Ever since I started at ATVR I've been given the great opportunity to travel all across the country and test the latest and greatest machines that companies have to offer. In early spring of this year, we were sent an invitation from Can-Am to attend its 2011 product launch up in Montebello, Quebec, Canada. No sooner had I read over the invite that Thad forwarded to me, than I was ready to pack my bags and head up north. This trip had me excited for two different reasons: The first was because it would be my first time traveling out of the country (Mexico excluded), and the second was because there was quite a bit of hype about a potential SxS release. For the past two years, at the Can-Am intros we've been foaming at the mouth for this machine only to leave in disappointment, but something told me this trip would be different.
With passport in hand, I was ready to fly up north and see just what kind of machines the big C had in store for us. As all of the editors met in the lobby of the Fairmont Château in Montebello, we were joined by quite a few Can-Am engineers as well as President and CEO of Can-Am, Jose Boisjoli. Sure, at many other intros we meet a fair number of corporate employees, but to see the president made me believe there was something special about this event. As the BRP media and public relations manager, Chaz Rice, stepped on the stage after dinner the room fell silent as he went over the various 2011 models.
New For 2011
While many of the models remained the same with small but subtle upgrades or changes, there were two brand-new versions of the Outlander 800. The first was the $12,449 Outlander 800R EFI X XC, which is basically the tried-and-true machine outfitted with everything you'd need to race a GNCC and be competitive. The X XC comes standard with 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels, 25-inch ITP Holeshot ATR tires, a KYB high-performance suspension package, Can-Am dual-mode dynamic power steering package, 1/2-inch-diameter front sway bar, prerunner front bumper, aluminum skid plates and Outlander X XC specific graphics.
The next new addition to the line was the $13,099 Outlander 800R EFI X MR, which was specifically designed for people who love to ride in the mud. To make the X MR the ultimate mud machine, Can-Am engineers teamed up with the mud experts at Gorilla Axle to figure out what kind of modifications would be required to handle treacherous mud conditions. To start off, the X MR utilizes the lengthened Outlander MAX chassis and is outfitted with Can-Am's front and rear Air Control Suspension (ACS) system that allows the rider to adjust the Fox Racing Shox with six presets. With this system the rider can increase the machine's ride height to its maximum level for deep mud riding then adjust down the air pressure/preload for trail-riding comfort. This system also has an added feature of an on-board air hose for trailside airing up of tires.
To prevent the common issue of radiators clogging up with mud and debris when diving into deep waters, the X MR has been set up with a radiator relocation kit that mounts the radiator on the front rack. This relocation kit also features a durable guard to protect the radiator from flying debris and is designed with pivot points so riders can easily access the Outlander maintenance center underneath the radiator. Another critical area the engineers protected from chugging in water are engine intake and drive belt intake and exhaust breathers. The X MR has been outfitted with an Integrated Snorkel System (ISS) that is located at the highest point of the ATV, directly in front of the handlebar in a centralized location. To ensure this machine can claw its way out of the deepest slop, it has also been equipped with 30-inch Gorilla Axle Silverback tires mounted on 14-inch ITP cast-aluminum wheels that feature a stylish hubcap sporting the Gorilla Axle logo. To make the handling as easy as possible for the rider, the X MR is also equipped with the Can-Am DPS and special mud-riding footpegs in the standard location as well as a set where the passenger footwell would be, for when the front end is high in the water.
While we were definitely impressed with these two new Outlander models, a few black curtains still needed to be pulled back. The presentation went from talking about ATVs to the explosive market of side-by-side vehicles. Our mouths began salivating as they started talking about the new Can-Am line of Commander side-by-side machines ($11,699-$14,699). It was then the group heard the roar of an engine come to life, and the Commander 800R was rolled into our sights for the first time. The machine is like no other on the market with its 71-horspower Rotax 800cc EFI V-twin engine, a dual-level rear bed/cargo box and Torsional Trailing arm Independent (TTI) rear suspension. In the safety department, the Commander features a 2-inch-diameter, high-strength steel, ROPS-approved cage complete with quick-attach side nets, three-point seat belts and a passenger handhold and grab bar.
