If you're looking back at the can am 500 renegade 2008, you're probably wondering when a machine that's over fifteen years old can still suspend with the more recent stuff on the particular trail. It's the fair question. In 2008, the ATV world was experiencing a bit of a transition. Manufacturers were finally realizing that people desired the mud-shredding ability of a 4x4 but didn't always want to feel as if they were piloting a farm tractor. That's exactly exactly where this Renegade walked in. It was the "sport-utility" hybrid that actually lived up to the name, and actually today, it's obtained a personality that's difficult to find in modern, over-engineered rigs.
That Punchy Little V-Twin
Many people view the "500" badge and assume it's going to end up being a bit sluggish, especially since we live in an era where 1000cc beasts would be the usual. But the heart of the can am 500 renegade 2008 is the Rotax V-Twin, and that makes most the difference. In contrast to the single-cylinder motors you'd find within a lot associated with 500-class machines through that era, this V-Twin is extremely smooth. It offers this distinct, mechanical growl that just feels more "expensive" than a thumper.
It's not going to win many pull races against the big brother, the particular Renegade 800, yet it's got lots of snap away the line. Due to the fact it's a fuel-injected engine (EFI), you don't have in order to fool around with chokes or worry about elevation changes ruining your day. You hit the button, it fires up, and it's ready to play. On limited, technical trails, I'd actually argue the particular 500 is even more fun than the 800 since you can actually use most the power with no feeling like the machine is trying to jump out from under you every time you thumb the throttle.
Handling the Rough Stuff
Among the best things about the 2008 model is the chassis. It shares the same basic DNA as the bigger Renegades, and that means you get that trademark aggressive stance and the RS-type dual A-arm front suspension. Seems planted. When you're sliding around the gravel corner or even navigating a rutted-out portion of woods, the particular feedback through the particular bars is pretty direct.
The TTI rear suspension—that appears for Torsional Trailing arm Independent—is a Can-Am staple. Instead of the wheels moving in an arc like on many other ATVs, they shift straight up plus down. What will that mean for a person? It means the quad doesn't "scrub" or change its track width since the suspension compresses. It keeps you relocating a straight line when things get bumpy. It's a little stiffer than the dedicated utility quad like the Outlander, yet that's by design. It's meant to be ridden hard, not just utilized for hauling hay.
The Visco-Lok Reality
Let's talk about the 4WD system for any second. The can am 500 renegade 2008 uses the particular Visco-Lok front differential box. If you aren't acquainted with it, it's an automated program. You don't have got a locker button to push; rather, the machine senses when one wheel is spinning quicker than the various other and progressively seals them together.
In 2008, this particular was pretty high-tech. By today's specifications, some riders find it a little bit slow to engage. If you're hidden frame-deep within a dirt hole, you might notice one wheel spinning for a 2nd before the other kicks in. Is it a dealbreaker? Definitely not. Regarding 90% of trek riding, it functions perfectly fine and retains the steering light because it isn't completely locked when you don't need it in order to be. Just don't expect it to behave exactly like a modern electronic locker.
Aesthetics plus Ergonomics
Even though it's more than a decade old, the can am 500 renegade 2008 still looks mean. Those four round headlights are iconic. It doesn't have the massive plastic fenders of an utility quad, which is great for visibility—you can actually observe where your front tires are touching the ground. The downside, of course, is that you're likely to get muddy. If you ride through a puddle, you're going to feel this. That's only the "Renegade tax" you pay out for looking awesome.
The chair is surprisingly comfortable for long times, though it's narrow than an Outlander's. This is really an as well as if you including to "body" the particular machine through converts. You can maneuver around easily, shifting unwanted weight to keep the particular tires hooked up. The floorboards are usually decent, but they can get a little bit slippery if they're caked in clay-based. A lot of guys end up putting aftermarket foot pegs on these with regard to a better grasp.
What to Consider
In case you're looking to buy an used can am 500 renegade 2008, there are a few things you should monitor. These machines are tough, yet they aren't invincible. First off, check the frame. The early G1 (Generation 1) frames were known to possess some smooth spots, specifically near the front A-arm mounts. Many proprietors installed "frame mods" or "spines" to stiffen them upward. If the a single you're looking at has a framework insert, that's usually a sign the owner knew exactly what they were doing.
Electrical problems can also appear. Check the voltage regulator and the particular battery terminals. When the lights flicker or the EFI acts wonky, it might you need to be the bad ground or perhaps a regulator on the way out. Furthermore, listen to it. The belt-driven transmission is solid, when it hasn't already been maintained, it can get jerky or squeal under weight. Changing a belt isn't a large deal, but it's a good bargaining chip when the seller hasn't done it lately.
Is It Still Relevant?
You might end up being wondering why anyone would choose the can am 500 renegade 2008 more than a newer 450 or 570. Truthfully, it comes straight down to the V-Twin experience and the cost point. You can usually pick these up for a fraction of the cost of the new machine, and because they had been built so nicely, they don't feel like "budget" quads. They seem like high quality machines that just happen to end up being just a little older.
The aftermarket support for these is still massive. Whether you desire to add the lift kit, a better exhaust, or just find substitute bushings, you aren't going to have a hard time finding parts. It's one of those quads that will has a bit of a cult following, and for good reason. It's little enough to be nimble but large enough to experience substantial.
The Verdict on the Trail
Riding a can am 500 renegade 2008 today is a tip that you don't always need ninety horsepower to possess a blast. There's something really satisfying about a machine that lets you use just of its potential. A person can pin the particular throttle coming out of a convert and feel the back end squat because the V-Twin sings, however you aren't constantly concerned about flipping over backward or hitting the tree at Mach 1.
It's a balanced machine. It's got enough ground clearance to manage the rocks, sufficient 4WD capacity to obtain through the muck, and enough style to still change heads at the trailhead. If a person find one that's been taken care of—maybe with several decent tires and a clean support record—don't hesitate associated with the age. It's still a Renegade, and it still knows how to party.
At the end of the day time, the can am 500 renegade 2008 represents a special spot in ATV history. It's contemporary enough to have EFI plus an excellent suspension design, yet simple enough which you can still convert a wrench onto it in your garage without the need for a computer degree. It's simply a solid, enjoyable, and surprisingly capable 4x4 that shows displacement isn't every thing. If you obtain a chance to jump on one, bring it. You'll probably come back with a bigger smile than you expected.