The machine this year comes from Bombardier Corporation. While you may not be familiar with its ATVs, you probably know some of its other products: Ski Doo snow machines, Sea Doo watercraft and, are you ready for this, Learjets! My initial interest came from the thought process that if they can make a Learjet, they are very apt to make an excellent, probably outstanding, ATV. We were not disappointed.

When we look at the Bombardier line of ATVs, the most striking “difference” is they have a step-through deck. That is, where the front of the seat and the gas tank appear on most machines, there is a cut-away on the Bombardier. The immediate purpose of this is an easier way to get on and off. You can simply step through the machine, instead of swinging your leg over as you would on a horse. There is another secret purpose for this “gap” we will deal with in a moment.

With all this “big” my first concern was the XL would feel “big,” that the ride and handling qualities would begin to feel like a dump truck. Not true! While the suspension is admittedly heavier than a normal machine, the spring preload is adjustable, as is the tire pressure. By lowering the spring cams to the “softest” position and reducing the tire pressure to 4 pounds, the ride begins to feel much like other ATVs. (If you are carrying a heavy load, the spring and tire pressure should be increased.)

What I found really amazing is the silky feel and steering ease. Some ATVs are just plain brutal to steer, and this is especially true of some full-time 4x4 machines. The XL is easy, one of the softest steering machines I have ever worked. It is so agreeable that on a sidehill where I am often tempted to quit with others, I can hold the XL on parallel with one hand.

The longer wheel base and heavy weight also translate into increased traction. I tried the Bombardier on some steep uphill grades, and I can tell you it was still climbing in granny-low when I was very happy to quit. There is enough power in that big engine to handle maximum climb with very little throttle. The fully engaged mesh transmission and hydraulically controlled clutch apply full engine braking on equally steep downhill grades. When I put it on flat ground, in high range and fourth or fifth gear and mashed the throttle, there was enough acceleration and speed to hold my full attention; well, truthfully, enough speed to make me back off the gas.

Let’s begin by reiterating that the XL will easily carry an elk, or two or three deer. But, if you put that load in the box and try tough ground you are going to lose. If the terrain is really tough, you will be miles and bruises ahead if you drag the critter to the nearest road. And believe me, this machine will skid almost anything you care to tie on behind. The clutch is the most powerful and positive I have used. There is a computer in “front” of a hydraulic piston that operates extremely powerful clutch springs. It will pull a tremendous load at very low rpm without any sign of clutch related slippage.

If you add near maximum weight to the box, it will skid a log that might make a pickup wonder. When you get to flat ground, if the beast is in pieces, if you have help, or if you are as stout as my son, you can fill up the dump box. On the other hand, if the trail is still rough, or you respect your back, then you can slide the deer or elk right into the cut-away in front of the seat. I would load them with their back down and tie their feet to the front rack.

The XL comes only in the thumb-shift version, which is perfect, because the “floor full” of elk will not interfere with shifting. Now the load is low, the center of gravity is kept as low as possible, and you are really in business. I cannot wait until fall when the first really tough retrieve is at hand!