Can Am Commander Xt 700: The Ultimate Diyer’S Guide To Maintenance

So, you’ve got your hands on a Can-Am Commander XT 700. You know it’s a tough, capable machine built for both work and play. But you also know that to keep it ripping through trails and hauling gear reliably, it needs the right care. You’re ready to get your hands dirty, but maybe you’re not sure where to start.

You’re in the right place. We promise this isn’t just another owner’s manual recap. This is the FatBoysOffroad field guide, built from years of wrenching and riding. We’re going to give you the practical, no-nonsense advice you need to maintain, troubleshoot, and truly master your machine.

In this complete can am commander xt 700 guide, we’ll walk you through everything from essential pre-ride checks and routine maintenance to diagnosing common issues and making smart upgrades. Let’s get started.

First Things First: Pre-Ride Checks and Break-In Period

Before you even think about hitting the trail, there are a few things you absolutely must do. Getting these habits down will save you from headaches—and potentially dangerous situations—down the road. This is the foundation of any good can am commander xt 700 care guide.

The All-Important T-CLOCS Inspection

Every rider should know the T-CLOCS checklist. It’s a simple acronym that covers the most critical systems on your machine. Do this before every single ride. It takes five minutes and can save your life.

T – Tires & Wheels: Check for proper inflation (refer to the sticker on your vehicle), look for cuts or punctures, and ensure lug nuts are tight.
C – Controls & Cables: Check your throttle, brake pedal, and shifter for smooth operation. Make sure nothing is binding or sticking.
L – Lights & Electrics: Test your headlights (high and low beams), taillights, and brake lights. Check the battery terminals for a tight, corrosion-free connection.
O – Oil & Fluids: This is crucial. Check your engine oil level, coolant level in the reservoir, and brake fluid level. Top off as needed with the correct fluids.
C – Chassis & Suspension: Give the machine a quick visual once-over. Look for any loose bolts, cracked welds, or leaking shocks. Grab the A-arms and wiggle them to check for play in the bushings or ball joints.
S – Stands & Sidestand (not applicable, but a good habit): For our purposes, this “S” can stand for “Straps & Stuff”—make sure any cargo is securely tied down.

Understanding the Break-In Period

If your Commander is brand new, the first 10-20 hours of operation are critical for the engine’s longevity. Your dealer should cover this, but here are the can am commander xt 700 best practices to follow:

Avoid prolonged full-throttle operation. Vary your speed and RPMs to help the piston rings seat properly against the cylinder walls. You should also avoid heavy towing or hauling during this initial period.

After the first 10 hours or 200 miles, it’s time for its first service. This typically includes an engine oil and filter change, checking all fluid levels, and inspecting critical fasteners. Doing this service is not optional.

The Heart of the Beast: A DIY Can-Am Commander XT 700 Care Guide

Regular maintenance is the single most important thing you can do for your rig. The Rotax 700 is a solid engine, but it needs clean oil, clean air, and a healthy drivetrain to perform. Here’s how to can am commander xt 700 maintenance yourself.

Changing the Engine Oil and Filter

This is the most common DIY job. Aim to do this every 50-100 hours or at least once a year, depending on how hard you ride. Dusty, muddy conditions mean you should change it more often.

Tools & Parts You’ll Need:

Ratchet and socket set (for the drain plug)
Oil filter wrench
Drain pan
Funnel
Shop towels or rags
~2.1 quarts (2 Liters) of XPS 5W-40 Synthetic Blend Oil (or equivalent meeting the spec)
New oil filter (BRP part #420956744)
New drain plug sealing washer

Warm up the engine for a few minutes to get the oil flowing. Park on a level surface and turn it off.
Place the drain pan under the engine and remove the drain plug. Be careful, the oil will be hot.
While the oil drains, remove the old oil filter. It’s a bit tight in there, but an oil filter wrench will get it done. Make sure the old rubber gasket comes off with the filter.
Wipe the filter mounting surface clean. Apply a thin layer of new oil to the gasket of the new filter and screw it on by hand until it’s snug. Then give it another 1/4 to 1/2 turn. Do not overtighten.
Once the oil has finished draining, clean the drain plug, install a new sealing washer, and reinstall it. Torque it to the manufacturer’s specification.
Refill the engine with the correct amount of new oil through the fill cap/dipstick tube. Start with about 2 quarts.
Start the engine and let it run for 30 seconds to circulate the oil. Turn it off, wait a minute, and then check the dipstick, topping off as needed to reach the full mark.

Servicing the Air Filter

Your air filter is your engine’s only defense against dirt. In off-road conditions, it gets clogged fast. Inspect it before every ride and clean or replace it regularly.

To access it, you’ll need to remove the passenger seat and the service panel beneath it. The airbox is right there. Simply unclip the cover, pull the filter out, and inspect it. If it’s dirty, tap it out gently. For a deeper clean, use compressed air from the inside out. If it’s torn or saturated with oil, replace it immediately.

