Picking the right Can-Am Maverick X3 is a huge decision, but the choice often boils down to one critical number: 64 or 72. You’ve seen them on the trail—one nimble and tight, the other a wide-stanced beast—and you’re wondering which one is truly right for your ride.
You’re in the right place. This isn’t just another spec sheet comparison. We’re cutting through the marketing fluff to give you the real-world, no-nonsense breakdown of the can am maverick x3 64 vs 72 debate, straight from the garage and the trail.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into the key differences in stability, agility, suspension performance, and long-term maintenance. We’ll explore the terrain each machine was born to conquer, so you can make a confident, informed decision that perfectly matches your off-road adventures.
The Tale of the Tape: Core Differences at a Glance
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of ride feel and terrain suitability, let’s lay out the fundamental mechanical differences. It’s not just about adding a few inches; the entire front and rear suspension geometry is different, impacting everything from handling to component durability.
Here’s a quick breakdown of what sets the 64-inch and 72-inch models apart:
- Overall Width: The most obvious difference. The 64” models (like the DS) are designed for trail versatility, while the 72” models (like the RS) are built for maximum performance in open spaces.
- Suspension Travel: This is a massive differentiator. The 72-inch platform boasts significantly more travel, typically around 22-24 inches, compared to the 64-inch platform’s 20 inches. More travel means a plusher ride and the ability to soak up bigger hits at speed.
- Key Components: To achieve that wider stance, the 72-inch models use longer A-arms, longer and beefier axles, and longer tie rods. The shocks are also valved and sometimes sized differently to handle the increased leverage and travel.
- Track Width: The wider track of the 72-inch machine is the source of its incredible stability. It creates a larger, more planted footprint that resists body roll in high-speed corners.
Understanding these mechanical facts is the first step in our can am maverick x3 64 vs 72 guide. Now, let’s see how these numbers translate to real-world performance.
The 72-Inch Wide-Stance Warrior: Built for Speed and Stability
If your idea of a perfect day involves wide-open desert, sand dunes, or fast-paced fire roads, the 72-inch Maverick X3 RS Turbo RR is your weapon of choice. This machine was engineered with one primary goal in mind: to be as stable as possible when the throttle is pinned.
Unmatched High-Speed Stability
The single greatest benefit of the 72-inch width is its rock-solid stability. When you’re flying through desert whoops or carving a corner on a gravel road, the wider stance keeps the machine flat and predictable. It inspires confidence where the 64-inch might start to feel a bit twitchy.
This stability drastically reduces the feeling of “tippiness” in off-camber situations and aggressive turns. The machine feels planted, allowing you to carry more speed and push harder with a greater margin of safety.
Suspension That Soaks It All Up
Those longer A-arms aren’t just for show. They create a better motion ratio for the shocks, allowing the suspension to do its job more effectively. The extra 2-4 inches of wheel travel is immediately noticeable on big G-outs, surprise kickers, and deep, rolling whoops.
The 72-inch X3 essentially smooths out the terrain, reducing driver fatigue and allowing you to stay on the gas longer. It turns a punishing trail into a high-speed playground.
The Downsides: Where Wide Isn’t Wonderful
Of course, there’s no perfect machine. The 72-inch platform has its drawbacks. Its primary weakness is its size. Many trail systems, particularly in wooded, mountainous regions, have 65-inch gate restrictions. The 72-inch X3 simply won’t fit.
Maneuvering through tight, tree-lined trails can become a frustrating, multi-point-turn affair. Furthermore, you’ll need a wider trailer to haul it, and it will take up more precious space in your garage or shop.
The 64-Inch Trail Ninja: Agility Is Its Middle Name
Don’t mistake the 64-inch Maverick X3 DS Turbo RR as the “lesser” model. For a huge number of riders, it’s actually the better choice. This machine is built for agility, precision, and conquering technical terrain where its wider sibling can’t even go.
Dominating the Tight and Technical
This is where the 64-inch shines. If your weekends are spent exploring dense forests, navigating rocky creek beds, or tackling tight, twisting trails, this is your machine. Its narrower profile allows you to pick your lines with precision, squeezing between trees and rocks that would stop a 72-inch model dead in its tracks.
The shorter wheelbase and narrower track give it a more nimble, responsive feel. It turns in quicker and feels more playful at lower speeds, making it an absolute blast on technical trails.
Easier Transport and Storage
The practical benefits of the 64-inch X3 are significant. It fits on most standard utility and car trailers, saving you the potential cost of a new, wider trailer. It’s easier to maneuver in your driveway and fits comfortably in a standard garage bay.
These day-to-day conveniences are important factors in the overall ownership experience and are key can am maverick x3 64 vs 72 tips to consider before you buy.
The Compromise: High-Speed Manners
The trade-off for that incredible agility is a reduction in high-speed stability. While the 64-inch X3 is by no means unstable, it doesn’t inspire the same level of confidence as the 72-inch when blasting across open terrain at 60+ mph. It will have more body roll in corners and can feel busier in repetitive whoops.
However, with a skilled driver, it can still be incredibly fast. You just have to be a bit more active behind the wheel.
Can Am Maverick X3 64 vs 72: Which One Fits Your Ride Style?
