Is Can Am really the bike to use compared to any other brand?

storman_norman · #1 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 01:04 AM

Hey the im all new to the quad REAL experience and trying to do a lil research on which Quad to get.. Im being convinced though that the Can Am renegade 800 '09 model is the way to go.. But I need the truth as to: Are the parts easily and affordably accesible? How reliable is the motor and bike in its own right to be driven hard for a prolonged period of time?? Can anyone give me a non biast review please on the Can Am renegade 800 '09. Thanx alot

**1Bad1000Xxc** · #2 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 01:33 AM

The Can-Am quads are strong powerwise and very well made. Two of our crew members have them and love them. One has an 800-X and another has an Outlander 800 and have nothing but good things to say about 'em. Just wait, they'll respond back. If my wife would let me a hold the checkbook, I'd have a new 800-X from the review our crew member 3TV did on his.

Do a search for "Reneagade 800" up top and just give the threads a read.

Buster

**BATTLEGUN** · #3 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 05:02 AM

Stormin Normin, you have asked a loaded question, but I'll give my $.02 worth.

1) The 2009 800R is an upgrade for the Can-Am. I'm not clear as to whether this is a new engine all together or whether it is just new for BRP's ATVs. It is my "impression" that the 800R is a motor that they have used in their line of Ski-Doo products. I could be WAY off there and before I actually write the review for the 2009 800R XT, I will have my home work done. Regardless, no one can give you a longevity report on this motor in the ATVs because it just came out.

2) You ask is the Can-Am Renegade the best ATV. Well my friend, that really depends on what you want that quad for. If you are going to do nothing but trail type riding with no long excursions into the back country, then yes, the Renegade is a very strong ATV. It has loads of power, great suspension, nice tires of the lot, and has a roomy fit (good ergonomics). If you plan on super long excursions in which you will need to bring along a lot of gear, this is not the ATV you want. It isn't really easy on fuel and has virtually no rack space even if you get the aftermarket rack that is only big enough to fit a small cooler on. The Outlander may be better suited for this type of adventure. It offers the same power, nice suspension, decent tires, and good ergonomics in a utility package.

It is really hard to label any one ATV the best. Each brand has it postive notes and negative notes. Some are famous for reliability, some are famous for power, while some are famous for the ride. However, if you take care of your ATV, no matter the brand, it will probably last you a long time. I will not say the Outlander is the best, but I will say that I am VERY happy with it. It does what I want it to do and that is what is most important.

BTW...Welcome to the site!

**3TV** · #4 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 09:33 AM

Norman,
I did a review on the '09 Renegade 800 that is posted elsewhere on this site. I now have 900 miles on my Renegade, and have had no reliability issues what so ever. I took it back to the dealer for a complete service one time, but otherwise have done all of the service work myself. I am still on my original air filter, and it still looks clean, believe it or not. That is a record for me because I live in the southwest desert where it is always dry and dusty. I suspect it has something to do with always being in the lead, LOL.

I had previously owned a number of different sport utility ATVs, such as a Prairie 700, a Brute Force 750, a number of Grizzly 660s and Grizzly 700s, a Rincon, and a while back had owned a Sportsman, a Scrambler, and a Wolverine. For sport riding on a 4x4 ATV the Renegade is in a league of its own. None of the others even come close in power, handling, and overall performance.

The Renegade does not have racks to carry spare fuel cans with you, but it will go farther on tank of gas than other utility ATVs I have ridden with. I did a 130 mile ride last summer with 8 Grizzly 700s. Every one of the Grizzlys ran out of gas within a few hundred yards of each other at the 90 mile mark, and had to refuel with the gas they had carried with them. My Renegade 800 finished the 130 mile ride without having to refuel.

Welcome to the site.

