You’ve seen the videos. You’ve heard the buzz. The Can-Am Maverick R has landed, and it’s rewriting the rulebook for high-performance side-by-sides. It’s a machine that makes even seasoned off-roaders stop and stare.
But when you start digging into the numbers, a spec sheet can look like a complex engineering diagram. What does 240 horsepower really feel like? Why is everyone talking about a “tall knuckle suspension”? We’re here to cut through the noise and translate the technical jargon into real-world performance.
This is your ultimate can am maverick r specs guide. We’ll break down the revolutionary engine, the mind-bending suspension, the industry-first transmission, and the rock-solid chassis. By the end, you’ll understand not just what these specs are, but what they mean for dominating the dunes, trails, and desert.
The Heart of the Beast: Dissecting the Rotax 999T Engine Specs
At the core of any performance machine is its engine, and Can-Am didn’t hold back. This isn’t just an evolution; it’s a whole new animal designed for pure, unadulterated power and surprising reliability.
Unpacking 240 Horsepower: What It Means on the Trail
Let’s get straight to the headline number: 240 horsepower. This comes from a 999cc turbocharged, inline three-cylinder Rotax engine. For perspective, that’s more power than many small cars, packed into a lightweight off-road chassis.
On the trail, this translates to explosive acceleration. The power delivery is immediate, pinning you to your seat the moment you touch the throttle. Whether you’re blasting out of a corner or racing up a massive dune, you’ll never feel short on power. It’s a level of performance that demands respect and skill.
Turbo Power and Cooling: A Pro’s Look at Reliability
Making big power is one thing; making it reliably is another. Can-Am mounted the turbocharger and exhaust manifold directly to the engine block. This rigid design minimizes vibration and potential failure points—a smart move for a machine that lives a hard life.
An oversized, vertically mounted intercooler and a massive radiator ensure the engine stays cool, even during long, hard runs in the desert. From a mechanic’s standpoint, this robust cooling system is one of the key benefits of can am maverick r specs, suggesting longer engine life and more consistent performance.
A Revolution in Suspension: The Tall Knuckle Design Explained
If the engine is the heart, the suspension is the soul of the Maverick R. This is arguably the most significant innovation on the vehicle, and understanding it is key to understanding the machine’s capability.
Front Suspension Breakdown: Heavy-Duty Tall Knuckle
The front end features a brand-new, heavy-duty tall knuckle double A-arm design. This might sound technical, but the result is simple: incredible stability. This design dramatically reduces wheel scrub (the side-to-side movement of the tire as the suspension cycles), keeping the steering precise and predictable, even in the roughest terrain.
You get a massive 25 inches of usable wheel travel in the front. This allows the wheels to soak up huge whoops, G-outs, and rock ledges without upsetting the chassis or sending a jolt through your spine.
Rear Suspension Deep Dive: Five-Link Stability
Out back, Can-Am implemented a five-link trailing arm suspension. This is a highly advanced setup usually found on dedicated trophy trucks. It provides an incredible 26 inches of usable wheel travel and keeps the rear tires planted for maximum traction.
The design minimizes toe and camber changes throughout the suspension cycle. In plain English, the rear end stays straight and true, giving you the confidence to carry more speed through rough sections where other UTVs would get squirrely.
Smart-Shox Technology: The Brains Behind the Brawn
The top-tier Maverick R X rs models come equipped with the latest generation of FOX Live Valve Smart-Shox. These aren’t just fancy shock absorbers; they’re a semi-active suspension system.
Sensors all over the vehicle monitor wheel position, throttle, steering, and more hundreds of times per second. The system then adjusts the compression and rebound damping on each individual shock in real-time. Hit a big G-out? The shocks stiffen instantly to prevent bottoming out. In a fast, chattery section? They soften to glide over the bumps. It’s a true game-changer for both comfort and performance.
Understanding the Can Am Maverick R Specs: The 7-Speed DCT Transmission
For years, the UTV world has been dominated by Continuously Variable Transmissions (CVTs). The Maverick R throws that out the window with an industry-first 7-speed Dual-Clutch Transmission (DCT), and it completely changes the driving experience.
Shifting Gears: Automatic vs. Manual Paddle Shifters
The DCT operates like a high-performance sports car transmission. You can leave it in “Automatic” and let it do the work, or you can take full control via the steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters for lightning-fast, positive shifts.
There’s no more CVT belt drone or the feeling of a slipping clutch. Each gear change is crisp and direct, providing an instant connection between the engine and the wheels. This is a massive advantage for technical driving where precise throttle control is everything.
