Can-Am’s entry level ATV in the Outlander range, the 450, is best suited to livestock farmers, where high levels of power are not necessarily required for everyday tasks, such as cattle herding and fencing.

Engine and transmission

It is powered by a 427cc Rotax fuel-injected, single-cylinder, liquid-cooled petrol engine that produces 38hp.

Power is supplied to the wheels using Can-Am’s continuously variable transmission (CVT). Two forward ranges allow for greater flexibility. Low is better suited to the torque-hungry pulling jobs and high to road travelling. The selectable four-wheel drive features a Visco-Lok auto-locking front differential. Throttle response was impressive at low speeds.

On the right handle bar sees the thumb operated throttle and 4WD switch.

Opening up the throttle from a standing start saw the quad launch forward, quickly reaching speeds of 75km/h. Maintaining a desirable speed required a lot of revving, while towing required even more, leaving the ATV feeling a little sluggish with a load behind.

Stopping power was impressive thanks to its two 214mm disc brakes up front, and single rear disc. The CVT transmission also provides a level of braking.

Suspension

Throughout the day of testing on Tullamore Farm, the Outlander’s comfort proved excellent across all terrains. The double A-arm front suspension allows for 22.9cm of travel, while the rear of the bike sees a torsional trailing arm, independent (TTI) suspension providing 22.4cm of travel. These shocks ticked all the boxes.

Driving

The Outlander looks stylish and is well constructed. The bold-looking plastic fenders feel sturdy, while the footwells are roomy and robust, making access easy. The handle bar controls are well laid out, although only a left brake lever is present. While driving I found myself looking for the right-hand brake lever. Pressing either the footbrake or pulling the left-hand lever engages both brakes, quickly bringing the quad to a stop.

The display screen included all the basic displays as expected of any ATV.

Underneath the left handle bar is a unique micro-chipped key programmed to start each specific machine.

This ball-and-socket-like key left me thinking how easily it could be accidently removed or over time become loose fitting.

The unique looking ball and socket like micro-chipped key is programmed to only start this individual ATV.

To the right of the handlebars is the gear lever.

The gear lever is located below the right handle bar grip, at times selecting gear required more effort than it should have.

At times, shifting gear required concentration and maybe a slight rocking movement either forward or back, easing the Outlander into gear.

Our test model also featured Can-Am’s LinQ steel racks both front and back. The back rack is capable of carrying 109kg, while the front can carry 54.4kg, somewhat more than other market competitors.

To the back of the bike, underneath the LinQ rack, is a 10.6l storage compartment. The only issue I could see with this integrated compartment was the lack of access if there was an accessory such as a sprayer or fencing box mounted on the rear.

Comment

We used the Outlander to remove fallen branches from a piece of forestry, pulling the large branches with ease considering the slippery hilly slope. The 26.7cm ground clearance removed any fear of catching unwanted branches or ruts. Later the quad was used to move the sheep handling unit to an out-farm, it pulled okay proving a little sluggish but after all it is 427cc.

We brought the Outlander 450 out to move the fence, allowing the cattle to finish grazing this winters Redstart.

It braked well, although when turning at speeds over 15km/h you could feel the quads urge to continue straight ahead. All in all, a well-built stylish quad, more than capable of facing most farming tasks at a price that makes sense.

Likes?

  • Good ground clearance.
  • Stylish looks.
  • Build quality.
  • Suspension.
  • Dislikes?

  • No right-hand gear lever.
  • No horn for safety purposes.
  • Gear selection can prove awkward at times.
  • Towing bracket seems lightly constructed.
  • Specs

  • Engine: 427cc fuel injected petrol.
  • Power: 38hp.
  • Transmission: Continuously variable (CVT).
  • Weight: 308kg.
  • Brakes: 3x214mm discs. Rack capacity: 109kg (R), 54.4kg (F).
  • Price: €5,938 plus VAT. NI £5,583 plus VAT.