2021 Can Am Outlander 850 XT Long Term Review

My thoughts and impresions of the 2021 Can Am Outlander 850 XT after One year and 1,500 Miles.

[@paulfaiman5601]

Nice honest review without all the mud up to the racks hype. Yes prices are high. But when buying one of the best large bore ATV's on the market they are going to be. Bought a "last years" model from a large reputable dealer that earns most of their profit on volume and my Can-Am 850 Max North Edition with a plow was more affordable. Absolutely love this machine.

[@bikermike]

Thanks Paul! I knew I wasn’t the only one that doesn’t care for the mud hype! Although I do appreciate that some people enjoy that as well. Sounds like a fantastic machine you have! Probably lucky to have found it! Awesome work/play machines for sure!

[@myfrankiet]

Perfect. I've had one on order now for weeks and have been looking for exactly this type of review since. Thanks.

[@bikermike]

Thanks for the feedback! Pretty sure you will be very happy with it! Hopefully it comes in soon for ya!

[@james4682]

Mike, I purchased the 2021 Outlander Max XT. I've put exactly 1000 miles on it, all trails northern Michigan. I just finished some maintenance on it and followed your videos. Oil/filter, front & rear differentials, and will tackle the grease points tomorrow. Great videos, they helped me step by step. I agree with your comments on this video regarding the brakes. I'm not that aggressive of a rider and this machine has been fantastic in all ways. The maintenance access points are pretty tight for sure. I love the tires on this machine and the handling has been excellent at all speeds. The Work/Standard/Sport modes and the DPS such a nice feature to have. The winch cable I will be switching out to synthetic later this winter. I had the dealer install hand/throttle warmers for the driver and hand warmers for the passenger prior to pick up. I whole heartedly recommend them! Those warmers are great for northern climates. Keep up the great work and I look forward to your next videos.

[@bikermike]

Thanks James! Glad to hear you found my videos helpful! I’m envious of you location in northern Michigan! I’ve been snowmobiling there several times and have heard good things about the ATV trails! I’m not too far away in Ontario. Agree with hand warmers, I installed the heat demons on mine. They are great machines for sure! 👍

[@james4682]

@@bikermike It's great riding here. I generally cover 90-100 miles daily on the rides. Cover a lot of ground and start about 9am. The trail system takes me from Cadillac to Traverse City and returns through Kalkaska to the starting point. Or another branch travels from Cadillac to Higgins Lake, Grayling, Kalkaska and back. That hasn't even touched the trails located in the Upper Peninsula. You and yours should come on down for a color tour in early autumn.

[@brianseppala7459]

BM I enjoy your videos and perspective on the Can Am. I had the 850 XTP but bought the 2021 1000r XTP. I also agree with you they could simplify the maintenance access. Changed the winch line to synthetic and it took me 2.5 hours. Looking forward to your next update.

[@badas95Z]

I know there's a big horpower increase over the 850 but for a person that probably won't do any high speed riding is the 1000 worth it over the 850? Mostly trail, work, and mud

[@albertosoto6213]

Getting mine tomorrow God willing. I hope to enjoy as much as you have enjoyed yours! Thanks for the review

[@bikermike]

Congrats! Sounds like an exciting day! They have great engine performance and a nice plush ride!

[@albertosoto6213]

@@bikermike my 1st ever can am! Amazing blessing and experience. That thing is fast! Gonna be careful as I get used to the power.

[@JMonOutdoors]

I have the exact same model and everything. I would say you’re spot on with your review and personal assessment… I absolutely love the machine and hope it lasts me a very long time. I plan to take care of it maintenance wise, like you say, I don’t beat my machine and clean it a lot lol. I got a 60” snow plow for mine too, promount system, and some other accessories. I have 220 miles on mine and somewhere between 16-20 hrs on it. I got it mid August. Can’t wait to use it for ice fishing. Thanks for the video, enjoyed watching and listening to it. Also, I think I’m going to adjust the springs to firmest level, especially with the snow plow.

[@bikermike]

Thanks! It sounds like it should provide you years of use and enjoyment. They really are a great machine, I use mine ice fishing as well.That plow sounds like another great use and should also be fun to use! I looked at the plow system you have but my driveway really can't justify it. Have a walk behind snowblower which won't be as fun but still better than the shovel!

[@JMonOutdoors]

@@bikermike Thanks for the reply, I just saw this now for some reason. They are fun machines, I got to plow with it twice now since you replied.... it's a fun time and handles it very well, it exceeded my expectations.

[@MJ-iz6dc]

100% on Honda/Yamaha for reliaibitly. Yes there has been exceptions. Unfortunately, looking for a 2 up, and either don't make that option. Thank you sir much appreciated.

