Need utility Side by Side

[Paystar]

My riding buddies that have tried my Can-am have told me that my Can-am is much quieter inside than their machines (Yamaha Wolverine and Honda 700). AND cleaner - dust free - after riding through silt beds.

To me, because I often ride alone in really remote places, dependability is paramount. In 5 years and almost 5000 miles now the only problem I've had with the Can-am is a fuel gauge sender which was changed out under warranty but that of course wouldn't strand the machine.

When I was at my CF dealer in April I looked at the new U10 Highland with climate control, but I didn't even think to take one for a ride. But I'm going to guess that because CF used an inline triple in that model, it may not be as quiet as the Can Am vee twin??
Even my Z-Force 950 HO EX and C-Force 800 have vee twins and they are WAY quieter than the Polaris's.

I've only tried one Yamaha Wolverine but it was an older 700? My complaint with it was it was super loud inside. I've heard the newer ones are improved.

 

[ArlyA]

Insulation of sound is quiet complex and costly since that takes lots of engineering. The bigger brands tend to do that since they have larger staffs and charge more for there machines. Doesn't have much to do with number of cylinders.

 

[John_Mc]

One of the guys on a Honda SxS forum I visit makes custom-fitted rubber sheets that go under the seats. It's sold under the name of Quick Shield. He started with a model to fit a Honda Pioneer 500/520 and has since branched out to other models and brands. It started out as a heat shield, since some of the pioneer models get rather warm in the summer time with the engine heat coming up into the operator area. The shield does a good job of blocking the heat as well as reducing the noise. Some report it helps keep the dust down if you have an enclosed cab, though I have no personal experience with that.

I own one, and it does make a noticeable difference on both heat and noise in my Pioneer 520. I pulled it out for the winter, since the extra het is nice then. I've got to get around to putting it back in now that warmer weather is finally coming. It's easy to install and remove.

Quick Shield

www.quickshieldutv.com

 

[Paystar]

Insulation of sound is quiet complex and costly since that takes lots of engineering. The bigger brands tend to do that since they have larger staffs and charge more for there machines. Doesn't have much to do with number of cylinders.

I disagree to some degree. Vee twins always seem to run quieter than inlines. At least when it comes to ATV and motorcycle engines.

 

[deserteagle71]

Insulation of sound is quiet complex and costly since that takes lots of engineering. The bigger brands tend to do that since they have larger staffs and charge more for there machines. Doesn't have much to do with number of cylinders.

So much of that is in the original engineering design. We have a Yamaha Rhino and an older Polaris Ranger in our Search and Rescue fleet. Both of those have the engine pretty much under the cab. To check the oil in the Rhino I have to remove a cover between the seats to access the engine. In the Polaris, the (bench) seat bottom comes out to access the engine. When either one of those is under power it is pretty much impossible to hold a conversation, they are that loud. And the heat coming off those engines is most welcome in the winter but not so much fun in the summer. The engine in my Can-am is behind the cab, under the bed, and is accessed by tilting the bed up so much less noise and heat in the cab.

 

[Runner]

I didn't notice the engine heat much in my Mule the first summer I had it. Then I put a windshield on it last winter and it is like riding around in a toaster this summer. It's not the fold-down type but does have some vents near the dash that don't help much.

I'm thinking SOP is going to be to remove the windshield for summertime.

 

[EscapedSuburbia]

I only read part of this thread so maybe someone else has mentioned it already, but if you'll be using your SxS on turf make sure you get one that doesn't have a permanently locked rear diff. Our Yamaha Wolverine does and it tears up grass when turning.

 

[jjeff]

Flip up for flip out hard coated polycarbonate windshields will remedy your problem. I have. both I . Prefer the flip up like below Both are made well. In my experience. Tried to find a ad of my Honda 500 opening windshield model, guess I had it so long they don't even make that kind I have anymore.

 

[jjeff]

I only read part of this thread so maybe someone else has mentioned it already, but if you'll be using your SxS on turf make sure you get one that doesn't have a permanently locked rear diff. Our Yamaha Wolverine does and it tears up grass when turning.

Almost all have a locked rear, besides maybe some Polaris models I think it has a selector for turf mode unlocks the rear dif? Maybe a knowledgeable Polaris diehard will chime in?

 

[deserteagle71]

Almost all have a locked rear, besides maybe some Polaris models I think it has a selector for turf mode unlocks the rear dif? Maybe a knowledgeable Polaris diehard will chime in?

Almost all now have a selectable locker - switch on the dash to engage the rear (and front, on some) locker if it is needed. Can-am Defenders and Polaris Rangers now all have selectable lockers. Only a few manufacturers/models have stuck with the locked rear.

Not only does the locked rear churn up your lawn, it makes the machine much harder to get around a tight turn because it wants to plow straight ahead instead of turning. My riding buddy has an older Yamaha Wolverine and even though his Wolverine is a smaller machine than my Can-am Defender, I can turn tighter. On tight and narrow mountain switchbacks most times I can make the turn while he has to make two or three attempts because the Wolverine just doesn't want to turn when under power and the rear wheels are pushing it straight ahead.

