Can-Am continues to knock us back in our chairs as it mines its research and development department for innovative tech to integrate into its line of off-road vehicles.
New for 2014 Can-Am has taken the Maverick’s sexy sophistication up a notch with the Maverick 1000R X xc. What sets the X xc apart from the base Maverick besides a long list of hot features is its 60-inch width. The X xc boasts a narrowing kit that makes it 4-inches narrower than the previous Mav or the X rs.
Inspired by Can-Am’s experience racing its Mavericks in GNCC, its narrower stance has particular appeal for trail junkies. Think of it this way, if you can fit a Ranger XP down that trail, you can fit a Maverick X xc – not that these two side-x-sides compare in many other ways.
While shredding a system of trails just outside Albany New York, we came to the realization just how awesome Tri-Mode DPS is. Every single time we bring up power steering we get a handful of readers telling us that power steering isn’t important. Fine, don’t want it? Stick with a base Maverick. Take it from us though Tri-Mode DPS is the bomb.
Set the DPS to the medium setting and you can adjust up or down to trail conditions. In our experience though, we tend to stay at mid setting for the majority of the ride. Even if conditions call for a switch from 2-wheel drive to four, the Tri-Mode DPS significantly lightens the typically heavy steering found on Mavericks without it.
Click below to watch a preview of the 2014 Mavericks:
So you’re now able to hit way more trail systems thanks to the X xc’s 60-inch width and the Maverick’s handling is sublime thanks to the addition of Tri-Mode DPS, but what about power?
Once the back of the gas pedal connects with the floor board you’d better make darn sure you’re holding onto the brushed-aluminum steering wheel as all 101 ponies hook up at once and ignite arm-stretching acceleration. Churn out the dirt from under your tires, hook it hard around corners and get a little loose out back, the Maverick X xc corners flat and controlled with very little body roll.
Plus, thanks again to power steering, you can corner hard at speed and still feel totally in control of the steering wheel even as you encounter ruts or roots that would normally jerk the wheel from your hands.
Rounding out the X xc are X-package graphics, trick-looking color match beadlock wheels, a sweet gauge assembly, rock sliders and the most comfortable SXS seats on the market. This SXS is a winner and we want one for home use right now.
Stay tuned to DirtTrax for more and visit www.can-am.brp.com to check out the entire line-up.