[@sullyone8373]

I hear you. If Yamaha ever decided make a 2up v-twin I'd be first in line. But I have two Outlander Max (16' 570 and 21' 850) and love them both. Can Am quality, reliability, and fit and finish are worthy. Not perfect, but worthy.

[@erict7198]

Nice honest review. I just drove my friends 650 xt. Over all I was very impressed with the whole machine. I have to agree your assessment of the brakes. The braking power definitely does not match the power of the engines.

[@sullyone8373]

I have the same machine in the Max version. So far so great! Not perfect as you point out, but a very good machine and I'm very happy with it. Thanks for the review.

[@bikermike]

Thanks for sharing!

[@RogerPriceDesigns]

Any regrets going with the max version. I’m eyeballing the XT and leaning towards the Max in case the wife or kid joins me.

[@sullyone8373]

@@RogerPriceDesigns no regrets. The added wheel base also provides a bit more stable and comfortable ride even for a single rider. And breakover angle has never been an issue for me. And being able to remove the 2up is great. Unfortunately you might need to purchase the cargo box that backfills the void with the seat off separately. A BS move on Can Am's part if you ask me. One tradeoff however is turning radius is poor. Overall 👍👍. Good luck and safe riding!

[@Kolsch221]

Awesome review! I can’t believe how much extra money they are charging now. $800 for shipping $250 for set-up and §300 for dealer charge WTF? Guess I will be buying used.

[@bikermike]

Thanks! Things are definitely getting too costly these days!

[@DavidAndersonReviews]

It’s based on your dealer. My dealer doesn’t charge any setup or delivery fees

[@RockinRack]

Any thoughts on the new 700s? Cant decide between the pro xu hd7 or the 850xt. The simpler design and access for maintenance and longer maintenance intervals make me lean to the new 700 for reliability and maintenance but i want power! Haha mainly using for farm work but would also love to be able to hammer down some trails for fun occasionally. Trails like you were on dont really provide room for all that power anyway most videos it looks like a honda would have no issue keeping up so im thinking the 700 might be plenty plus i get the front locker. Going to test drive both tomorrow though!

[@brandonc2233]

I got a 21 xt1000. I love it. 1000 miles so far. The shocks r the worst thing about it is my opinion. But I do ride kinda hard. I'll eventually get some different shocks for it

[@jasoncarter411]

Great video, Really appreciated! Shopping them and this was helpful. Thanks brother!

[@bikermike]

🤙

[@jasonaplin4718]

I'm tossed up between one of these or polaris ..I really like the LED lights on polaris but everyone says can am is way better built !!.. your thought ??

[@bikermike]

Based on past experiences from the 1990s I've never been a fan of Polaris. However I do realize they have come a long long ways since then. I honestly just never really looked into them.. I'm more of a believer in the Japanese stuff but they just don't make a performance utility quad besides the dated Brute Force. The Can Am is a beast for power and torque on the back roads pulling hard from throttle inputs even at 50 mph!

[@TomA-NWOntario]

I have the Can Am Outlander 850 Max XT. I do not regret this purchase one bit. My main usage is trails, hunting and plowing. I haven't plowed yet however hunting last week with this machine was amazing. All my gear loaded up plus a buck on the back rack, this machine didn't even flinch. I looked at Polaris but felt Can Am was better quality.

[@TomA-NWOntario]

I have plowed a few times, god i love this machine. Can Am is amazing!!

[@bikermike]

@@TomA-NWOntario sounds like you’re getting lots of good use out of your machine! I agree they are fantastic machines!

[@benmayhew373]

Just traded my sxs in yesterday for a brand new remaining 2022 outlander 850 xt in camo. Hopefully I'll get a great one 🙏 🤞

[@bikermike]

Nice machine! Congrats! I'm still very happy with mine 4,300kms on it now, and no real major problems.

[@NEDDD94]

How many miles can you get out of the engine before the petrol runs out? This is something nobody ever covers.

[@bikermike]

This sounds like a great idea for a video! 👍👍👍

[@Silvertoburn]

Cool, fun ride my friend!

[@venadero213]

im waiting on a 2022 outlander 650. main use would be hunting and trail work. do you think the 650 be enough?

[@bikermike]

💯 percent it will be! I rarely use sport mode on my 850. 650 is plenty more than you’ll need most of the time! I just chose the 850 because it wasn’t too much more$ and it was available in the color I wanted . I doubt you’ll be disappointed, the rotax v twins work amazing!

[@hammerheartdan6311]

I love my 650, it's more that enough for me

[@opnavesea]

did they jack the prices up over previous models because everything going on in the world old like they did cars?

