As spring rolls around every year, we here at ATVR look forward to change in everything from our favorite riding areas to seeing new models from manufacturers. Spring is when we get our first look at new or upgraded machines from the years past and for 2011 Can-Am is looking to steal the show. To show off their new lineup of ATVs and SxS's the Canadian company flew us up to the Northern Territory so we could experience these machines in the comfort of their own back yard. As we arrived at Chateau Fairmont in Montebello, Quebec Thad and I were warmly greeted by numerous Can-Am representatives who were anxious themselves for us to see the new lineup.
After a hearty dinner and delicious wine the lights were dimmed in the room as Can-Am Media and Public Relations Manager Chaz Rice took to the stage and prepared us for what we were about to see. Last year for 2010 Can-Am didn't necessarily introduce any new models, but did release their already popular and proven machines in different package configurations to suit different riding conditions or terrains. For 2011 many of the models remained the same with minimal changes, additional parts or traditional Bold New Graphics (BNG) kits. Three modes where unveiled to us that were either brand new, or based on a proven platform in the past but had specific purposes in mind.
The machine that made the biggest impression over the crowd of invited media was the Commander line of SxS's. The Commander 800R has been a work in progress for many years and it was made clear to us that the engineers took their time to make it right. Propelled by an 800cc Rotax V-Twin with EFI that puts out an astonishing 71HP in stock form, the Commander was designed for those that want a SxS machine that is not only sporty but can still be used for various utility minded chores. This is very apparent with the abundance of storage space in the dual-level cargo box that has a load capacity of 600 pounds and the most volume capacity than any other SxS on the market. In addition to the roomy cargo box, the Commander further highlights its utility prowess with a towing capacity of 1,500 pounds.
Whether you are going to use this machine for work or recreation purposes, the engineers wanted both driver and passenger to feel safe and comfortable while riding around. The 2-inch diameter ROPS-Approved (Roll-Over Protective System) cage comfortably surrounds the cockpit of the Commander protecting both vehicle occupants. As soon as you sit in the ultra-comfortable seats and adjust them forward or back to your liking, secure yourself into place with the factory 3-point seat belts that feature anti-cinch. If you chose not to drive with a seat belt on, the computer will go into a safe mode limiting your driving speed. For the passengers in the cab, the passenger handhold and grab bar are perfectly positioned to comfortably brace themselves in the seat. The finishing touch on safety items in the cab, are the quick-attach cab/side nets that are easy to close with a seat belt style buckle. This is by far the easiest fastening system for any side net system we've ever seen.
To ensure that the driver and passengers experience a comfortable ride, the Commander features a dual a-arm suspension system up front and an independent torsional trailing arm system in the back, which both have 10-inches of travel and 11-inches of ground clearance. To ensure that you can stop as quickly as the Commander accelerates, there are two 214mm disk brakes with twin-piston calipers up front and a single caliper in the rear since it is a locked rear end. Putting the power to the ground is with Carlisle Black Rock 26-inch tires mounted on 12-inch steel wheels.
If you think that everything you've just read sounds great, it only gets better from here. We found that the Commander only gets better as we were told that it is also available with a 1000cc engine that cranks out 85HP of ground shredding power. To top it off, the Commander is also available with an upgraded XT package. The XT package starts with upgraded 14-inch cast aluminum wheels that have been wrapped with 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires, rugged bed rails, mud guards and heavy-duty front bumper that also protects a 4,000-pound winch. The XT package also upgrades the interior of the machine with an analog/digital instrument gauge and leather wrapped steering wheel. While the R line of Commanders are only available in yellow, the 800 XT is can be purchased in both yellow and Vista camouflage, and the 1000 XT is available in yellow, red or Vista camouflage.
Just as we thought we had heard it all, we were told that there was still one more machine to come into view as the Commander 1000 X rolled up on stage. We were told that the Commander 1000 X was designed for the enthusiast who wanted the best in performance and handling. The X model comes directly off of the assembly line at Can-Am with Fox Racing Shox that are fully hi/low speed compression, rebound and pre-load adjustable, front sway-bar to reduce body roll under aggressive cornering, 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels, heavy-duty front bumper and rock sliders to protect the machine. The cockpit of the vehicle features a leather wrapped steering wheel and an X package seat trim to compliment a black and yellow body kit setting it apart from all of the other models. All in all this machine was definitely worth the wait and all of the anticipation that we built up for it, but there was still more for us to see.
As Chaz Rice knew that our mouths were salivating over the new Commander he brought out even more units for us to drool over. The next unit brought to our attention was the 2011 Outlander 800 EFI X XCpackage. If you're a utility racer then this is definitely the machine you want to check out. The Outlander 800 EFI X XC has all of the same great Outlander standard features like the 71HP Rotax EFI engine, Dual-Mode DPS power steering system, Visco-Lok front differential calibration, torsional trailing arm rear suspension, surrounding spar technology (SST) frame and get-on-and-go continuously variable transmission (CVT). The X package takes it up a notch with a cross-country racing/aggressive trail riding package, which includes a KYB high-performance suspension package, X XC graphics kit, full aluminum skidplates, beadlock wheels, ITP Holeshot tires, handguards, 1/2-inch front sway bar and aluminum taper-profile handlebars. This is a machine designed for aggressive riding and requires minimal if any modifications to be a race ready machine.
The final new product unveiling was the Outlander 800 EFI X MR, which was created with the mud riding/racing enthusiast in mind. The MR uses an Outlander Max as the base platform for an increased wheelbase, which is popular in the mud racing community. Beyond utilizing the Max platform, the MR also features the Complete Air Control Suspension (ACS) that was introduced last year, an Integrated Snorkel System (ISS) for both engine intake and belt intake/exhaust, 30-inch Gorilla Axle Silverback tires, 14-inch ITP cast aluminum wheels, a relocated radiator, heavy-duty front and rear front bumpers, a 4,000-pound winch, handguards, aluminum taper-profile bars and an X MR custom graphics package. This machine is a purpose built ATV and we're chomping at the bit to ride it.
These were great machines that were brought before us and we're definitely anxious to ride them as I'm sure that you're anxious to hear about how they perform. There were other models that were in the room for the presentation, and while they were new for 2011 there were really not any significant upgrades to go into detail over. For a complete ride review on all of the models we just introduced to you, make sure to pick up the next issue of ATV Rider Magazine and find out all about the Commander line of SxS's and the new Outlander ATVs.