3TV

stray · #5 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 11:40 AM

hi norman,
i have an '08 so i can's specifically speak about the '09 800R, but i believe it is the same rotax engine, with some modifications. the other replies have given you very good information regarding your decision about purchasing a new atv. i love my '08 renegade 800X, so my opinions would be somewhat biased, however i currently own honda and kawasaki atvs also. my 2 cents will be relevant only should you decide to go with the renegade. there are a couple of NECESSARY issues that MUST be addressed.

1) frame re-inforcement (just google it and you'll find several tutorials)

2) skid plates (preferrably aftermarket - or make your own with HDPE)

3) fender flares (overfenders) direction2 seem to be the best (ebay or kimpex dealer)

once those issues have been handled, you have the best trail machine available. one final note, you mentioned that you are "new to the quad REAL experience". not sure exactly what that means, but i wouldn't advise anyone who hasn't logged ALOT of hours on another atv to start off with the renegade 800. not trying to sound like an a$$, but this machine is the real deal. you wouldn't put your 16year old kid into an indy car for safety reasons and this isn't the atv to learn to ride with.

that being said, feel free to ask any other questions you may have.

**3TV** · #6 (**permalink**) 01-15-2009, 12:17 PM

True what he said. I think the power of the Renegade 800 is perfect, but I come from a 30 year history of desert racing on various dirt bikes and sport ATVs, and I'm used to having too much power. The Renegade 800 is perfect for me, because it has just enough power to scare me once in a while. I need that adrenaline rush every now and then, and I have had more fun on my Renegade than on any other ATV I have ever owned. Someone with no experience or minimal experience may not enjoy getting scared when they goose the throttle though, especially if the ATV gets away from them.

I put aftermarket skid plates on my Renegade on day one, and have never had a frame issue with it. I did not put aftermarket skid plates on my wife's Grizzly 700, and have since had to have the frame straightened, so in my opinion skid plates are a good mod for any ATV that is trail ridden.

3TV

storman_norman · #7 (**permalink**) 01-19-2009, 06:57 PM

Thankyou everyone for a very detailed reply in covering al bases.. In the last two replys by 3TV and STRAY you answered my main Q as to is this a bike for someone who is new to Quads and yes with minimal exp.. In you saying that i will probably resort t the Renegade 500 EFI.. Has anyone driven one of these? And in a view of a beginner but mature mind is it still a great ride? The main reason why i was sucked into thinking i should go for the 800 is the simple reason that in no time after riding a 500 or similar every weekend or every chance i get i will get used to and bored of such small power at least withthe 800 its all there at once lol.. Anyhow ill pop back on in the next few days and do some more homework but till then thanx again you've been very helpful

stray · #8 (**permalink**) 01-19-2009, 07:50 PM

that is a valid point - i would feel one would tire of the 500 and want the 800 after some time. my suggestion would be to buy a used quad (craigslist, etc), ride it for awhile, then sell it or trade it in on the renegade 800. parts are expensive on new quads, especially the renegade (front bumper, plastic, etc.) so i would want to get my rookie mistakes out while on an older machine, where parts are generally less expensive and more plentiful. just my 2 cents... good luck whatever you choose to do, keep us posted!

formguy · #9 (**permalink**) 01-19-2009, 08:23 PM

Buy a wheel drive Rincon!!! They never break, run forever and do not go fast enough to die on. I've got over 6k on mine with no undeserved fixing (damn trees). you may not be the fast guy on the ride, but you'll always be the tow truck. The sunrise is not as reliable as my Rincon ( it is faster though).

**Koko** · #10 (**permalink**) 01-21-2009, 10:02 AM

When I upgrade, I'll be giving a long hard look at an Outty 800. The Renegade is not for me. While I know the engine would be the body work doesn't cover enough. I ride with 2 guys on Renegades and they are soaked head to tow with water and mud where I'm still nice and dry. For trail riding in the northeast (speaking for me) an Outty and makes more sense. For dry, trail riding and desertlike conditions I think the Renegade would be more suited. Then again some people don't mind getting muddy and wet. I prefer to stay dry while riding.