Benefits of the Dual-Clutch System for Off-Roading
So why is a DCT better?
- Durability: No more shredded CVT belts. A DCT is a robust, gear-driven system designed to handle the engine’s massive torque.
- Efficiency: Less power is lost through the drivetrain compared to a CVT, meaning more of that 240 horsepower makes it to the ground.
- Control: The ability to hold a specific gear is crucial for rock crawling or navigating technical descents, providing true engine braking.
One of the few common problems with can am maverick r specs early on has been drivers learning the feel of the DCT. It requires a different driving style than a CVT, but once mastered, it’s a far superior system for aggressive driving.
Chassis and Dimensions: The Foundation for Dominance
All this power and suspension travel would be useless without a chassis to back it up. The Maverick R is built on a high-strength, dual-phase tubular steel frame that provides immense rigidity and safety.
Width, Wheelbase, and Ground Clearance
The Maverick R X rs boasts a 77-inch width and a long 108-inch wheelbase. This wide, long footprint is the secret to its incredible high-speed stability. It feels planted and secure, inspiring confidence when you’re pushing the limits.
You also get a towering 17 inches of ground clearance, allowing you to clear obstacles that would stop lesser machines in their tracks.
Tire and Wheel Specs: Putting Power to the Ground
To handle the power and terrain, the Maverick R X rs comes standard with massive 32-inch ITP Tenacity XNR tires mounted on 16-inch flow-formed beadlock wheels. This setup provides a huge contact patch for traction and the strength to withstand hard impacts. The beadlocks are essential for airing down your tires for sand or rock crawling without worrying about the tire de-beading from the rim.
Can Am Maverick R Specs Best Practices: A Care Guide for Owners
Knowing the specs is one thing; keeping your machine running at its peak is another. This is your essential can am maverick r specs care guide to ensure longevity and performance.
Pre-Ride Checks You Can’t Skip
Before every ride, take five minutes to do a walk-around. This is one of the most important can am maverick r specs tips we can give you.
- Check Your Fluids: Verify engine oil and coolant levels.
- Inspect Your Tires: Look for damage and set your pressures for the terrain you’ll be riding.
- Look at Your Suspension: Check for any leaks from the shocks and ensure all bolts on the A-arms and trailing arms are tight.
- Test Your Brakes: Make sure the pedal feels firm and responsive.
Post-Ride Maintenance
After a hard day on the trail, a little care goes a long way. Clean your machine thoroughly, paying special attention to the radiator and intercooler fins to ensure proper airflow. Inspect your CV boots for any tears and check your air filter—dust is the number one enemy of a turbocharged engine.
A Note on Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Practices
Part of being a responsible owner is protecting the trails we love. Stick to designated routes, pack out everything you pack in, and avoid sensitive areas. Following Tread Lightly! principles ensures these riding areas stay open for everyone. These are the best practices for sustainable can am maverick r specs enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Maverick R Specs
What is the top speed of the Can-Am Maverick R?
While Can-Am doesn’t officially publish a top speed, most real-world tests show the Maverick R is capable of speeds approaching or slightly exceeding 100 mph in optimal conditions. Its primary strength, however, is its brutal acceleration, not just its top end.
How much does the Can-Am Maverick R weigh?
The estimated dry weight for the top-trim Maverick R X rs with Smart-Shox is around 2,250 lbs. This weight, combined with its wide stance and advanced suspension, contributes to its stable and planted feel at speed.
Is the Maverick R good for rock crawling?
Absolutely. The 7-speed DCT provides incredible low-speed throttle control and true engine braking. Combined with its massive ground clearance and suspension travel, the Maverick R is an exceptionally capable rock crawler, especially when its 4WD LOCK mode is engaged.
What are the main differences between the Maverick R, R X, and R X rs models?
The main differences are in the suspension and electronics. The base Maverick R has FOX 2.5 PODIUM QS3 shocks. The R X model upgrades to FOX 3.0 PODIUM RC2 piggyback shocks. The top-tier R X rs features the fully active FOX 3.0 Live Valve Smart-Shox, along with larger 32-inch tires on 16-inch beadlock wheels and a front camera.
There you have it—the complete breakdown of the can am maverick r specs. This machine is more than just a collection of impressive numbers; it’s a thoughtfully engineered vehicle where every component works in harmony to deliver a new level of off-road performance.
Now that you know what makes it tick, you can better appreciate the engineering and, more importantly, know how to get the most out of it on the trail. Get out there, be safe, and have a blast!
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