical issues other than the shifter is sometimes difficult to engage "Outty Hump", but over time this is getting easier.
Rating = 7

"Price"
There is alot of debate and misformation on the price of this machine. If you want a machine that is close to 800cc or is a true 800cc machine then get ready to pay over $8,000. If you think the BRP 800 is too much money than you won't be buying the SP 800 either. You can buy a Non-XT model BRP 800 in the low $8,000 to mid $8,000. The XT model you can buy from $8,800 to $9,200. You are basically paying for the EFI system, Motor, comfort, handling, and stability.

"Overall"
This machine is hell on wheels and I couldn't be more happier with it. All machines have their weakness, but to date most of these can be worked through. Keep in mind this is a first year machine, and there will be issues/problems. In my opinion if you want a machine for pure/hardcore mud riding I would stick with AC 500, SP 700, the BF 750 or Grizzly 660, save your money. Now if you don't care about the money and want the most powerful machines for the mud then buy the SP 800 or BRP 800. In my mind this machine shines in drag racing, technical riding, hill climbs, occasional mud riding, trail riding, grunt work, it really is a great overall machine. Overall Rating = 8

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Roaddog says:

"First let me start by saying that I come from riding a 2005 Honda 650 Rincon. I never heard of Bombardier until a couple of months ago when I was surfing on the internet and ran across some info on the Outlander 800. Needless to say the info that I saw peaked my interest. My quest was on to find an Outlander 800. I started with my local dealer. They had a green one but sold it before I came to buy and they were unable to locate one for me. I called every dealer in my state (Indiana) as well as Michigan and Illinois. Most could not get me one or wanted to charge more than M.S.R.P. I finally found A red xt still in the crate 2.5 hours away near Wisconsin. I bought it sight unseen.

Having never ridden one I was hoping that I was not making a mistake. After all this is a first year quad, unproven and unfamiliar to me. Well I made the 5 hour round trip and brought it home, unloaded it and took my first test ride.

Man, does this thing have the POWER way more that the Honda Rincon. The only thing that I felt the Rincon excelled in was the plush ride but not by much the Bomb is a close second and boy is the seat comfortable. To me the Bomb out performs the Rincon in every other area.

I have had no problems with my Bomb. The engine braking is excellent, low gear has tons of power, wheelies all day long. I did have to get used to the single lever combination hand brake. When I apply the front brake it will grind a little, back brake is solid. Well to make a long story short I love the Outlander 800 xt.

No regrets getting it and it was worth the money. I sold my Rincon and have not looked back since, the Outlander 800 is big, bad and fast. This was the best choice, it is by far the TOTAL PACKAGE!"

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