Can-Am Custom - Outrageous Outlander

Seat Time
Unfortunately, I wasn't around for the initial ride, but I did have the opportunity to fully test this Outlawed Outlander (outlawed? I'll elaborate more on this subject a little later). Our rendezvous at Durhamtown Plantation couldn't come soon enough. I'm a fan of the Outlander, so needless to say I was pretty pumped and ready to rip it up on this custom. From first glance it was obvious that this machine was indeed an Outlander, but the stock plastic is where the similarities ended. Underneath the race-shaved yellow shroud lies a concept quad that would make any Outlander owner envious. Martin didn't have to ask twice if I would like to take it for a ride. I quickly geared up and hit the trails. The change in handling characteristics and overall feel were immediately obvious and only became more evident as I continually pushed the machine harder. Martin chose Elka Elite suspension to accompany his superb chassis, and this pair of aces seemed destined to be together. Each complemented the other enabling the Outlander to pound through the roughest terrain with ease. Any fear of damaging the prototype frame had subsided by this point, so as planned, I gave it my all keeping the throttle pinned whenever the opportunity presented itself. The machine's predictable handling quickly gained my confidence as I railed through high-speed turns and swept around hairpin corners. This type of performance is typically reserved for sport machines, but if I can ride like this and hit the switch for 4WD when necessary, I'm all for it.

I know you're expecting to hear a mile-long list of performance mods to the engine that could rival your kid's Christmas wish list, but this isn't the case. Like myself, Martin knows the capability of these huge powerplants is borderline insane. If you can attain a suspension setup that equals the performance of these Rotax monsters, you will have more than the average man can handle. After Martin installed an HMF exhaust, Power Optimizer and a K&N air filter to increase airflow and provide crisp throttle response, his engine was complete. Reliability is the secret to winning races, and his modifications only enhance this attribute.

I foresee Martin devouring the competition in the near future, but he will have to seek a new series if he wishes to compete. Martin is highly devoted to the GNCC series, but unfortunately as I was writing this story word had been passed down from officials that this Outlander is now outlawed. It seems Martin's creation has been drawing attention from racers, promoters and manufacturers so the decision to implement the stock frame rule to the utility ranks was made. This rule may be in effect for the 2009 season, but it won't stop Martin from racing. His plans include racing the Baja 1000 as well as numerous regional and local hare scramble series. This isn't his only Outlander either, so he will continue to stir up dust and remove bark from trees at the GNCC series. Good job with the build Shad, and I'll see you at the races.