You’ve got the keys to a brand-new 2024 Can-Am Outlander 700, and we know the question burning in your mind. It’s not about tow capacity or cargo space—it’s about pinning the throttle on a long, open trail and asking, “How fast does this beast really go?”
You’re in the right place. The 2024 can am outlander 700 top speed is more than just a number on a spec sheet; it’s a dynamic figure influenced by everything from your tire pressure to the air you’re breathing. It’s a topic that deserves a deep dive.
Understanding the factors that control your quad’s performance will empower you to not only hit its peak potential safely but also to keep it running like a champ for years to come.
Let’s tear down the mystery, look at the real-world numbers, and give you the ultimate guide to your Outlander’s performance capabilities.
What is the Real-World 2024 Can-Am Outlander 700 Top Speed?
Let’s cut right to the chase. Fresh off the showroom floor, a stock 2024 Can-Am Outlander 700 will typically top out between 60 and 65 mph (96-105 km/h) on a flat, ideal surface.
This speed is electronically governed by the Engine Control Unit (ECU). BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products), Can-Am’s parent company, sets this limit for safety, reliability, and regulatory reasons. It’s designed to keep the machine operating within its engineered limits.
The heart of this performance is the new Rotax 700 ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency) engine. While the “700” name might make you think of a V-twin, this is actually a powerful 650cc single-cylinder powerplant, churning out a very respectable 50 horsepower and 41 lb-ft of torque. This engine is tuned for low-end grunt and a smooth, predictable powerband, which is perfect for technical trails and utility work.
Key Factors That Influence Your Outlander’s Top End
Ever wonder why your buddy’s identical Outlander seems a little quicker? Or why your machine feels sluggish one day and peppy the next? The answer lies in a handful of critical variables. Getting the most out of your quad requires understanding what helps and what hurts its performance.
Rider and Cargo Weight
This is simple physics. The more weight the engine has to move, the harder it has to work. A 150-pound rider will likely achieve a higher top speed than a 250-pound rider. The same goes for cargo—loading up the racks with gear for a weekend trip will absolutely impact your top-end speed.
Terrain and Surface Conditions
Where you ride matters most. You’ll hit your highest speeds on hard-packed dirt or pavement. As soon as you move to softer surfaces like sand, mud, or loose gravel, rolling resistance increases dramatically, scrubbing off speed. Don’t forget about wind, either; a strong headwind is like a constant brake.
Tire Choice and Pressure
Tires are your only connection to the ground. Aggressive, heavy mud tires with deep lugs might be great for the swamp, but they create immense drag and rotational mass on hardpack, killing your top speed. For speed, a less aggressive all-terrain tire is better. More importantly, tire pressure is crucial. Under-inflated tires create a wider contact patch, increasing friction and slowing you down.
Altitude and Air Density
If you ride in the mountains, you’ve felt this. As you gain elevation, the air becomes less dense. This means there are fewer oxygen molecules for the engine to use for combustion, which robs it of power. A good rule of thumb is a 3% power loss for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain. This directly impacts your ability to reach top speed.
Machine Break-in and Maintenance
A brand-new engine needs time for its internal components, like the piston rings, to seat properly. Following the manufacturer’s break-in procedure is vital for long-term health and peak performance. A well-maintained quad is a fast quad. This is where a good 2024 can am outlander 700 top speed care guide comes into play—clean fluids, a clean air filter, and a healthy CVT belt make all the difference.
Best Practices for Safely Reaching and Maintaining Top Speed
Chasing speed can be a thrill, but safety should always be your co-pilot. Pushing any machine to its limit requires preparation and respect for its power. Following these 2024 can am outlander 700 top speed best practices will ensure you do it smartly and safely.
The Importance of a Proper Break-in Period
We can’t stress this enough: do not go for a top speed run on a brand-new machine. The first 10-20 hours of operation are critical. During this time, you should vary your RPMs, avoid prolonged full-throttle operation, and avoid heavy towing. This allows the engine parts to wear in together, creating tight seals and ensuring a long, powerful life.
Pre-Ride Inspection Checklist (T-CLOCS)
Before every single ride, especially one where you plan to push the machine, perform a quick walk-around. The Motorcycle Safety Foundation uses the T-CLOCS acronym, and it works perfectly for ATVs:
- T – Tires & Wheels: Check pressure and look for damage.
- C – Controls: Levers, cables, throttle, and brakes. Ensure smooth operation.
- L – Lights & Electrics: Test headlights, taillights, and brake lights.
- O – Oil & Fluids: Check engine oil and coolant levels.
- C – Chassis: Look over the frame, suspension, and fasteners for anything loose or broken.
- S – Stands: Check the kickstand (if applicable).
Choosing the Right Environment
Public roads are not the place for top speed runs. Find a long, flat, and straight private road, dry lakebed, or open field where you have clear visibility and no cross-traffic. Ensure the area is free of obstacles, dips, and unexpected turns.
Proper Riding Gear
This is non-negotiable. At 60+ mph, your gear is the only thing between you and the ground. Always wear a DOT-approved helmet, goggles or a face shield, over-the-ankle boots, gloves, and durable riding pants and a jacket. There is no excuse for skipping safety gear.
