Evolution makes every species stronger. Can-Am believes that lesson applies to products as well and it’s evident by their continually evolving lineup. You can bet even before they release a new product they’re planning the next generation of upgrades for it and that commitment to continuous improvement has helped them build what is almost certainly the most refined lineup in the sport. They never consider good to be good enough. Need proof? Less than a year after the introduction of the stunning Maverick 1000R, Can-Am has expanded their lineup once again. Not content with only one Maverick model, the crew from VailCourt has created four different versions of the two-seat Maverick, and two versions of an all-new four-seat Maverick called the Maverick Max 1000R. It’s the most luxurious four-seater on dirt.
Maverick Performance
The Maverick 1000R has taken us through knee deep whoops faster than we’ve ever gone before, thanks to a powerful engine, great suspension, and well-designed ergonomics. In fact, the ergonomics are one of our favorite things about the Maverick. When strapped down into the excellent seats, it gives a feeling that one is sitting “in” the vehicle rather than on top of it. Seat placement is also kept low for a reduced center of gravity and better handling. Surrounding the driver and passenger is a wrap-around style cockpit with excellent side nets, rubber mounted passenger hand holds, and a stylish dash. The driver gets tilt steering as well, and either a center mounted LCD display on the base Maverick, or a beautiful, dual gauge combination analog and digital display on upgrade models. From either the driver or passenger seat, the Maverick is a four-wheeled thrill machine! 
The Maverick 1000R was the first machine to break the 100hp barrier. Can-Am engineers designed everything from the air intake to the exhaust to maximize performance. The intake system breathes through a large, automotive style filter under the front hood, and the intake tract has minimal flow restriction, which Can-Am calls High-Flow Dynamics. The air intake location, the air plenum size, both the intake and exhaust valve size, and the dual, tuned length exhaust tubes that flow through dual mufflers at the rear are designed for maximum engine efficiency. Engine compression is 12.0:1, and it all adds up to a more powerful engine that presses you back in the seat when you crack the throttle, with no lag from the closed loop EFI (electronic fuel injection) system. A throttle knock sensor on the engine allows for use of 87 octane fuel (it’s optimized for 91 though) and an exhaust gas sensor makes sure you’re getting a complete fuel burn. It also comes with a catalytic convertor, which is surely not for performance but instead to pass emissions standards as mandated by the government. The engine location on all Maverick models is between the seats which makes it slightly more noticeable than on some competing models, but the location also allows for ideal weight balance. Since accessories like extra lights, a winch, a GPS system, and even a stereo are common in Side x Sides, Can-Am also includes a heavy duty lighting system, and a 650 watt magneto for charging. All Maverick models transfer power to the wheels via a CVT transmission equipped with a much more durable Zylon belt and shaft drive. When it comes time for 4wd, Can-Am equips the Maverick with the new, fast engaging Visco-Lok QE on upgrade models, and the standard Visco-Lok on the base model. 
The suspension on the Maverick 1000R was also designed for performance. At the front, the Maverick uses dual A-arms, but at the rear, Can-Am engineers came up with a whole new, five link rear suspension design. The new Torsional Trailing Arm design (called the TTA) is designed for consistent suspension geometry with minimal wheel scrub and camber change. Longer suspension arms help maintain consistent angles, and the front pivots on the TTA system reach forward nearly under the seats. The design increases weight transfer to enhance the tire-to-ground contact, while at the same time increasing bump absorption, traction and overall suspension control. We also appreciate how Can-Am uses spherical bearings at suspension pivot points for smooth rotation, and the entire design looks very clean. Total suspension travel is 14” at both ends and ground clearance is 13 inches. Both the base model Maverick 1000R and the upgrade 1000R X Xc use fully rebuildable, high and low speed compression, and preload adjustable FOX 2.0 Podium X Shocks, while the Maverick 1000R X rs uses FOX 2.5 Podium shocks. All the FOX shocks offer a high volume aluminum reservoir and velocity sensitive damping control. The shocks also feature an anodized body for corrosion protection, and are designed to be lightweight yet durable even in extreme conditions. Even the oil inside the shocks was formulated for long life and hard use. While excellent design, comfortable ergonomics, premium components, and awesome power are common traits for all Maverick models, there are differences between models as well. Highlights of the different Maverick models are:
Maverick 1000R X rs
