OWNERS’ REPORT: Can-Am Outlander 1000

When it comes to choosing a 4×4 quad to buy, you certainly have to consider something from Can-Am’s Outlander series. From small, medium or large, they’re sure to have an all-around 4×4 trail machine in your size. In 2012, they even added a new size that you might call extra large. If you need the power of a big-boy engine, Can-Am has you covered with its Outlander 1000. While Yamaha, Honda, Kawasaki and Suzuki haven’t gone above the 750cc plateau, Can-Am gives you the full-liter option, as does Polaris and Arctic Cat as well. These three brands are the ones most riders look to if they want to mount up bigger wheels and aggressive tires for serious mud riding. So, what is it like to own a 4×4 quad with the power of a 1000cc twin-cylinder engine? Does it make riding more fun? Well, power is the one thing that Outlander 1000 owners say they like most about their quads. They all gave it an excellent rating in the performance category. According to this survey, they’re also pleased with its durability. They would have no problem buying another one, which is always a good endorsement. Take a look at the rest of their ratings and see if it could be a quad you’d like to own too.

Model year
(of surveys received)
2015………………………………..4%
2014………………………………..6%
2013………………………………30%
2012………………………………60%
Types of riding
Leisure trail riding….HHHH
Fast trail riding…………..HHH
Work & hauling………….HHH
Hunting & fishing………….HH
Mud………………………………….H
Sand…………………………………H
Snow………………………………..H
The one thing you like most about your Outlander
Power ……………………..HHHH
Engine braking………………..H
The one thing you like least
Single lever brakes……….HH
Soft front shocks……………….H
Rough shifting………………….H
Plastic racks……………………..H
If you could improve one thing on your Outlander
2 lever brakes…………………..H
Smoother shifting…………….H
CVT lag……………………………H
Front shocks…………………….H
During normal usage what broke, malfunctioned or prematurely wore out
Nothing……………………HHHH
Skid plate cracks……………..H
Drive shaft………………………..H
What accessories have you added?
Tires…………………………….HHH
Heated grips………………….HH
Bumpers…………………………..H
Hitch…………………………………H
Footpegs…………………………..H
Cargo bag……………………….H
Happy with the outcome?
Yes………………………………100%
No…………………………………..0%
How do you rate your Outlander’s durability?
Excellent……………………….69%
Okay……………………………..31%
Poor………………………………..0%
How do you rate its quality & attention to detail?
Excellent……………………….71%
Okay……………………………..29%
Poor………………………………..0%
How do you rate its
performance compared to other quads in its class?
Excellent……………………..100%
Okay……………………………….0%
Poor………………………………..0%
How do you rate your local Can-Am dealer?
Excellent……………………….67%
Okay……………………………..33%
Poor………………………………..0%
Would you recommend a friend to buy an Outlander 1000?
Yes………………………………100%
No…………………………………..0%
If you were to buy another ATV, what would it be?
Another Outlander 1000..HH
Outlander Max 1000………..H
Maverick 1000………………….H
What dream ATV would you like to see the
manufacturers offer?
Lightweight performance 4×4….HH
Grizzly 1000………………………H
No-belt Can-Am…………….. H
HHHH = most responses
HHH = many responses
HH = some responses
H = few responses