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.