Complete with 30-inch Gorilla...
Complete with 30-inch Gorilla Silverbacks and relocated radiator, the Outlander X MR is built for one purpose.
The interior of the Commander is very comfortable with forward and back adjustable passenger and driver seats, adjustable-tilt steering and dual cup holders and 1,928 cubic inches of cockpit storage to hold everything you would need on the trail. While visually it seems as if this is a sport-only machine, it's easy to know by the numbers it is very much more than that. The Commander has a 1,500-pound towing capacity, a 2-inch rear hitch receiver and an industry-leading 10-gallon fuel capacity to keep you riding all day long without needing to refuel as often as its competition. If you think this sounds impressive, just wait until we tell you about the other variations available for the Commander.
The next introduction was the Commander 1000 XT, which has all of the same great features of the base 800R but includes great upgrades for looks and versatility. The XT model, which is also available in the 800cc version, comes with a 4,000-pound winch, 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires mounted on 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels, a high-tech analog/digital instrument gauge, heavy-duty front bumper, bed rails, mud guards, leather-wrapped steering wheel and will be available in red, yellow and G-1 Vista camouflage. The XT package made a great-looking machine even better, but we were told we were in for an even bigger surprise as they rolled out the awesome Commander 1000 X package.
"The XT package made a great-looking...
"The XT package made a great-looking machine even better, but we were... in for an even bigger surprise."
The Commander 1000 X is for the person who wants the best performance SxS machine that Can-Am has to offer. Upon first glance you could tell this is a performance machine since it has been outfitted with the same Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires mounted on black 12-aluminum beadlock wheels with yellow beadlock rings, rock sliders, heavy-duty front bumper and a super-stylish X-package seat trim and graphics scheme. Upon closer inspection you will notice the shocks are much different than what is on the base and even the XT model. The 1000 X is equipped with Fox Racing Shox that feature piggyback reservoirs that are fully adjustable for high/low-speed compression and rebound as well as preload. To further enhance the stability of the machine, the Commander 1000 X comes with a 5/8-inch-diameter front sway bar to reduce body roll in aggressive cornering.
After a night of drooling over these machines we were ready to take to the trails and see how well they performed. On paper and to the eye, one would think these are the best machines available, but there is only one good way to find out and that is to put the beasts through some rigorous testing on trails and swamps. Luckily, the Fairmont Château in Montebello had a huge 36,000-plus acre of property where Can-Am blazed trails for us to enjoy. From fast fire roads to tight, technical trails winding in and out of trees and rock gardens, they gave us every terrain we could want to use for our testing purposes.
The Test
Of course, the machines in biggest demand were the Commander side-by-sides, so Thad and I quickly commandeered a 1000 X to see if it would live up to all of the hype they'd built up about it. As soon as I sat in the driver's seat I felt as if I was in the cockpit of a race truck, and anxiously turned the key and pressed the starter button on the dash. The roar of the powerful 1,000cc powerplant quickly engulfed us making us buckle in and quickly secure the side nets so I could drop the shifter into high range and roll out of the staging area. As soon as clear road was in front of me I put the skinny pedal down to the floor and let the mighty Commander stretch its legs. From the fast open road, I veered off to a trail that wound us through the thick forest filled with tight turns, exposed roots and muddy creek crossings. The Fox Shox easily soaked up everything that stood in its path leaving a great plush ride for us in the cab.
