There’s nothing quite like kicking up red dust on a remote track in a side-by-side. But as any Aussie off-roader knows, our sunburnt country throws unique challenges at our machines – from fine bulldust that chokes air filters to punishing terrain that tests every nut and bolt.
That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate owner’s manual for the can am commander australia enthusiast. This isn’t just a spec sheet; it’s a real-world guide from the trenches, packed with actionable tips to keep your rig running strong, safe, and ready for any adventure.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through choosing the right model for our conditions, mastering essential maintenance, tackling common problems head-on, and exploring the best mods to make your Commander truly unstoppable down under.
Choosing Your Rig: Which Can-Am Commander is Right for Australia?
Picking the right Can-Am Commander isn’t just about colour or horsepower; it’s about matching the machine to the Aussie terrain you plan to conquer. From high-country trails to sandy outback tracks, each model has its strengths.
The Commander XT: The All-Rounder
Think of the XT as the versatile workhorse. It’s perfect for property owners who need to haul gear during the week and hit the trails on the weekend. Its robust suspension and included winch make it a fantastic starting point for most Australian conditions.
The Commander XT-P: The Trail Warrior
If you’re more focused on aggressive trail riding, the XT-P is your beast. With upgraded FOX Podium shocks, beadlock wheels, and a sportier setup, it’s designed to handle rougher, faster terrain right out of the box. This is the pick for Victorian High Country or rocky Queensland trails.
The Commander MAX: The Family Hauler
Got a crew? The four-seat MAX models offer the same capability but with room for mates or the family. They have a longer wheelbase, which provides a smoother ride over corrugations but can be a slight disadvantage on tight, technical tracks.
Your Pre-Ride Ritual: The Essential Can-Am Commander Australia Care Guide
A few minutes of prevention before you hit the trail can save you hours of frustration (and a costly recovery). This is the definitive can am commander australia care guide to follow before every single ride. It’s one of the most important best practices you can adopt.
1. Fluids are Life
Always start on level ground. Check your engine oil first. Pull the dipstick, wipe it clean, re-insert it fully, then pull it again for an accurate reading. Also, take a quick look at your coolant level in the overflow reservoir and your brake fluid. Low fluids are a sign of a leak that needs immediate attention.
2. The Battle Against Dust: Air & CVT Filter Care
Australian dust is legendary for its ability to get into everything. Your Commander’s engine and CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) are its lungs, and they need clean air.
After every dusty ride, check your engine air filter. A quick tap can dislodge loose dirt, but for a proper clean, use low-pressure compressed air from the inside out. A pre-filter or filter skin is a wise investment for our conditions.
Don’t forget the CVT intake and exhaust! These are often overlooked but are critical for belt life. A clogged CVT filter leads to a hot belt, which is the number one killer of belts on the trail.
3. Tyre Pressures & Condition
Your tyres are your only connection to the track. Check pressures before you ride, adjusting them for the terrain. Lower pressures (e.g., 10-12 PSI) are great for sand and rock crawling, while higher pressures (15-18 PSI) are better for hard-packed dirt roads. While you’re there, inspect for cuts or embedded objects.
4. Nuts and Bolts Check
Vibrations can loosen anything. Do a quick visual “walk-around” and check critical fasteners. Pay special attention to your wheel lug nuts, suspension bolts (A-arms and trailing arms), and any accessories you’ve added.
Common Problems with Can-Am Commander Australia Models (And How to Fix Them)
Even the toughest machines have their quirks. Knowing the common problems with can am commander australia models means you can prevent them or fix them on the trail. Here’s what we see most often at the workshop.
Overheating in Slow, Technical Terrain
The Problem: When you’re crawling through technical sections or working hard at low speeds, there isn’t enough airflow to keep the radiator cool. Mud and grass seeds clogging the radiator fins make it much worse.
The Fix: Keep your radiator clean! After a muddy ride, use a garden hose (not a high-pressure washer, which can bend the fins) to wash it out thoroughly from the back towards the front. Some owners install a bypass switch for the radiator fan, allowing them to turn it on manually before tackling a tough section.
CVT Belt Issues
The Problem: Snapped or glazed belts are a common failure point, often caused by heat, improper break-in, or using the wrong gear (i.e., using High range when you should be in Low).
The Fix: Always use Low range for slow-speed work, towing, or technical climbing. This keeps the belt cool and in the strongest part of its range. Carry a spare belt and the tools to change it—a belt changing tool and basic sockets. Practice changing it once in your garage so you know how to do it on a dusty track.