- Updated 3-D analog / digital gauge
- 2 color options: White with Red & Black or Black & Yellow
- Fully adjustable front and rear FOX 2.5 Podium X Performance shocks
- 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
- Custom steering wheel
- X-package graphics and seat trim
Maverick 1000R X rs DPS
- Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering
- Visco-Lok QE 4WD system
- Updated 3-D analog / digital gauge
- 2 color options: White with Red & Black or Black & Yellow
- Fully adjustable front and rear FOX 2.5 Podium X Performance shocks
- 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
- Custom steering wheel
- X-package graphics and seat trim
Maverick 1000R X xc DPS
- 60-Inch width
- Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering
- Visco-Lok QE 4WD system
- Updated 3-D analog / digital gauge package
- 2 color options: White with Red & Black or Black & Yellow
- FOX 2.0 Podium X Performance piggyback shocks
- 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
- Custom steering wheel
- X-package graphics and seat trim
A New Four-Seat Maverick
The new Can-Am Maverick Max is based heavily on the two seat Maverick. That’s fine by us! The chassis has been stretched 29 inches and it’s stiffer to accommodate the longer wheelbase and for consistent, precise handling, but the ergonomics, styling, and power are straight from its two-seat brother. Both rear seats on the Maverick MX 1000R are slightly raised so rear passengers get a better view of the terrain ahead, and even the head rests on the seats have been modified to open their viewing area. Rear passengers also get plenty of hand holds, their own cup holders, dual side nets, and the same comfy seats as the front passengers. Between the two rear seats is a nifty storage compartment that can even be outfitted with an accessory cooler. 
The longer wheelbase of the new Maverick Max 1000R altered the weight balance, but Can-Am engineers solved the problem by sliding the motor slightly back. With the motor now further back, optimum front to rear weight balance was restored for handling that is very consistent with the two-seat Maverick.
Riding in the rear of any four-seater is an interesting experience for those accustomed to their hands on the wheel. Climbing into the rear of the Maverick Max was easy enough, and we quickly clipped the side nets into place. You’ve got to admire the ease and reliability of Can-Am’s seatbelt style net latch. It works perfectly every time, and it never comes out unexpectedly. The racy style rear seats on the Maverick Max do a good job of holding one in place as do the three point lap and shoulder belts. As with all four-seaters, there isn’t a lot of extra knee room for riders over 6’, but it wasn’t bothersome or intrusive. When the driver fires the engine, however, the thrills begin, especially when it’s our trusty, yet fearless test driver, Pete Bengal.
Years of riding with Bengal has left me more or less at ease with his consummate driving skills, whether on an ATV or behind the wheel of a performance Side x Side. He wields a steering wheel with the same fervor a Chinese chef exhibits with a Ginsu knife. That trust in his abilities could not be said for our two intrepid, yet woefully unprepared passengers, however. As Pete launched our fully loaded Maverick Max over a tabletop, the greatest feature about multiple passenger Side x Sides became audibly apparent: you can scare the bejesus out of the passengers. Our two eager, unsuspecting riders let forth a high-pitched shriek that would make a dog run away, while under his helmet Bengel beamed, still working the wheel as if he were wrestling a poisonous snake. I began to laugh. Time and time again, we completed the leap, with nary a whimper form the Maverick which touched down perfectly each time. As with most Side x Sides, it has a tendency to fly nose-down with the stock shock settings, but slowing the rear shock rebound a couple clicks corrected its attitude. Under normal trail conditions, the Maverick Max suspension works well, and body roll is minimal, although you can feel it slightly with a full load of passengers. Unless the trails are extremely tight, though, you’ll have no problems. 
Power from the Maverick Max is excellent and it’s easy to forget there is a second row of seats just behind. Can-Am’s electronic Drive by Wire throttle system works well and the engine is always ready to deliver a jolt of acceleration. One difference between the Maverick MAX and the two-seat Maverick, however, is the power steering. Can-Am gives the MAX their tri-mode DPS and the steering feedback is very good. We spent most of the day at the medium setting, and settings can be toggled through from the dash. Finally, there is one other feature we like on all the Mavericks; they’re hard to steal! Can-Am wisely equips all their units with the digitally encoded D.E.S.S. anti-theft key. If the key doesn’t match the machine, it’s not going anywhere. A second key also limits top speed to 44mph which is almost as fast as some other manufacturers' top speeds. Thankfully, Can-Am gave the Maverick Max oversized brakes as well for great stopping power.