As Thad grew antsy to sit behind the wheel himself, I pulled off and we traded places. A quick slide of the seat adjustment and Thad was on the throttle the instant I had my seat belt buckled. I've never been a huge fan of being a passenger in any SxS vehicle, but with the supplied passenger handholds and overall comfort of the machine, I felt very secure as he whipped around the corners pushing the Commander 1000 X to its limits as we made our way back to the staging area to swap out for a quick comparison with the Commander 800R. As we took to the same trails, we did feel that the 800 had plenty of power but just didn't get to its top speed as fast as the 1000, which we figured to be between 70 to 75 mph. The one thing we definitely did miss was the plushness of the Fox Shox as the standard binders that came on the R and XT models seemed to blow through the travel much faster, which was as expected. All in all we were definitely impressed with the Commander line of side-by-sides from Can-Am and are gearing up for the battle to see who gets to keep a unit for some long-term testing and possible performance mods in the future.
No matter which size or model...
No matter which size or model you go with, the Commander name is spot-on.
When it came time to test the ATVs, Thad suited up and threw a leg over the one machine he was excited to test out himself: the Outlander 800 X MR. He has turned into our resident mud guy, so he was anxious to see just how well this machine would perform under extreme conditions. As we cruised around in the Commander earlier, he mentally tagged some marshy areas he believed would make a great test area for this mudder. The trail leading to "his" pond would allow us to fully test the trail capability of the machine and its mud-clawing prowess in the dark waters of the marsh. On the trail Thad lowered the air pressures in the shocks, which he felt gave the machine a comfortable ride while riding over the rocky areas we needed to cross before we reached the pond, and once we arrived to our ultimate mud testing location he adjusted the shocks to their maximum height, which was significantly higher than at its lowest trail-riding setting.
Having reached "our pond," Thad proceeded to ride the behemoth mudder into the water, and slowly it began to sink in prompting him to get on the throttle. As soon as I heard the engine start roaring, chunks of muck went flying through the air as the huge Gorilla Silverback tires clawed for traction to pull him out from the murky water. After making it up on solid ground I could see that Thad wore a huge grin from ear to ear, and he quickly made his way back into the water even farther than before. This time the earth beneath the tires quickly gave way, and the X MR disappeared under the water leaving only the radiator, handlebar and snorkel cluster visible to the eye. Being on dry land, I started to worry, but Thad kept his cool and muscled the machine utilizing every footrest and handhold he could to get the X MR moving forward and out of the swamp. As he rolled out of the water I asked him what his opinions was, and "AWESOME!" was the only word I heard. This machine will definitely be a huge hit with an ever-growing mud riding population.
If your pleasure is blasting...
If your pleasure is blasting around the trails or taking on deep mud pits, Can-Am has just what you need for 2011.
After spending a few days aboard the new ATV and SxS releases from Can-Am, I know Thad and I are glad the engineers took their time in creating a machine they felt worthy to release to the public. From the striking looks and ergonomics of the Commander line of side-by-sides to the proven performance of the new Outlander 800 offspring, we feel Can-Am is releasing impressive machines that will have them contending for the top machine of 2011. While we have limited time on these models so far, look for further testing and project builds in upcoming issues of ATVR as we roll the impressive machines into our garages for some long-term testing.
| Commander 800R/1000 |
| + |
• Great handling. |
| • 1000cc engine produces more than enough |
| power for anyone. |
| • Awesome cockpit ergonomics. |
| • Power could be excessive for entry-level drivers. |
| - |
• Extra storage box limits aftermarket exhaust |
| options |
| = |
This machine definitely lives up to all of the |
| generated hype and more. |
| Commander 1000 X |
| + |
• Fox shocks substantially improve the handling |
| characteristics and need minimal changes for |
| additional long-travel mods if wanted. |
| • Ready for the most aggressive driver. |
| - |
• Large price tag can be a hard hit on the finances |
| = |
An aggressive-looking package with |
| performance to match. |
| OUTLANDER 800R X MR |
| + |
• Adjustable ride height suspension is genius. |
| • Excellent power for propelling tires through |
| the thick. |
| • Gorilla Silverback tires grip with intensity |
| - |
• Snorkel system positioned too low. |
| • Adjusting ride height could be simpler. |
| = |
The ultimate extreme ride for those who'd |
| rather gas and go than spend time behind . |
| wrenches |