Suspension Bushing Wear
The Problem: The constant punishment of Aussie corrugations and creek crossings wears out factory A-arm bushings faster than you’d think. You’ll notice this as sloppy steering or a clunking sound from the suspension.
The Fix: Regular greasing is key. Use a quality marine-grade grease in all the suspension zerks (grease nipples). When the time comes to replace them, consider upgrading to heavy-duty aftermarket bushings from brands like SuperATV or All Balls Racing for longer life.
Built for the Bush: Must-Have Mods and Best Practices
A stock Commander is great, but a few key upgrades can transform it into a truly capable outback machine. This section of our can am commander australia guide focuses on smart modifications.
Protection is Paramount
- Skid Plates: The factory plastic protection is minimal. A full set of aluminium or UHMW (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight polyethylene) skid plates will protect your engine, transmission, and diffs from rock strikes.
- A-Arm/CV Guards: These protect your vulnerable CV boots from being torn by sticks on overgrown trails. A torn boot leads to a failed CV joint very quickly.
- Rock Sliders/Tree Kickers: These bars run along the side of the vehicle and protect your plastic body panels from rocks and trees on tight tracks.
Creature Comforts and Practicality
- Roof: An absolute must-have for sun protection in Australia. An aluminium roof is durable, while a plastic roof is lighter and quieter in the rain.
- Windscreen: A half or flip-up windscreen offers protection from wind and debris without completely sealing you off from the environment.
- Dust Control: A rear screen or panel drastically reduces the amount of dust that gets sucked into the cabin from behind—a common issue in UTVs.
Benefits of a Can-Am Commander in the Australian Outback
So, why choose a Commander for your Aussie adventures? The benefits of can am commander australia ownership are clear once you hit the dirt.
- Versatility: The Commander perfectly blends sport and utility. Its dumping cargo box is incredibly useful for property work or carrying camping gear, while its Rotax V-twin engine provides thrilling performance on the trails.
- Comfort: With a well-designed cabin, comfortable seats, and smooth-riding suspension (especially on XT-P models), the Commander is built for long days in the saddle, eating up miles of corrugated roads without beating you up.
- Capability: Features like the Visco-Lok QE auto-locking front differential and selectable 2WD/4WD give you the traction you need to tackle everything from muddy bogs to steep, rocky climbs with confidence.
Riding Responsibly: Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Off-Roading Tips
Part of being a good off-roader is protecting the tracks we love for future generations. Practicing sustainable can am commander australia off-roading is simple and ensures we maintain access to these beautiful places.
Stick to marked trails to prevent erosion and damage to delicate ecosystems. Avoid sensitive areas like riverbanks and wetlands. If you encounter a puddle, it’s better to go through it (if safe) rather than around it, which widens the track and causes more damage.
Being eco-friendly can am commander australia-style also means packing out everything you pack in. Carry a rubbish bag and leave your campsite or lunch spot cleaner than you found it. Finally, ensure your machine isn’t leaking any fluids that could contaminate the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am Commander in Australia
What is the best oil to use in a Can-Am Commander in a hot climate?
For Australia’s hot conditions, it is crucial to use a high-quality, fully synthetic oil that meets BRP’s specifications. A 5W-40 or 10W-50 synthetic specifically designed for powersports engines is an excellent choice as it provides superior protection against heat breakdown.
Can I make my Can-Am Commander street legal in Australia?
Regulations vary by state. In some states, you can get conditional registration which allows for limited road use, typically in rural or specific designated areas. It requires fitting a “street legal kit” with indicators, a horn, mirrors, and other safety items. Always check with your state’s transport authority for the exact requirements.
How often should I service my Can-Am Commander?
The owner’s manual provides a service schedule, but for harsh Australian conditions, we recommend more frequent checks. Change your engine oil and filter more often than recommended if you ride in very dusty or hot environments. A good rule of thumb is to inspect your air filter after every single ride.
What are the most important spare parts to carry on a long trip?
For any remote travel, we recommend carrying a spare CVT belt, a comprehensive tool kit, a tyre plug kit with an inflator, a few spare nuts and bolts, zip ties, and duct tape. These few items can fix the vast majority of common trail-side issues.
Owning a Can-Am Commander in Australia opens up a world of adventure. By understanding your machine, performing regular maintenance, and making smart choices on the trail, you’ll ensure your rig is always ready for the next challenge. Get out there, explore responsibly, and have a blast.
Stay safe and keep the shiny side up!
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