2021 Can Am Commander: The Ultimate Owner'S Guide To Maintenance, Mods

So, you’ve got your hands on a 2021 Can Am Commander. You already know it’s a beast—a perfect blend of workhorse utility and trail-shredding fun. It’s the kind of machine that begs you to push a little further down that unknown track or haul that extra load of firewood without breaking a sweat.

We promise this isn’t just another owner’s manual. This is the real-world, grease-under-the-fingernails guide you’ve been looking for. We’re going to give you the confidence to maintain, troubleshoot, and even upgrade your rig yourself.

In this comprehensive 2021 can am commander guide, we’ll walk you through essential pre-ride checks, a practical DIY maintenance schedule, how to diagnose common problems, and which mods deliver the biggest bang for your buck. Let’s get wrenching.

The Heart of the Beast: Understanding Your 2021 Can-Am Commander

Before we dive into the nuts and bolts, let’s appreciate what we’re working with. The 2021 model year was a major redesign for the Commander, bringing it into the modern era of UTVs with a more aggressive look and improved performance.

Whether you have the sporty XT, the premium XT-P, or the four-seat MAX, the core of your machine is that potent 100-horsepower Rotax 1000R V-twin engine. It’s a proven powerplant, but like any high-performance engine, it loves consistent, quality care.

One of its standout features is the dual-level cargo box. This smart design gives you a massive amount of versatile storage, separating your tools from your cooler or your gear from your recovery equipment. Understanding these core features helps you appreciate why proper upkeep is so important.

Your Pre-Ride Ritual: The Essential 2021 Can-Am Commander Checklist

The single most important habit you can develop is a thorough pre-ride inspection. It takes five minutes, but it can save you hours of frustration on the trail—or prevent a serious safety issue. Think of it as a conversation with your machine. This is one of the most crucial 2021 can am commander tips we can offer.

We use the T-CLOCS acronym, a classic from the motorcycle world that works perfectly here:

T — Tires & Wheels: Check your tire pressure. It can change with temperature. Look for any cuts, punctures, or embedded objects. Grab each wheel and check for any side-to-side play, which could indicate a bad wheel bearing or ball joint.
C — Controls: Test your throttle—does it snap back cleanly? Squeeze the brake pedal—does it feel firm, not spongy? Turn the steering wheel from lock to lock, feeling for any binding or weird noises.
L — Lights & Electrics: Turn the key on. Do your headlights (high and low beams), brake lights, and dash lights all work correctly? A flickering light could be a loose connection you can fix now instead of on a dark trail.
O — Oil & Fluids: This is non-negotiable. Check your engine oil level when the engine is cold. Peek at your coolant reservoir—is the level between the MIN and MAX lines? Check your brake fluid reservoir, too.
C — Chassis & Suspension: Do a quick visual scan. Look for any loose, broken, or missing bolts. Glance at your CV boots on all four axles; a torn boot is a cheap fix now but an expensive axle replacement later.

DIY Maintenance: A Practical 2021 Can-Am Commander Care Guide

Following a regular maintenance schedule is the key to reliability. You don’t need a full professional shop to handle the basics. With a few good tools and a bit of patience, you can keep your Commander in peak condition. Here are the 2021 can am commander best practices for your garage.

Engine Oil & Filter Change

Your engine’s lifeblood is its oil. Clean oil lubricates, cools, and cleans internal components. Don’t skip this.

When: Follow the break-in service schedule meticulously. After that, a good rule of thumb is every 50-100 hours or at least once a year, depending on how hard you ride. Dusty, muddy, or high-RPM riding means you should change it more often.
What You’ll Need: The correct oil (BRP recommends XPS 5W-40 Synthetic Blend), an OEM or quality aftermarket oil filter, a drain pan, a funnel, and the correct size socket for the drain plug. A torque wrench is highly recommended to avoid stripping the plug.
Pro Tip: Run the engine for a minute or two before draining. Warm oil flows out faster and carries more contaminants with it.

Air Filter Maintenance

An off-road vehicle breathes in a lot of dust. Your air filter is the only thing protecting your engine’s sensitive internals from becoming a sand-blasted mess.

How to: Accessing the airbox is straightforward. Check the filter before every ride, especially in dusty conditions.
Cleaning: If it’s just dusty, you can often tap it out or use compressed air from the inside out. If it’s truly dirty or oily, it’s time for a replacement. Don’t try to wash and reuse the stock paper filter.
Upgrade: Consider a quality foam filter (like a Twin Air or K&N) if you ride in extreme dust. They are washable and reusable, offering better long-term value and protection.

Drivetrain and CVT Belt Care

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a marvel, but its drive belt is a wearable item. Neglect it, and it will leave you stranded.

Inspection: Every 25-50 hours, it’s wise to pull the CVT cover and inspect the belt. Look for glazing (shiny spots), cracking, fraying, or missing cogs.
Replacement: Always use an OEM Can-Am belt for the best reliability. Carry your old (but still good) belt as a spare on the trail, along with the simple tools needed to change it. Learning how to 2021 can am commander belt changes in your garage is better than learning on a cold, dark trail.
Break-In: A new belt requires a proper break-in period! Avoid full throttle and jerky acceleration for the first 20-30 miles to let it seat properly in the clutches.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with 2021 Can-Am Commander Models

Even with perfect maintenance, things can go wrong. Knowing what to look for can turn a trip-ending disaster into a minor field repair. Here are some common problems with 2021 can am commander units and how to approach them.

