2013 Can-Am Outlander 650 X mr Preview

After axing the Outlander 800R X mr for model year 2013, the Outlander 1000 X mr looked be the only mud-specific machine in the 2013 Can-Am lineup. It turns out BRP was just making some room for the brand new Outlander 650 X mr.

“The all-new Can-Am Outlander 650 X mr is the newest hero ATV for mud-riding enthusiasts, fusing proven design elements from the Outlander 650, the award-winning 1000 X mr and some specialty components of its own,” BRP says in a release.

BRP has not yet released pricing for the 650 X mr, but we’d guess it will end up in the neighborhood of $12,500.

BRP’s newest mud slinger will be a little easier on the wallet than its big brother.

Powerplant

The 650cc Rotax V-Twin produces a claimed 62 horsepower.

Revised for 2013, the 650cc liquid-cooled Rotax V-Twin powerplant now produces 62 horsepower. Regardless of temperature or altitude, EFI ensures optimal performance from the engine at all times. As well, BRP says its progressive throttle control means the power remains manageable in slow-speed mud crawls or in faster paced trail runs.

You can’t stoke the fire of the engine without clean air, so BRP place the air box at a higher and more centralized location for filtering and processing air. The no-tools air box features a dual-room design that captures dirty air in one portion of the box and clean air in another section before it sends the air to the engine. The air intake is also higher in the frame to improve the machine’s capabilities in the mud and water.

Moved up high on the front rack, the radiator is better positioned to stay clear of mud and debris.

BRP also moved the Outlander 650 X mr’s radiator up to the front rack to help keep it out of the mud. A protective, vented cover also serves to keep the radiator clear of mud and debris. The radiator offers around 22 kW of cooling capacity.

Other critical components, like the CVT intake, CVT exhaust and engine intake are located high in front of the handlebars and above the muddy, wet conditions below. The CVT cover features a secure 13-bolt system for an improved seal. The cover has an easily accessible drain plug if the need ever arises to remove water from the CVT housing.

Chassis

BRP outfitted the 650 X mr with its newest SST G2 frame and TTI rear suspension.

The Outlander 650 X mr uses BRP’s newest Surrounding Spar Technology (SST) G2 frame. Introduced in 2012 on the 800R and 1000 models, BRP says the welded-steel frame offers increased structural integrity, improved durability, precision handling, a lower center of gravity, and fewer components than its previous design.

According to BRP, the front suspension features a dive-control and anti-kickback geometry that positions the pivot points in space instead of simply adding stiffer shocks and springs. The geometry also reduces kickback to the operator by locating the knuckle in the wheel.

In the rear you’ll find BRP’s Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI) rear suspension, which is designed to offer increased rigidity, improved suspension travel and includes a removable external sway bar.

Five-way preload adjustable “mud-specific” shocks are found at all four corners. Front end suspension travel is 9.0 inches (22.9 cm), while rear travel is 9.3 inches (23.6 cm).

Power Steering and Front Differential

The Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) system on the Outlander 650 X mr has three selectable levels of steering assistance: Minimum, Medium or Maximum. DPS provides variable steering assistance no matter what mode is selected and is designed to offer less assist at high speed and more assist at low speed. According to BRP, a high-capacity 50-amp motor means the DPS will never fade with heavy use and all DPS-equipped models also come with the Visco-Lok QE front differential.

When the going gets tough, power steering becomes a much-appreciated luxury.

Visco-Lok QE progressively transfers power from a slipping front wheel to the gripping one – automatically with no buttons to push or levers to pull. BRP says the system eliminates wheel hop and driveline wind-up and is designed to remain transparent to the. Visco-Lok QE can fully lock with no rev or speed limiter.

Wheels, Tires, and Brakes

Cast-aluminum wheels are wrapped in Maxxis Mudzilla 6-ply tires.

Helping dress up the Outlander are 12-in. cast-aluminum wheels with a machined finish. The center-less design reduces unsprung weight while offering improved strength. BRP say durability was increased in strategic areas while excess material was eliminated in other spots to save weight.

Perhaps the key item on any mud machine are the tires and BRP dressed the Outlander 650 X mr in 28-in. Maxxis Mudzilla 6-ply tires. These tires feature large lugs and an aggressive tread pattern to offer maximum traction in the mud.

Bring the tires to a screeching halt are outboard hydraulic disc brakes. The front setup uses large 214mm disc brakes with twin-piston calipers. At the rear, the 650 Xmr uses a single twin-piston caliper and 214mm hydraulic disc brake that is located in the right, rear wheel. Braking is controlled by a single hand brake (controls front and rear) on the left side of the handlebars and a rear foot brake in the right floorboard.

Protection and Storage

The high-strength, reinforced composite rear rack has an integrated anti-skid surface and elevated ridges for improved cargo holding (rated at 200 pounds). Predetermined cutouts add versatility and are for use with Can-Am’s exclusive LinQ quick-attach accessory system.

A large bumper protects the front plastic and lights of the Outlander 650 X mr and offers a more distinct look over stock.

Protecting the underside of the 650 X mr is a high-strength skid plate made of 5mm thick injection-molded high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

A generous 5.7-gallon (21.4-liter) rear storage box offers cargo capacity and is located beneath the rear cargo rack. You can place items in the water-resistant storage box even if the rear cargo rack is loaded.

More Features

The multi-function digital gauge puts all the important information at your fingertips.

Other notable features of the Can-Am Outlander 650 X mr include its 1,300-pound towing capacity, 230-watt headlights, dual taillights, 625-watt magneto, multi-function digital gauge, X-package graphics and seat cover, aluminum footpegs, and Digitally Encoed Security System (D.E.S.S.)

BRP also boasts that the 650 X mr has a maintenance-friendly design. The battery, rear brake fluid reservoir, solenoid starter and relays are all conveniently located under the seat.

Finally, BRP has a full line of Can-Am performance accessories ready to fit its newest mud machine.

Related Reading 2013 Can-Am Outlander 1000 X mr Review – Video 2012 Can-Am Outlander 1000 XT Review