We’re always amazed how many four-seaters we see on the trail. At first we weren’t sure what to make of the multi-passenger machines, but it’s a blast to ride with more people. Expect to see the high performance, hyper capable Maverick Max on the trails delivering multiple thrills soon. 
Maverick MAX 1000R X rs DPS
- Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering
- Visco-Lok QE
- Updated 3-D analog/ digital gauge
- Two color schemes with X-package graphics and seat trim
- Fully adjustable front and rear FOX 2.5 Podium X Performance shocks
- 12-inch aluminum beadlock wheels
- Custom steering wheel
MSRP: MAVERICK 1000R - $16,299,MAVERICK MAX - $18,299
The ATVs – Power & Comfort
For 2014 Can-Am chose to upgrade and refine several of their ATV models. With 42 unique ATVs in the lineup of various size, displacement, and option packages already - and the 42 doesn’t even count different colors - there is bound to be one that fits you perfectly. Whether you enjoy a casual ride down the trails, turning laps on the track, or wallowing through a muddy pond, we guarantee there are quads for every skill level and riding style. Regardless of model, though, every Can-Am carries a few of the same family traits: they’ve got horsepower beyond their class, and they’re a refined, total package. Here is a rundown on the 2014 Can-Am ATV lineup.
Youth
DS 70
DS 90
DS X 90
Can-Am’s youth models are designed to look like Dad's Can-Am, but in an easy to ride, fun package on which kids can learn riding skills.
Entry Level Sport
DS 250
The DS 250 is a budget conscious, easy to ride machine in a slightly smaller package. Great for teens and riders of smaller physical stature.
Sport 2x4 – The Racers 
DS 450
DS 450 X Mx
DS 450 X Xc
Want to win a championship? The racy DS 450 models have proven they can get the job done. They’re pure sport, national caliber machines powered by Rotax motors that can deliver all the performance you can handle.
Sport 4x4 – The Renegades
RENEGADE 500
RENEGADE 800R
RENEGADE 800R X xc
RENEGADE 1000
RENEGADE 1000 X xc
Sport machine meets utility capable 4wd. The Renegades offer awesome power in a full sized package equally adept at running down trails or playing in the mud, thanks to 4wd.
Mud – Dirty Fun
OUTLANDER 650 Xmr
OUTLANDER 1000 Xmr
Pure mud monsters with huge tires, relocated air intakes, extra foot rests, and the power to sling half of Louisiana into Mississippi. If you’re going in deep, these are the machines for you.
Recreation Utility
OUTLANDER 400
OUTLANDER 400 XT
OUTLANDER 500
OUTLANDER 500 DPS
OUTLANDER 500 XT
OUTLANDER 650
OUTLANDER 650 DPS
OUTLANDER 650 XT
OUTLANDER 800R
OUTLANDER 800R DPS
OUTLANDER 800R XT
OUTLANDER 1000
OUTLANDER 1000 XT
OUTLANDER 1000 XT-P
There’s a model for everyone in this segment of the Can-Am lineup. They all have power beyond their class, though, and common style and features. Option packages make them even more capable.
2-UP – Ride with A Buddy
OUTLANDER MAX 400
OUTLANDER MAX 500
OUTLANDER MAX 500 DPS
OUTLANDER MAX 500 XT
OUTLANDER MAX 650
OUTLANDER MAX 650 DPS
OUTLANDER MAX 650 XT
OUTLANDER MAX 800R
OUTLANDER MAX 800R XT
OUTLANDER MAX 800R XT-P
OUTLANDER MAX 1000
OUTLANDER MAX 1000 XT
OUTLANDER MAX 1000 XT-P
OUTLANDER MAX 1000 LIMITED
Luxury for two with this lineup. The Outlander MAX 650 is one of our favorites, but the MAX 1000 Limited has all the bells and whistles.
Option Packages
Most owners love to accessorize their machines, and Can-Am has always been a leader in offering option packages. For 2014 most models are available in an XT or a DPS package. The DPS package includes the Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS), while the XT package adds Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS), a 3,000-lb winch, and heavy-duty front and rear bumpers. Some models are also available in an XT-P package which takes things one step further with bead lock wheels, hand guards, different suspension, and sporty performance. If you’re one who likes to add features to your machine (and who doesn’t), Can-Am makes it simple and much cheaper than piecing it together yourself.
Evolutionary Winners
Evolution isn’t kind to all species. Often times the weak are left behind or go extinct altogether. The Can-Am lineup has become one of the strongest species, however, and with the 2014 ATV and Side x Side lineup, the species has only become stronger.
