You’ve seen it tear through mud bogs that would swallow lesser machines whole. You’ve heard the unmistakable growl of its V-Twin engine echoing through the trails. The can am outlander xmr 850 isn’t just an ATV; it’s a statement—a purpose-built mud monster designed to conquer the deepest, nastiest terrain you can find.
But owning a high-performance machine like this is about more than just holding the throttle wide open. To truly master the mud, you need to understand what makes your XMR tick, how to care for it, and how to keep it running at peak performance. It’s the difference between a thrilling day on the trails and a long walk back to the truck.
We promise this guide will be your go-to resource. We’ll break down everything from its core design and essential maintenance rituals to common problems you can fix yourself and the best practices for responsible riding. Get ready to dive deep into the ultimate can am outlander xmr 850 guide and become the confident, knowledgeable owner your machine deserves.
What Makes the Can-Am Outlander XMR 850 a Mud-Slinging Legend?
Can-Am didn’t just bolt on some big tires and call it a day. The XMR 850 is engineered from the ground up for one primary purpose: dominating the mud. Understanding its unique features helps you appreciate its capabilities and maintain it properly.
The heart of the beast is the 78-horsepower Rotax 850 V-Twin engine. This powerhouse delivers incredible torque right where you need it—low in the RPM range—to churn through thick mud without hesitation. It’s a liquid-cooled engine, which brings us to the most obvious XMR feature.
The Relocated Radiator and Snorkel System
Look at the front rack, and you’ll see the radiator sitting high and proud. This isn’t for looks; it’s a critical design choice. Placing it up high keeps it out of the mud and water that would instantly clog a standard, low-mounted radiator, preventing overheating in the thick of it.
Paired with this is the factory-installed snorkel system. The engine air intake and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) inlets and outlets are routed up to the highest point on the ATV. This allows the machine to breathe clean air and keep the drive belt dry, even when you’re in water up to the handlebars. These are the primary benefits of can am outlander xmr 850 engineering.
Suspension and Tires Built for the Bog
The XMR 850 features a specialized suspension setup designed for aggressive mud riding. It has a stiffer calibration to handle the weight of mud-caked tires and the dynamic forces of deep ruts.
Speaking of tires, it rolls off the showroom floor with massive ITP Cryptid tires. These are not all-purpose trail tires; they are aggressive, purpose-built mud claws with huge lugs designed to paddle through the slop and find traction where others can’t.
The Essential Can-Am Outlander XMR 850 Care Guide: Pre & Post-Ride Rituals
A machine that works this hard requires diligent care. Your maintenance habits will directly impact its longevity and reliability. Think of these rituals as non-negotiable parts of every ride.
Your Pre-Ride Checklist (The 5-Minute Safety Scan)
Before you even fire it up, take five minutes to perform a thorough walk-around. This simple habit can prevent a catastrophic failure on the trail. This is one of the most important can am outlander xmr 850 tips we can offer.
- Fluids: Check the engine oil and coolant levels. A low level of either can lead to serious engine damage.
- Tires: Inspect tire pressure. For mud, you’ll often run lower pressures (e.g., 5-7 PSI), but ensure they are set correctly for your conditions and check for any punctures.
- Snorkels: Visually inspect all snorkel connections. Make sure they are tight and have no cracks. A compromised snorkel is a recipe for a drowned engine.
- Controls: Squeeze the brake levers and press the foot brake. Check the throttle for smooth operation (it should snap back when released).
- Axles & CV Boots: Glance at the CV boots on all four axles. A torn boot lets dirt and water in, quickly destroying the CV joint.
The Post-Mud Washdown: More Than Just a Rinse
Cleaning your XMR after a mud ride is arguably the most crucial part of your can am outlander xmr 850 care guide. Dried, caked-on mud is an abrasive that wears out bushings, bearings, and seals. It also traps moisture, leading to rust.
Use a pressure washer, but with caution. Avoid spraying directly at electrical connections, seals, or bearings. The goal is to remove the heavy mud, not force water into sensitive components.
Pay special attention to the radiator. Even though it’s relocated, it will still get caked with mud. Use a garden hose with a gentle nozzle to spray it from the back to the front, pushing the debris out the way it came in. A clean radiator is essential for preventing overheating.
Tackling Common Problems with the Can-Am Outlander XMR 850
Even the toughest machines have their quirks. Knowing the common problems with can am outlander xmr 850 models allows you to be proactive and troubleshoot effectively when you’re miles from the trailhead.
Overheating: The Radiator’s Muddy Nemesis
Yes, even with the relocated radiator, overheating can happen. If you notice your temperature gauge climbing, the first suspect is a clogged radiator. As mentioned above, a thorough cleaning is the fix. If it’s clean and still running hot, check your coolant level and ensure the radiator fan is kicking on.