Common Problems Affecting 2024 Can-Am Outlander 700 Top Speed
Is your Outlander feeling a bit breathless? If you’re not hitting the speeds you used to, it’s time to do some basic diagnostics. Here are some of the most common problems with 2024 can am outlander 700 top speed that you can check yourself.
Dirty Air Filter
This is the number one culprit for poor performance. Your engine needs to breathe. A clogged air filter restricts airflow, essentially choking the engine and robbing it of power. Checking and cleaning your air filter is a simple 5-minute job that can restore lost performance instantly. Use a quality foam air filter oil like a No-Toil or Maxima FFT after cleaning.
Worn or Glazed CVT Belt
The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) belt is what transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Over time, these belts wear down, stretch, or become glazed from heat. A slipping belt is a massive point of power loss. If you notice a jerky take-off or the engine RPMs flare up without a corresponding increase in speed, your belt is likely the issue.
Fouled Spark Plug
The spark plug provides the spark that ignites the air-fuel mixture. A plug that is old, dirty, or has an incorrect gap will produce a weak spark, leading to inefficient combustion and reduced power. A new NGK spark plug is cheap insurance for a strong-running engine.
Limp Mode Issues
Modern ATVs have sophisticated electronic safety systems. If a critical sensor detects a problem—like overheating or a faulty reading—it can put the machine into a reduced-power “limp mode” to prevent damage. This will severely limit your speed. An engine code on the display is a clear sign you need to investigate further, possibly with a diagnostic scanner.
A Practical Guide to Unlocking More Performance (Responsibly)
So, you understand the basics and you’re ready for more. This section is your 2024 can am outlander 700 top speed guide to modifications. These tips can help you get the most out of your machine, but remember that some may affect your factory warranty.
Clutch Kit Upgrades
If you make only one performance modification, make it a clutch kit. A kit from a reputable company like Dalton or EPI doesn’t increase engine horsepower, but it dramatically improves how that power is delivered to the wheels. It recalibrates the CVT’s engagement and shifting characteristics, providing better acceleration, improved back-shifting, and better belt grip. This is one of the biggest benefits of 2024 can am outlander 700 top speed optimization.
ECU Tuning (The Big One)
This is how you truly un-cork the Outlander 700. An ECU tune or “flash” reprograms the machine’s computer to remove the factory speed and throttle limiters, adjust fueling maps, and optimize ignition timing. This can raise the top speed well into the 70+ mph range. However, this is an advanced modification that will void your powertrain warranty and should only be done by riders who understand the risks.
Exhaust and Intake Mods
A less restrictive aftermarket slip-on exhaust and a high-flow air intake can help the engine breathe better, potentially freeing up a few extra horsepower. While the gains on their own are modest, they work best when paired with an ECU tune that can take advantage of the increased airflow.
Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Riding at Speed
Being an off-road enthusiast also means being a steward of the land. Pursuing a sustainable 2024 can am outlander 700 top speed might sound contradictory, but it’s about riding smart and maintaining your machine responsibly.
An efficiently running engine is an eco-friendly one. Keeping your tire pressure correct and your air filter clean not only boosts performance but also improves fuel economy, reducing your carbon footprint. A well-maintained CVT with a good belt transfers power efficiently, wasting less energy as heat.
Furthermore, an eco-friendly 2024 can am outlander 700 top speed approach means respecting the trails. High-speed riding should only be done in designated areas, not sensitive ecosystems. Following “Tread Lightly!” principles ensures our riding areas stay open for generations to come. Stay on the trail, avoid creating new paths, and pack out what you pack in.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2024 Can-Am Outlander 700 Top Speed
Can I remove the speed limiter on the Outlander 700?
Yes, the electronic speed limiter can be removed via an aftermarket ECU tune. This will allow the machine to reach its true, mechanically-limited top speed. Be aware that this modification will void your factory warranty and puts more stress on drivetrain components.
How does the Outlander 700’s top speed compare to the 570 it replaced?
The top speed is very similar, as both machines are electronically limited to around the same 60-65 mph range. The key difference is in power delivery. The new 700 single-cylinder engine provides more low-end torque and a smoother, more linear powerband compared to the older 570 V-twin.
Will bigger tires make my Outlander 700 faster?
This is a common misconception. While larger tires do change the final drive gearing and can theoretically increase your top speed, they also add significant weight and rolling resistance. In most cases, without corresponding clutch work and engine mods to turn the heavier tires, they will actually make your ATV feel slower and reduce your effective top speed.
Is the Outlander 700 fast enough for trail riding?
Absolutely. For 99% of trail riding scenarios, the Outlander 700 has more than enough speed and power. Its real strengths on the trail are its responsive low-end torque, nimble handling, and comfortable ride. The top speed is more of a bragging right than a practical trail-riding necessity.
The 2024 Can-Am Outlander 700 is a fantastic machine right out of the box. Its top speed is more than enough for spirited trail rides and utility work, and its new Rotax engine is a masterpiece of smooth, usable power. By understanding how to maintain it, what factors affect its performance, and how to ride it safely, you can enjoy every bit of what this incredible ATV has to offer.
Now you have the complete guide. Get your machine prepped, gear up, ride smart, and have a blast out there!
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