Diagnosing Common Problems with Can-Am Commander XT 700

Even with perfect maintenance, things can sometimes go wrong on the trail. Knowing how to diagnose some common problems with can am commander xt 700 models can be the difference between a long walk home and a quick fix.

Issue: Engine Won’t Start or Cranks Slowly

This is almost always an electrical issue. Start with the simplest solution first.

Check the Battery: Are the terminals tight and clean? A voltage meter should read above 12.4 volts. If it’s low, the battery needs a charge. A slow crank is a classic sign of a weak battery.
Check the Fuses: Locate the fuse box (check your owner’s manual for the exact spot) and look for any blown fuses. Always carry spares.
Safety Switches: Make sure the vehicle is in Park or Neutral and you are pressing the brake pedal. The Commander has safety interlocks that prevent it from starting in gear.

Issue: You Smell Burning Rubber or Notice a Loss of Power

This is the tell-tale sign of a slipping or worn CVT belt. The Continuously Variable Transmission uses a thick rubber belt to transfer power. Heat and wear are its biggest enemies.

If you suspect a belt issue, you’ll need to remove the CVT cover on the driver’s side of the engine. Look for excessive black dust (belt residue), glazing on the sides of the belt, or frayed cords. If you see any of these, it’s time for a new belt. One of the best can am commander xt 700 tips is to always carry a spare belt and the simple tools needed to change it on the trail.

Issue: Squeaking or Grinding Noises from the Wheels

This usually points to one of two things: worn brake pads or a bad wheel bearing.

To check, safely jack up the corner of the vehicle and support it on a jack stand. Try to wiggle the wheel by grabbing it at the top and bottom. If there’s any significant play or a rumbling noise when you spin it, you likely have a bad wheel bearing. If the bearing is solid, visually inspect the brake pads for thickness. If they’re down to the metal, you’ll hear a grinding sound.

Sustainable Riding: Eco-Friendly Can-Am Commander XT 700 Best Practices

Being a true off-roader means respecting the trails and the environment. A sustainable can am commander xt 700 is one that’s well-maintained and ridden responsibly. It’s on all of us to keep our riding areas open for future generations.

Tread Lightly Principles

The Tread Lightly! organization has a great set of principles that every rider should live by. The core ideas are simple:

Travel Responsibly: Stay on designated trails. Don’t create new ones, and avoid sensitive areas like meadows and wetlands.
Respect the Rights of Others: Slow down and be courteous when passing hikers, bikers, or other riders. Keep noise to a minimum near campgrounds and residential areas.
Educate Yourself: Know the local rules and regulations before you go. Pack out everything you pack in.
Avoid Sensitive Areas: Travel on durable surfaces and cross streams only at designated crossings.
Do Your Part: Pack a small trash bag and leave the trail cleaner than you found it.

Eco-Friendly Maintenance

Your eco-friendly can am commander xt 700 habits start in the garage. Always use a drain pan for fluid changes and take used oil, coolant, and other fluids to a proper recycling center (most auto parts stores will take used oil for free).

Keep your machine clean! Washing your Commander, especially the undercarriage, after riding in a new area helps prevent the spread of invasive plant species to your local trails.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Can-Am Commander XT 700

What are the benefits of the Can-Am Commander XT 700?

The primary benefits of can am commander xt 700 are its versatility and value. It offers a great balance of utility and recreation with its powerful 52 hp Rotax engine, versatile dump bed, and comfortable cabin. It’s more compact than 1000cc models, making it nimble on tight trails, while still being highly capable for work tasks.

What kind of fuel should I use in my Commander 700?

The Can-Am Commander XT 700 is designed to run on regular unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 87 or higher. Using fuel with up to 10% ethanol (E10) is acceptable. Avoid using E85 or any gasoline with a higher ethanol content, as it can damage the fuel system.

How much can the Commander XT 700 tow?

The Can-Am Commander XT 700 has an impressive towing capacity of 2000 lbs (907 kg). Always use the 2-inch hitch receiver and ensure your trailer and load do not exceed this weight limit for safe operation.

What is the top speed of the Can-Am Commander XT 700?

While Can-Am doesn’t officially publish a top speed, most owners report a top speed in the range of 60-65 mph on a flat, level surface. Speed can be affected by tire size, load, and terrain conditions.

Taking care of your Can-Am Commander XT 700 is a rewarding part of the ownership experience. By following this guide, you’re not just maintaining a machine; you’re ensuring it’s ready for whatever adventure you throw at it. Get to know your rig, treat it right, and it will give you years of reliable fun.

Now, grab your tools, get out in the garage, and get that Commander ready for the next ride. Stay safe and happy trails!

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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.