Outlander/Renegade frame mods

MikeM · #1 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 03:55 AM

So.....I was looking online last night for performance mods for my Renegade 500 and happened across a couple of sites talking about frame mods for the Renegade/outlanders. One had a link to another forum where a guy was talking about bending the frame on his Renegade. Is anybody having problems with this or has anyone heard of this? I ride mine fairly hard but I really haven't had it that long. Just looking at the gade it doesn't look like it would need it. It seems like you would have to be doing something pretty extreme to have that kind of problem. What do you guys think?

**BATTLEGUN** · #2 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 09:16 AM

This is one of things that I personally can't see it being a problem, BUT there are those stories of people bending, cracking, etc their frames. I've not been easy on mine and I've not had any issues. I do agree those that damage the frame are probably riding outside the parameters in which it was designed for. However, skids are a must for any serious ATVier. Skids are the only mod I've heard other than completely rebuilding the frames and should provide the average weekend warrior with ample protection for the "accused" vulenerable frame.

**GRIZZLYWIZARD** · #3 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BATTLEGUN

those that damage the frame are probably riding outside the parameters in which it was designed for.

Exactly what are the intended parameters that is designed for?

MadMac · #4 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 12:45 PM

I bent my frame, and got it replaced (again, thank got for warranty) but I was riding quite a while w/o skids, as I couldn't find any for my gade locally, and they were on back order.

**BATTLEGUN** · #5 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GRIZZLYWIZARD

Exactly what are the intended parameters that is designed for?

Certianly not balls-out racing/riding. Which happens to be where all or most of the frame incidents have occured that I've heard of.

stray · #6 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 05:22 PM

i've read of quite a few trail-riding incidents where the frame was damaged, some say under 10mph, which may be stretching the truth. personally, i only know a few guys smart enough to own a can-am,

so i can't say i've witnessed it first hand. that being said, i have done a pretty good amount of damage to the frames on my previous quads, so i did the frame mod. once you take a look at how thin the material used for the spar is, you can understand why they are bending, approx. 1/16". it cost less than $30 for the material, took very little time to weld it and put it in there, and the added weight only helps lower the center of gravity. this way, if i nail something really hard that would've bent the frame, it will probably bend or break an a-arm mount. with the steel inside the spar, it gives me something solid to weld it back onto, the spar it self would probably blow through if i used the right setting for the thickness of the a-arm mount. bottom line is, if you don't think you ride hard enough to do any damage, you're probably fine. i'm not taking any chances...

MikeM · #7 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 10:10 PM

I don't know whether I'm riding hard enough to do any damage or not. I think I ride it the way it was intended to be ridden. I don't lollygag by any means but I know when to slow down a bit. How much weight did it add to your machine stray?

stray · #8 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 10:23 PM

about 15 lbs

MikeM · #9 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 10:31 PM

So it really doesn't add much weight then. I don't think I need to do it but its nice to know I have the option just in case. For now I'll just look at skids. I know I need em, I just haven't wanted to spend the cash to do it. Beats a new frame though, thats for sure. thanks for the info stray

**BATTLEGUN** · #10 (**permalink**) 05-16-2009, 10:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stray

i've read of quite a few trail-riding incidents where the frame was damaged, some say under 10mph, which may be stretching the truth. personally, i only know a few guys smart enough to own a can-am,

so i can't say i've witnessed it first hand

If a fella damages a frame at 10mph then yes, I agree, the frame is crap. However, how do we disprove that this wasn't a pissed off individual because he got happy and ran his quad off a 5 foot cliff at 30mph and bottomed it so bad he broke everything? Not calling anyone a lier, I just want better facts that the Can-Am frames are as bad as everyone says they are.