With news of an approaching Can-Am 2010 product introduction words couldn't possibly express the anticipation felt by the ATV Rider staff. A rumor has been spreading of Can-Am UTV development, and this could possibly be the moment we've all been anxiously awaiting. I'll spare you the suspense and tell you the UTV was nowhere to be found, but I have a growing suspicion that the grueling wait is almost over. Can-Am is known to be one of the world's most innovative ATV manufacturers, and remaining true to this reputation, its new model releases were quite impressive. While numerous changes have been made to the 2010 lineup, there are three distinct features that drew my attention.
Incorporating features such as power steering into utility machines is becoming industry standard and was expected of the 2010 lineup. A basic power steering system would have propelled Can-Am into a new league, but basic just doesn't cut it when a BRP engineer is involved. Capturing my attention was the unveiling of the all-new Dual-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS) that is unlike any other in the industry. In a typical power steering unit the steering torque input is detected by flex in the torque shaft creating a weak link, but Can-Am engineers have eliminated this obstacle using magnetism. Applying tension to magnetized metals changes the magnetic field where even the slightest amount of torque can be measured. This operation gives the DPS added strength and the quickest torque input response in the market. While this feature is very impressive, a switch on the handlebar allowing the rider to adjust the amount of steering assist is the true highlight of the DPS.
Can-Am offers DPS on select Outlanders and Renegades, but my first opportunity to test it was on board the Outlander Max 800R LTD. The Outlander Max earned my respect by enduring severe abuse at the ATV Rider 24-hour torture test in 2004. After countless miles of brutal whoops and treacherous terrain it wasn't the machine's survival that impressed me most, it was the prolonged rider comfort without physical exhaustion. Thanks to my long history on this particular model, recent improvements would not go unnoticed. The DPS was initially set in the minimum mode where I felt it was well suited to my particular riding style. With a long history of ATV racing where a steering damper is essential, I have become accustomed to and prefer a mild steering resistance. Minimum mode presents a similar experience by providing great rider feel of the terrain without the need to fight the bar, much like a damper. Switching to maximum mode offers completely effortless steering, which would be highly appreciated if presented with a heavy payload, a passenger or even both. Testing this theory was a simple procedure due to the fact that test rider John Jovanovic was present and I happened to be hauling a load of delicate photography equipment. While we did ride hard I was worried about damaging my equipment, and this brings me to the second amazing feature that has been added in 2010.
Air-controlled suspension! Yes, you read that correctly. Can-Am has introduced air-controlled suspension on the Outlander Max LTD. This is no ordinary air shock, as you might expect; it's a true air-controlled Fox Racing shock that has six modes of rider-friendly operation. With the push of a button located on the instrument panel a built-in compressor supplies air to the rear shocks allowing the rider to make on-the-fly suspension adjustments. This isn't necessary on an ATV designed for a single rider, but the Max has the ability to carry a passenger and a rear rack loaded with up to 200 pounds of cargo. Until this point in the evolution of ATVs it would be impossible for a single shock to perform at its best with this varying weight range. The change in ride characteristics is amazing as you add or remove air from the shocks. It can't be fully appreciated by the driver, but as a passenger the feature is worth every hard-earned penny.
Adding an integrated compressor presents an endless array of possibilities for the creative enthusiast. There is a quick-connect located under the seat, so by quickly connecting the supplied coiled hose you can inflate a tire on the trail or fill an air mattress in camp. The compressor works much like a small mobile tankless unit that would typically be found stowed in the trunk of a car accompanied by a set of jumper cables. It will be interesting to find out what uses Outlander Max owners dream up for this unit.
For the Renegade diehards a new addition to the family has been released. It's not a ballistic missile complete with saddle and handlebar, but if you've never had the opportunity to pilot a Renegade, this would be a good analogy. The latest Renegade has been dubbed the 800R X xc. It is quite a mouthful to say, but after a few tries, it effortlessly rolls off the tongue. The "xc" representing cross-country has been added to the already exciting X package. With this enhanced label comes the same all-new Dual-Mode Dynamic Power Steering that is present on the Outlander. It also comes equipped with extremely rugged beadlock wheels both front and rear much like those found on machines of the world's best cross-country racers. The beadlocks greatly increase the durability of a wheel and prevent the tire from breaking loose from the wheel. Incorporating a beadlock also allows a trail rider or racer whose tire is low on air or completely flat to continue their course to the nearest pit or safely return to civilization. To keep the large and powerful machine stable through extreme turns Can-Am has introduced a front sway bar to prevent undesirable chassis roll. This feature allows the xc to blast through turns at high speed as if the quad were on rails.
Grabbing a handful of Renegade 800R X xc throttle sends a cold chill down my spine. A rush of adrenaline floods my body as the machine races to speeds that are normally associated with those of lightweight race quads. In this situation the xc is no different than the base-model Renegade, but as turns rapidly approach the xc truly shines. Smooth steering and the newly added sway bar teamed with an HPG High-Performance Suspension Package translates to much better stability during high-speed cornering. I'm sure we will be seeing many more of this particular model making a strong presence at GNCCs and various hare scramble series across the country. For a trail rider looking for smooth simple operation with the ability to run with the big dogs, the Renegade 800R X xc is an obvious solution.
Race-Ready DS 450
The 2010 DS 450 has received little change, but there is a new option that is available for the hard-core racer. Can-Am has developed the Stage One system that utilizes a Motoworks SR4 exhaust and a high-performance CDI, which increases power across the board. The Stage One package brings new life to the lower rpm range where the standard DS lacks the ability to lug a higher gear and propels the already lightning-quick DS to a heart-pounding pace.
The real beauty of this package is that Can-Am will be giving it away at no cost to qualified applicants. It will be available to all disciplines and classes of racer. This could be you, but without registering, you will never know. So get online at www.can-am.brp.com to learn more about the program and apply today. If for some reason you fail to qualify, don't get discouraged; the package will be available for purchase directly from Can-Am.