ATV TEST: ODES Assailant 800

ODES is in its fifth year of producing UTVs and 4×4 ATVs here in America, and the Assailant 800 is ODES’ lone ATV for 2016. This two-up 4×4 is loaded with features that make it a great trail machine and value, but its engine makes it feel more like a hot-rod ATV. Its trick black alloy wheels give it a great view of the large brake rotors and red-painted calipers like on a high-performance street rod, and the faux carbon fiber plastic wrap screams performance. Here’s our take on the Assailant 800.

WHAT’S AN ODES ASSAILANT?
ODES Asia and SC-Worldwide started the ODES UTV brand in August of 2011, and “12-15-1791” is inscribed on the logo, which is the date Virginia became the deciding state to approve and ratify the constitutional amendments and Bill of Rights. We applaud ODES for not only being proud to be an American company, but for standing behind our unique rights as American citizens, like the right to assemble (at trailheads and state capitals). ODES UTVs have innovations like a windshield that stows under the plastic roof, automotive-style remote starting and storage bins in the bed rails. The Assailant 800 two-up ATV is also loaded with a 2500-pound winch, front and rear bumpers, rear seat backrest, handlebar guards, mirrors, LED taillights with blinkers and a trailer hitch for the 2-inch receiver. It also sports trick black aluminum wheels, a CVTech clutch and Royal Purple Synthetic engine oil.

The engine is an 800cc V-twin with Delphi EFI, 91mm pistons, 61.5mm stroke, 10.3:1 compression and a dual-range CVT, all backed by a twoyear warranty. The two-up ATV has stadium seating for the passenger with handholds, a backrest and elevated floorboards. The rear seat is removable to access the locking cap to the 5-gallon fuel cell, while the front seat has a storage bin underneath. The rear rack has a center panel that’s the lid for a 2-gallon storage bin, and the front rack’s center is access to the battery, fuse box, radiator cap and coolant tank.

HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The ODES Assailant 800 two-up ATV retails for $8,495, while the CFMoto CForce 800 EPS is $8999. Can-Am’s Outlander Max 850R XT with EPS starts at $12,299, and the Polaris Sportsman 850 SP EPS Touring is $10,999. While the Assailant has a lot of standard features not found on the Can-Am and Polaris, it doesn’t come with EPS for now.

HOW FAST IS THE ASSAILANT?
Stretch-your-arms fast. When you really stab the throttle, the 60-horsepower V-twin leaps forward and stretches its legs to 62 mph. It also has great response in low range and revs out to 40-plus mph. If you want a more casual pace, the 800 will purr with less throttle, and it even has a throttle limiter for beginners. While the compression is a relatively sedate 10.3:1, the manual recommends 91+ octane fuel.

WHAT ABOUT THE CVT/4X4 DELIVERY?
It also has great reflexes. The CVTech clutch hooks up quickly yet smoothly in either range, and the range selector is fairly smooth with notches in the plastic cover for each position. The 2WD/4WD/diff-lock system is just like the old Yamaha Rhino with one button for 2WD/4WD and a toggle that covers the diff-lock button that can only be moved when in 4WD. Servos engage 4WD and diff-lock quickly, and the aggressive Wanda tires hook up in nasty-going.

WHAT ABOUT THE SUSPENSION?
It’s tuned well for two-up or spirited single trail speeds. The spring and damping rates are on the stiff side for bottoming resistance, and the preload adjustable shocks have ODES covers for longer life. Front travel is 7 inches, and rear travel is 8 inches. The ride is stiff over trail garbage, but it also resists body roll in turns despite no torsion bars.

HOW DOES THE ASSAILANT HANDLE?
Very well. The Assailant has a good combination of straight-line stability and turning prowess, and it has the power to slide the rear end around corners if the pilot feels froggy. With a longish 59-inch wheelbase, it doesn’t do anything twitchy or scary at speed, and it has fairly light steering without EPS. There is an accessory EPS kit for ODES UTVs but none yet for the Assailant; ODES is working with Super ATV on developing an ATV EPS kit.

IS IT COMFORTABLE ON THE TRAIL?
Comfort is a strong point. Both seats are well-shaped and padded, and the passenger backrest is nice and large. The midsection is on the chunky side, but the floorboards and serrated footpegs provide great footing. Engine covers on both sides provide safety and lower cockpit noise, and engine vibration is low. The handlebar bend is comfortable, and the large handguards cut wind and roost.

HOW ARE THE BRAKES?
Strong and positive. All four hydraulic disc brakes are connected and applied by the foot pedal and master cylinder. Front calipers have two brake lines each, while rear calipers have single lines, so the pilot can apply only front brakes using the handlebar lever. This is a great feature for more experienced riders.

WHAT’S OUR FINAL ANSWER?
This is our first test of an ODES product, and the Assailant 800 ATV has a lot going for it. Great power, clutching and throttle response give it a go-fast, hot-rod feel, but it also cruises like an off-road limousine. Good handling, suspension tuning and brakes deliver a great all-around ride, and the Assailant is loaded with features that make it easy to register for the street in many states. It even has a large rear T-mount for a license plate or farm triangle, and it’s the only ATV we’ve seen to include a trailer hitch in its 2-inch receiver. It’s ready to work or play; are you?

SPECS
2016 ODES ASSAILANT 4X4 ATV
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type ……………… Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, SOHC
……………………………………………… 4-stroke V-twin
Displacement ……………………………………..799.9cc
Bore x stroke …………………….. 91.0 x 61.5mm (x2)
Compression ratio ………………………………… 10.3:1
Lubrication system …………………………… Wet sump
Induction ……… 46mm throttle body, 2 VDO injectors
Starting/back-up …………….Electric push-button/none
Starting procedure ………In any range, brake engaged
Choke location …………………………………………None
Air filter:
Type ………………………………………………….. Foam
Access …………………… Release seat and four clips
Transmission ..Auto dual-range CVT w/ CVTech clutch
Reverse procedure………………..Move selector to “R”
Drive system …………. Selectable 2WD/4WD/diff-lock
Final drive: f/r …………………………………..Shaft/shaft
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity ……………………………………….5.0 gal.
Wheelbase ……………………………………………. 59.0”
Overall length/width/height …………89.0”/47.0”/58.0”
Ground clearance ………………………………………. 11”
Seat height …………………………………………… 34.5”
Claimed dry weight ………………………………..865 lb.
Rack capacity: f/r …………………………….. 75/100 lb.
Hitch ………………………………………..2-inch receiver
Towing limit………………………………………..1200 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame …………….Rectangular steel surrounding spar
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front ……… Dual A-arms & shocks w/ adj. prel./7.0”
Rear ………. Dual A-arms & shocks w/ adj. prel./8.0”
Brakes/actuation:
Front …………… Two hydraulic discs/right-hand lever
Rear …………… Two hydraulic discs/right-foot pedal/
………………………………………………right-hand lever
Parking ……………………………………. In transmission
Tires:
Front …………………………………… 26×9-14 Wanda
Rear ………………………………….. 26×11-14 Wanda
DETAILS
DC outlet …………………………….Auto-style 12V/15A
Lighting:
Front ……………………………..Four 35W headlights
Rear ………………………………………..tail/brake light
Instrumentation .. Digital/analog speedo/odo/tach/trip/
…………………………………….. hour/fuel/gear position
Colors ………………………….. Black, red, white, camo
Minimum recommended operator age ……………… 16
Suggested retail price …………………………… $8,495
Contact ……………………………….www.odesutvs.com