 

[jjeff]

Only was Aware of a front locker button to lock front axle besides some Polaris models with turf mode for the rear axle. Anyways all sxs and ATVs I've ever owned had a locked rear axle all time. However I'll definitely keep my eyes open and I learned something new, thanks.

 

[ArlyA]

I thought most atv/utv manufacturers do this. Some Can-Am Outlander models do have a locking rear differential, or at least the capability to lock the rear axle, often through a system called Visco-4Lok. This system allows riders to engage a locked rear differential for increased traction in challenging off-road conditions.

 

[jjeff]

Yamaha and Honda don't have an option of an open rear differential to my knowledge anyway. Unless you buy a Yamaha golf cart . They do have the option of locking the front differential in worst case scenarios by either pushing a button or turning a knob. Imo a open differential is more parts to break on a small rear differential. Solid axles are a bit tougher I believe. As previously said what I ride definitely doesn't have as tight a turning radius as others with an open rear differential.

 

[LouNY]

My Bennche/Massimo Warrior 800 has electric diff locks for both ends.

 

[deserteagle71]

Yamaha and Honda don't have an option of an open rear differential to my knowledge anyway. Unless you buy a Yamaha golf cart . They do have the option of locking the front differential in worst case scenarios by either pushing a button or turning a knob. Imo a open differential is more parts to break on a small rear differential. Solid axles are a bit tougher I believe. As previously said what I ride definitely doesn't have as tight a turning radius as others with an open rear differential.

Don't know about all Honda models - but the most popular (and utilitarian) Honda Pioneer 1000 absolutely does have turf mode for the rear diff. Scroll down to "Transmission" in this link:

Compare Models: 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe vs 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe at Sovie's Cycle Shop

Compare specifications and features: 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe versus 2024 Honda Pioneer 1000-5 Deluxe. Both models are available for sale through Sovie's Cycle Shop in Potsdam, New York.

www.soviescycleshop.com

The new Yamaha Wolverines feature turf mode also:

2025 Yamaha Wolverine X2 1000 R Spec Features and Specifications - UTV Off-Road Magazine

2025 Yamaha Wolverine RMAX2 1000 R Spec Features and Specifications

utvoffroadmag.com

The Yamaha Viking is fully locked - no Turf Mode. But the biggest engine in it is 686 cc (if memory serves correctly).

 

[Sawyer Rob]

Almost all have a locked rear, besides maybe some Polaris models I think it has a selector for turf mode unlocks the rear dif?

Both my Kubota 500 and 520 have open diff's with a selector to lock it.

SR

 

[jjeff]

Good to see so many manufacturers putting selectable open rear difs on a sxs especially. I had no idea, older models I own do not, however I can see why they are finally doing it seeing as some areas I've been thru allow and have more sxs traffic on blacktop roads than cars, not to mention being able to tread lightly on lawns. Might have to look at getting a new wolverine .

 

[Gem99ultra]

We have a Pioneer 500. I needed the smaller Pioneer to cross several 48" bridges on our place, whereas the larger models were well over the 4' size. We opted for canopy, windshield and winch. Cost at the time of purchase was $12K OTD.
We also have an EZGo electric golf cart, bought used for $2K. The cart is used 95% of the time due to the convenience of just jumping in and go, easy to drive and quiet.
Both are easy to maintain and reliable. The SxS is used most often to winch the mower out of a bog hole, or towing a trailer load of cut logs; anything where plenty of grunt is needed. My only complaint with the Honda was the tires it came with. They sell with 24" tires which doesn't match the speedometer. They need 27" tires. I replaced the factory supplied tires shortly after purhase with some genuine mud grip tires of the correct size.
Having both the Honda and the EZGo is an ideal arrangement for our mixed uses.

 

[deserteagle71]

Good to see so many manufacturers putting selectable open rear difs on a sxs especially. I had no idea, older models I own do not, however I can see why they are finally doing it seeing as some areas I've been thru allow and have more sxs traffic on blacktop roads than cars, not to mention being able to tread lightly on lawns. Might have to look at getting a new wolverine .

I would love a Wolverine...through the years I've had excellent luck with Yamaha, both motorcycles and ATVs. Currently own a Yamaha XT225 and Kodiak. But Yamaha doesn't make an all-season, all-weather machine which is why I bought the Can-am. I need something I can use when it is 10 degrees out there and the snow is coming down sideways....

 

[EscapedSuburbia]

I would love a Wolverine...through the years I've had excellent luck with Yamaha, both motorcycles and ATVs. Currently own a Yamaha XT225 and Kodiak. But Yamaha doesn't make an all-season, all-weather machine which is why I bought the Can-am. I need something I can use when it is 10 degrees out there and the snow is coming down sideways....

We have an older (2019) 4 seat Wolverine that doesn't have the ability to unlock the rear diff. With a soft cover it stays toasty inside since it's a mid engine. The flip side of a mid engine is that it can get hot in the summer. Not unbearably so, but it's noticeable. Mid engine also means a bit noisier.
One thing I never looked into is appropriate tires for snow. We've got Carnivores on it which are awesome for rocks and mud but have awful traction in snow.