Overheating Issues

If that temp light comes on, stop immediately. The most common cause is simple: a radiator caked in mud. The radiator needs clean airflow to work.

Step 1: Let the engine cool completely. Never open a hot radiator cap.
Step 2: Clean the radiator. Use a garden hose (not a high-pressure washer, which can bend the delicate fins) to gently wash out all the mud and debris from both the front and back.
Step 3: Check your coolant level in the overflow bottle. If it’s low, you may have a leak. Also, ensure the radiator fan is kicking on when it gets hot. If not, you could have a bad fuse, relay, or fan motor.

Electrical Gremlins

Modern UTVs have complex electrical systems. If something isn’t working, start with the basics.

Battery First: Are the terminals clean and tight? A loose or corroded terminal is a very common culprit. Test the battery voltage; it should be above 12.5 volts when off.
Check Fuses: The fuse box is your friend. Your owner’s manual has a diagram. Check the fuse for the circuit that’s acting up. Always carry spare fuses.
Wiring: Look for any wires that might be rubbing against the frame or engine, which can wear through the insulation and cause a short.

Smart Upgrades: The Benefits of 2021 Can-Am Commander Mods

Modifying your Commander is half the fun! But it’s best to be strategic. Focus on mods that enhance protection, capability, and comfort.

Protection First: Skid Plates & Guards

The factory “skid plates” offer minimal protection. A full set of aluminum or UHMW (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight polyethylene) skid plates and A-arm guards is the best first investment you can make. It protects the entire underbelly of your machine from rocks, stumps, and other trail hazards.

Lighting & Wheels/Tires

Upgrading to a larger, more aggressive tire is one of the most popular mods. A good 8-ply radial tire will offer better traction and be far more resistant to punctures than the stock tires. Pair them with a quality set of wheels for a custom look and improved durability. Adding an LED light bar or pod lights will transform night riding, making it safer and more enjoyable.

Comfort & Utility

A front windshield (full or half), a roof, and lower door inserts can dramatically improve comfort by keeping wind, rain, and mud out of the cab. Adding a winch is also a must-have for anyone serious about off-roading; it’s your get-out-of-jail-free card.

Sustainable Off-Roading: Your Eco-Friendly 2021 Can-Am Commander Guide

Being a responsible off-roader means protecting the trails we love for future generations. A sustainable 2021 can am commander is one that’s not just mechanically sound, but also used with respect for the environment.

Stay the Trail: Stick to marked and established trails. Riding in sensitive areas can cause erosion and damage that lasts for decades.
Pack It In, Pack It Out: This is simple. Leave the trail cleaner than you found it. Pack out all of your trash and any you find along the way.
Proper Fluid Disposal: When you change your oil or coolant, take it to an auto parts store or local recycling center. Never dump fluids on the ground or down a drain. Using biodegradable cleaners is another great eco-friendly 2021 can am commander practice.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2021 Can-Am Commander

What’s the best oil for a 2021 Can-Am Commander?

The manufacturer strongly recommends using their XPS 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil. It’s specifically formulated for the high-stress, high-heat environment of the Rotax engine. While other quality synthetic 5W-40 oils may work, using the OEM oil is the safest bet, especially while under warranty.

How often should I check the CVT belt?

A quick visual inspection should be part of your regular maintenance every 25-50 hours of ride time. If you notice any change in performance, like slipping, hesitation, or a burning smell, you should inspect it immediately. Hard riding, heavy loads, or oversized tires will require more frequent checks.

What tire pressure should I run for trail riding?

This varies based on tire type and terrain, but a good starting point for general trail riding is between 10-14 PSI. Lower pressure provides a smoother ride and better traction on rocks and soft terrain, while higher pressure is better for hard-packed roads and carrying heavy loads. Experiment to find what works best for your setup.

Is the 2021 Can-Am Commander reliable?

Yes, the platform is very reliable, especially the Rotax V-twin engine, which has been proven for years. Like any high-performance machine, reliability is directly tied to maintenance. Addressing the common problems we mentioned, like keeping the radiator clean and servicing the CVT, will ensure you have a dependable rig for years to come.

Your 2021 Can-Am Commander is an incredibly capable and rewarding machine. By taking an active role in its care and maintenance, you not only save money but also build a deeper connection with your ride. You learn its quirks, its strengths, and how to keep it performing at its best.

So get your tools out, get a little dirty, and get to know your Commander inside and out. Stay safe on the trails, and enjoy every adventure that comes your way. Happy wrenching!

Author
Recent Posts

Thomas Corle

Founder & Automobile expert at FatBoysOffroad

Automobile expert and off-road enthusiast, sharing in-depth knowledge of vehicles, gear, and adventures. Helping readers make smart decisions and enjoy the thrill of off-roading safely and confidently.