[@venadero213]

@@opnavesea its 10,999 plus tax about 13 stacks i would say.

[@venadero213]

just got my 2022 outlander xt 650 today so excited. so far all good still breaking her in but that boreal green in the sun sheeesh.

[@bryanskutnik5754]

How has this unit held up to this day ? How many miles on it now ? I’m looking at buying a 18 850xt with 3000 miles on it for a deal

[@bikermike]

Has been a great machine for me. Still no major issues other than a small coolant leak which was just a loose clamp. very pleased with it. 2700 miles

[@brett01]

How bad is the heat.....coming from king quad 750 and sportsman 570.....slow travel...no real issues, nothing you notice...i keep hearing that it is a real problem in the summer when going slow.

[@bikermike]

Yes there is a good amount of heat that comes off it. Wearing shorts can be issue with heat irritation. Not sure how to get around the issue with a big bore v twin. Pants vrs shorts would definitely help with avoiding a heat rash.

[@charliedimaria9026]

Is this good for a beginner adult

[@bikermike]

The fact that you asked that question absolutely! Can ease yourself into the output of the 850 with the 3 power level settings built into the ecm and accessible from the right handlebar switch.

[@m8sandman]

Dead on about the brakes, VERY lacking for the size and power of the machine. They limit how hard you can push it. Using the pedal and the handbrake does help some.

[@nortonashburn6119]

Love the power but shocks are way to soft on the xt. Have to buy xtp to have more shock strenght. Imo

[@bikermike]

Yes I can see how they would get too soft for real aggressive riding. XTP better choice for more performance type of riding.

[@kelsenterry8378]

Hey what is your top speed

[@kelsenterry8378]

Because I have the same 850 and it doesn't seem to use the power it has

[@bikermike]

I've never rang it out all the way yet only around 70mph so far. Might sound kinda obvious here but are you in sport mode when doing top speed runs?

[@kelsenterry8378]

@@bikermike yes it will only go up to like 54 full throttle down the road

[@kelsenterry8378]

@@bikermike I'm thinking about trying out a tuner

[@kelsenterry8378]

@@bikermike I took it th the shop I bought it at and apparently it was only running on 1 cylinder

[@abeagle1942]

What’s the max speed in sport mode?

[@bikermike]

A good question, but I have yet to see what the top speed is. I've had it 60-70mph no problem

[@greekmaster1001]

The heat coming out of the sides near your legs /calfs is ridiculous No way you can wear shorts and go for a long ride

[@EYECOMEINPEACE]

Dude... Where the hell are your sled videos. Come on let's get at er. 🤘🍻

[@snyderhaus]

Is this Gopher Dunes??

[@bikermike]

Yes in their trail system

[@charliedimaria9026]

Can you ride this with 2 people

[@bikermike]

I would opt for the xt max version that is properly built for the passengers safety and comfort.

[@bradpowell843]

Yes you can for sure. They make two up seats that attach to the rack.

[@mrmrmenel123]

where from canada are you im from nb

[@mrmrmenel123]

ive got a 2021 can am outlander 850 max xt like it so far

[@bikermike]

South western Ontario.. yes I am truly impressed with the BRP vtwin and the overall machine is excellent overall!

[@MJ-iz6dc]

@@bikermike Great video Mike. I'm in Eastern Ont. Just came back from looking at the 850 in the showroom. Not totally comfortable with all the electronics etc. Once those need attention, can't imagine what that costs. And when these leave you stranded! Any thought? Guess I'm comparing it to the Honda Foreman. Two totally different machines to say the least. I'm partial to 'less is more' which often,but not always, leads to reliability!

[@bikermike]

@@MJ-iz6dc I'd tend to agree with you and your thoughts. It seems thats the way with electronics on everything these days! It all comes down to what your going to be doing with your machine. Reliabilty Id say yamaha or honda. performance Can am all the way! If your strictly utility use and want reliability maybe better with the japanese brands. Having said that still haven't issues with my can am though. It is a tough call for sure!

[@williepelzer384]

Wait till you grease your one way bearings every 100 hours. That is alot of fun. All maintenance is horrible. 2020 mossy oak.

[@cottonross398]

Please make more riding videos

[@bikermike]

Planning on doing some winter snow riding vids this season!

[@-keyys-]

The rear is locked no reason for 2 breaks in rear

[@bikermike]

I can for sure see your point theoretically but ride on a high grip surface and stand on the rear brake pedal. You will even feel machine squat to the side that brake is on, and it doesn’t really even work good.

[@FSEVENMAN]

No disrespect dude but I really don't think one year constitutes a long term review. But I appreciate the review nonetheless that is a great machine that I'm considering buying.