The decision ultimately comes down to an honest assessment of where and how you ride most of the time. Don’t buy a machine for the one trip you might take to the dunes next year; buy it for the 20 weekends you’ll spend on your local trails.
The Desert Racer and Dune Ripper
Verdict: 72-Inch. No contest. If you live for open spaces, high speeds, and big air, the stability and suspension travel of the 72-inch platform are non-negotiable. The benefits far outweigh the downsides for this type of riding.
The Forest Explorer and Rock Crawler
Verdict: 64-Inch. If your adventures involve tight woods, restricted-width trails, and technical rock sections, the 64-inch is the clear winner. Its agility and ability to fit where the 72-inch can’t make it the superior tool for the job.
The All-Rounder: Can You Have It Both Ways?
Verdict: Start with the 64-Inch. If you ride a healthy mix of everything, the 64-inch model offers the most versatility. It can handle open terrain respectably well, and you’ll never be forced to turn around because of a gate restriction. Plus, there is a robust aftermarket. You can add offset wheels or even a full long-travel kit later to get closer to 72-inch performance if your riding style evolves.
Maintenance and Upgrades: A Care Guide for Both Widths
Regardless of width, the Maverick X3 is a high-performance machine that requires diligent maintenance. However, there are a few model-specific things to keep in mind. Here are some can am maverick x3 64 vs 72 best practices for keeping your rig in top shape.
Common Wear Items and Inspection Points
The wider stance and longer components of the 72-inch model place more leverage on certain parts. Pay extra close attention to:
- Ball Joints: Inspect for any play before every ride.
- Wheel Bearings: The wider offset puts more stress on them. Listen for humming or check for wobble.
- Tie Rod Ends: A critical steering component. Ensure they are tight and the boots are not torn.
A good can am maverick x3 64 vs 72 care guide emphasizes pre-ride checks. A simple 5-minute walkaround, shaking each wheel and checking critical bolts, can prevent a catastrophic failure on the trail.
Upgrade Paths: Widening a 64-Inch X3
Many 64-inch owners eventually want more stability. The most common upgrade is a set of aftermarket wheels with a different offset. This can add 2-4 inches to your overall width, providing a noticeable improvement in stability without the cost of a full suspension conversion.
For those who want the best of both worlds, full long-travel suspension kits are available to convert a 64-inch machine to 72 inches. This is an expensive and labor-intensive job but is the ultimate solution for creating a versatile, go-anywhere machine.
Sustainable Off-Roading and Maintenance
Part of being a responsible owner is practicing sustainable can am maverick x3 64 vs 72 ownership. This means respecting the trails by staying on marked paths to prevent erosion—a task made easier by choosing the correct width for your local trail system.
It also extends to your garage. Use a drip pan for oil changes and dispose of fluids at a proper recycling facility. Opting for high-quality, durable replacement parts might cost more upfront but is a more eco-friendly can am maverick x3 64 vs 72 practice than using cheap parts that wear out quickly and end up in a landfill.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am Maverick X3 64 vs 72
Can I make my 64-inch X3 a 72-inch?
Yes, you can. It requires a full “long travel kit,” which includes new upper and lower A-arms, longer axles, longer tie rods, and sometimes new shocks. It’s a significant investment in both parts and labor, often costing several thousand dollars.
Is the 72-inch model really that much more stable?
Absolutely. The difference is immediately noticeable, especially above 40 mph in rough terrain or during aggressive cornering. The wider track width and increased suspension travel work together to create a machine that feels incredibly planted and secure at speed.
Which model is better for a beginner?
This depends more on the terrain than the driver’s skill. However, the 64-inch model can be slightly more forgiving as its narrower width makes it easier to navigate trails without clipping obstacles. The 72-inch model’s stability can also be a confidence-booster, but its sheer size can be intimidating on tight trails.
Are there any differences in the engine or drivetrain?
No. For the equivalent trim levels (e.g., DS Turbo RR vs. RS Turbo RR), the engine, turbo, intercooler, clutch, transmission, and differential systems are identical. The performance difference comes entirely from the suspension and chassis width.
How does width affect tire choice?
It doesn’t directly limit your tire choice, but it can influence it. 72-inch owners who are focused on high-speed desert running often prefer lighter tires to reduce rotating mass. 64-inch owners who do more rock crawling might opt for tougher, heavier tires with stronger sidewalls. The main thing is to ensure your wheels have the correct bolt pattern and offset for your model.
The Final Verdict: Choose Your Weapon Wisely
The can am maverick x3 64 vs 72 debate isn’t about which machine is “better”—it’s about which machine is better for you. The choice boils down to a simple trade-off: stability versus agility.
The 72-inch is an open-terrain missile, a master of dunes and deserts where stability at speed is king. The 64-inch is a technical trail scalpel, a nimble warrior that can dissect the tightest, most challenging paths with precision.
Take an honest look at the trails you ride every weekend. Be realistic about your needs, your storage, and your transport capabilities. No matter which you choose, you’re getting one of the most capable and thrilling side-by-sides on the market.
Now get out there, make your choice, and hit the dirt. Ride hard, and ride safe!
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