Talking to experienced operators fresh from testing the New 2012 Can-Am Outlanders and Renegades at the Club BRP release in Montreal, it is immediately obvious that most were finding it difficult to concentrate on specific improvements. Ridiculous smiles hinted that perhaps most dropped the serious analytical approach as they were quickly carried away by overall performance and exhilaration.
Besides the obvious introduction of the new 1000cc displacement models (976cc), the 800's get most of the big changes too. Both get the G2 frame (generation 2) which is claimed to offer twice the rigidity. All new suspension components are fitted to the 48 inch wide, and longer wheelbase machine. Totally new steering geometry offers less dive and wallow, and also a more plush. The Outlander gets 25mm more suspension travel up front (229mm), and 7mm more at the rear (236mm). The sway bar set up has gone external to offer greater control. Renegade X models will wear fully adjustable Fox shocks. The old model Renegade outboard front brakes were not the most impressive things... but for 2012, BRP have gone to larger 214mm outboard front discs with high spec twin piston callipers.

Test riders most noticed improvements were prioritised as; less dive under brakes, improved stability, less bump steer and overall improved ride comfort.
The new front end technology is most noticeable on the non-power-steer models, but the DPS models get an extra mode anyway (now 3 modes). The will leave the 55w low beams on as the 2 x 60w high beams throw a whopping total of 230w out in-front. New mag wheels are lighter and stronger. Operating temperatures are lower because the cooling system capacity is almost doubled (improved by 14kw). Servicing is easier and mostly attacked from under the seat. Versatility in towing starts with a 2 inch receiver as standard. Fuel capacity is up 25% to 20.5 litres. All sorts of accessories are already available for the Linq system Poly-pro, fibre reinforced racks, and now you can leave all that stuff attached while you access the handy water resistant under storage at the rear.
A very welcome addition to the big Can-Ams is the 2 key system. A second ‘work' key can be used that limits the machines outputs and keeps usage under 70kmh. Now the owner gets the say in how hard their machine gets ridden.
As for the 1000cc grunt... most test riders would only offer "you just have to ride one". We should get a few Can-Am 1000's down under well before X-mas... so I guess we'll just have to wait until then.
Bullet.