Belt Slippage and CVT Woes
The CVT belt is a wear item, and the extreme stress of turning heavy, mud-filled tires can shorten its life. If you hear a squealing sound or feel a loss of power, your belt is likely slipping.
The number one rule to preserve your belt is to always use Low gear when riding in thick mud, climbing hills, or navigating technical terrain. High gear is for high-speed, flat trails only. If you suspect a problem, inspect the belt for glazing, cracks, or missing cogs. Keep a spare belt and the tools to change it in your trail kit.
Electrical Gremlins After a Swim
Despite its design, deep water crossings can sometimes lead to electrical issues. The best preventative measure is to go through your machine’s main electrical connectors and apply dielectric grease. This non-conductive grease seals out moisture and prevents corrosion.
If something stops working, start with the basics: check the fuse box. Carry spare fuses. If a fuse is blown, it’s a sign of a short circuit you may need to trace.
How to Can-Am Outlander XMR 850: Performance and Customization Tips
The stock XMR 850 is incredibly capable, but the right modifications can make it even better suited to your riding style. Here’s how to can am outlander xmr 850 like a pro by focusing on smart, functional upgrades.
Upgrading Your Armor: Skid Plates and A-Arm Guards
The factory plastic skid plates offer minimal protection. When you’re in deep, murky holes, you never know what’s lurking beneath—rocks, stumps, or other debris. Upgrading to a full set of aluminum or UHMW (Ultra-High Molecular Weight) plastic skid plates provides crucial protection for your engine, frame, and differentials.
Lighting the Way: LED Light Bars and Pods
Stock headlights are often inadequate for serious night riding or navigating dark, wooded trails. Adding an LED light bar to the front rack or smaller LED pods to the handlebars can transform your visibility, making your rides safer and allowing you to extend your adventures past sunset.
Winch Wisdom: Your Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card
Your XMR comes with a powerful winch, but do you know how to use it safely? Always use a tree saver strap to avoid damaging trees and your winch line. Wear heavy-duty gloves when handling the cable. And most importantly, practice using it in a low-stress situation so you’re confident when you’re truly stuck.
The Sustainable Rider: Eco-Friendly Can-Am Outlander XMR 850 Practices
Being a powerful rider also means being a responsible one. Adopting sustainable can am outlander xmr 850 practices ensures our trails stay open and healthy for years to come. This is a core part of our off-road ethos at FatBoysOffroad.
Treading Lightly (Even in the Mud)
Respect the environment you’re enjoying. Stay on designated trails and avoid sensitive areas like wetlands or meadows. Never create new trails. The goal is to challenge yourself and your machine, not to permanently scar the landscape.
Proper Fluid Disposal and Maintenance
When you perform your own maintenance—like oil and filter changes—be an eco-friendly can am outlander xmr 850 owner. Collect all used fluids in a sealed container. Never dump oil, coolant, or brake fluid on the ground. Most auto parts stores or local recycling centers will accept used automotive fluids for free.
Wash Station Best Practices
After a ride, wash your ATV at a designated car wash or at home on a gravel or grass surface away from storm drains or waterways. This helps prevent the spread of invasive plant species from one trail system to another. Knocking the mud off where you rode is even better.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am Outlander XMR 850
What kind of oil does the Can-Am Outlander XMR 850 use?
Can-Am recommends using XPS 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil for its Rotax engines. Using the correct, high-quality oil is critical for engine protection, especially under the high stress of mud riding. Always check your owner’s manual for the specific recommendation for your model year.
How often should I change the differential fluid?
For a machine that sees frequent water and mud, you should check your differential and gearbox fluids often. After any particularly deep water crossing, it’s wise to check for milky, contaminated fluid. A good rule of thumb is to change these fluids at least once per season or every 50 hours of hard use.
Is the XMR 850 good for trail riding, or just mud?
While it’s a mud specialist, the XMR 850 is still a very capable trail machine. The aggressive mud tires can cause a bit of vibration on hard-packed trails, and the stiff suspension might feel harsh at high speeds. However, its power and 4×4 system make it excellent for technical, rocky, or hilly trails. Some owners opt for a second set of all-terrain tires for trail-focused trips.
What’s the first upgrade I should consider for my XMR 850?
Hands down, the first and most important upgrade is protection. A full set of high-quality skid plates, including A-arm guards, will protect your investment from the unseen hazards lurking in the mud and on the trail. It’s cheap insurance against a very expensive repair bill.
The Can-Am Outlander XMR 850 is a top-tier machine that rewards a knowledgeable and proactive owner. By understanding its systems, committing to a strict maintenance schedule, and riding responsibly, you ensure that your investment will provide countless hours of adrenaline-pumping fun.
Now you have the knowledge and a solid set of can am outlander xmr 850 best practices. Do your checks, respect the machine and the trails, and get ready to conquer the mud. Stay safe out there, folks!
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