Staff Report

BRP’s commitment to innovation is showcased in so many areas on the Outlander 500 it’s tough to find a place to start.

Take its super-lightweight spar frame using the engine as a major structural member. Then there’s the trailing torsional IRS system with its invisible, internal sway bar and ji-normous sealed bearings for support. Unsprung-weight-reducing inboard front disc brakesare part of the techy heritage of the OL chassis.

In this application, the 500 Outlander uses a McPherson Strut front suspension. The reason? Can-Am claims the 500 and the 400 Outlander (built entirely on its own single cylinder chassis) use this less-costly-to-produce strut setup for precisely this reason, cost savings.

The 500 V-twin uses the same bottom end and CVT tranny as 650 and 800 Outlanders do. It’s an 80-degree design that spreads power pulses in a familiar “potato-potato” cadence with almost zero vibration. The Rotax-built mill employs EFI, and according to BRP, is the horsepower champ in this segment.

The XT model offers premium Carlisle chevron patterned meats factory mounted on sweet cast aluminum wheels, plus a WARN 3000 pounder hangs out front activated by a standard remote control neatly stored in the front under-rack trunk. Wrinkle finish bush bars are factory installed up front and out back.

Can-Am uses a left handlebar mounted single lever brake system with two inboard discs up front and one rear disc tied to the master cylinder with premium steel braided hoses.

It’s worth noting the overall tactile feel of the Can Am Outlander 500 is tangibly more substantial than the a Suzuki KingQuad and its sturdy plastic bodywork and trim bits exude high quality feedback.

By: Matt Lester

The DiamondBack ATV Solutions package is perfect for hauling everything, including the kitchen sink, by allowing you to load your quad on top of its super heavy duty tonneau cover while providing an abundance of dry storage beneath.

We referred to the owner’s manual for installation on our 2008 Dodge 2500 Mega Cab 4×4 and were able to put the cover together in no time at all.

Instructions are clearly spelled out; you just have to follow them closely. Once the cover is properly secured you’ll have full access to the truck’s bed as the cover folds open nicely from the front or the rear.

We loved the fact proper installation offers secure, dry storage underneath which allowed us to stock tools, spare tires, equipment and food.

With a 1600 lb. load capacity we weren’t worried about overloading the cover either and when it was time to load up our ATV, we set up the collapsible 12-foot side ramps and were pleasantly surprised to find the incline was gradual and not too intimidating to ride onto.

The ramps attach securely to the cover, eliminating kick-out and the 3-inch high sidewalls guide you easily to the top.

Several accessories came with our Diamondback including adjustable adapter bars, cab guards to save your rear window, and detachable side rails that provide a secure wall of protection from driving off the other side (good idea).

There are a dozen heavy-duty, nylon tie-down hooks so there’s no excuse not to use at least four straps to tie your 4-wheeler down.

If you don’t have the space at your home to store a trailer or if you simply want to bring more stuff along with you on an ATV adventure, the DiamondBack ATV Solutions package is a solid choice.

American made by real ATV enthusiasts who understand the needs of people who can’t bear to be without their toys.

Find out more at www.diamondbackcovers.com or call toll free at 800-935-4002.