Can Am Outlander Bolt Pattern: The Ultimate Wheel Fitment Guide

Ever found yourself staring at a killer set of new wheels for your rig, only to be stopped dead in your tracks by a confusing string of numbers like “4×137”? You’re ready to upgrade, but this technical jargon feels like a roadblock. It’s a common frustration that keeps many riders from personalizing their machines.

We get it. At FatBoysOffroad, we believe every rider should have the confidence to work on their own machine. We promise this guide will completely demystify the can am outlander bolt pattern, turning confusion into confidence.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly what the bolt pattern is, why it’s one of the most critical measurements on your ATV, how to measure it yourself, and the common problems to avoid. Let’s get you ready to bolt on those new wheels the right way.

What Exactly Is a Bolt Pattern?

Before we dive into the specifics, let’s clear up what a “bolt pattern” or “lug pattern” actually is. It’s a simple concept that’s crucial for safety and proper wheel fitment.

A bolt pattern is defined by two numbers. For example, in the pattern 4x137mm:

The first number (4) tells you how many lug nut holes are on the wheel and how many studs are on your ATV’s hub.
The second number (137mm) is the diameter of an imaginary circle that passes through the center of all those lug holes. This is often called the Pitch Circle Diameter or PCD.

Getting this measurement right is non-negotiable. It ensures the wheel sits perfectly flat and centered on the hub, distributing the forces of riding evenly and safely across all the mounting points.

The Official Can Am Outlander Bolt Pattern (And Why It Matters)

Let’s cut to the chase. For virtually all modern Can-Am Outlander models, the bolt pattern is 4x137mm. This includes the Outlander 450, 570, 650, 850, and 1000, across most model years.

This 4×137 measurement is a bit of a signature for Can-Am and Kawasaki ATVs. Other brands like Polaris (4×156) or Honda (4×110) use different patterns, which is why you can’t just swap wheels between brands without an adapter.

Why is sticking to the exact 4x137mm pattern so important? A wheel with a slightly different pattern, like 4×136 or 4×140, might seem to fit, but it won’t. Forcing it on will put immense stress on the wheel studs, leading to vibration, wobbling, and eventually, a catastrophic failure where the studs shear off. This is a massive safety risk on the trail.

Beyond the Bolt Pattern: Hub Bore and Offset

While the bolt pattern is king, two other measurements are critical for a perfect fit:

Hub Bore: This is the large hole in the center of the wheel. It needs to fit snugly over the hub on your ATV. Can-Am wheels are typically hub-centric, meaning the hub bears the vehicle’s weight, not the lug studs. An incorrect hub bore can cause dangerous vibrations.
Offset: This determines how far your wheel and tire will stick out from the hub. A negative offset pushes the wheel outward for a wider stance, while a positive offset tucks it in. The right offset is key for clearing suspension components and avoiding rubbing.

How to Measure Your Bolt Pattern: A Step-by-Step DIY Guide

While we know the Can Am Outlander bolt pattern is 4x137mm, verifying it yourself is a great skill to have. This is a core part of any good can am outlander bolt pattern guide. You’ll feel more confident ordering parts and can double-check any used wheels you might buy.

Tools You’ll Need

A solid floor jack
Jack stands (never work on a vehicle supported only by a jack)
A lug wrench or socket set
A ruler or, ideally, a digital caliper for accuracy

Step-by-Step Measurement Process

Park on Level Ground: Ensure your Outlander is on a flat, solid surface like a concrete garage floor. Put it in park and engage the parking brake.
Loosen the Lug Nuts: Before lifting the ATV, use your lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you plan to remove. Just “break them free”—don’t unscrew them yet.
Jack Up Safely: Place the floor jack under a strong frame point as specified in your owner’s manual. Lift the ATV until the tire is off the ground.
Secure with a Jack Stand: Place a jack stand securely under the frame near the jack. Lower the jack slowly until the ATV’s weight rests on the stand. Safety first, always.
Remove the Wheel: Finish unscrewing the lug nuts and carefully pull the wheel off the hub.
Measure the Pattern: For a 4-lug pattern like the Outlander’s, the measurement is straightforward. Measure from the center of one stud directly across to the center of the opposite stud. That distance is your PCD. You should get a measurement of 137mm (or approximately 5.4 inches).

This simple check confirms your pattern and builds your DIY mechanic skills. Now you know exactly how to can am outlander bolt pattern measurement is done.

Common Problems and Mistakes to Avoid

Knowing your bolt pattern is the first step, but avoiding common pitfalls is what makes a wheel upgrade successful and safe. Here are some of the most common problems with can am outlander bolt pattern fitment that we see.

The “Close Enough” Fallacy

Some aftermarket wheels come in a 4×136 or 4×136.5 pattern. A seller might tell you it’s “close enough.” It is not. This tiny difference will prevent the wheel from seating properly and will put dangerous side-load pressure on your wheel studs. Insist on the exact 4x137mm pattern.

Using the Wrong Lug Nuts

Not all lug nuts are created equal. Wheels have different “seat” types where the lug nut makes contact. Most aftermarket wheels use a conical or “acorn” style tapered seat. Stock Can-Am wheels often use a different style. Using the wrong type of lug nut will prevent it from torquing down correctly, causing the wheel to come loose.

Always use the lug nuts supplied with your new wheels, or purchase a set that explicitly matches their seat type.

Ignoring Torque Specs

Don’t just tighten the lug nuts with an impact wrench and call it a day. Over-tightening can stretch the studs and damage the wheel, while under-tightening can let the wheel loosen over time. Always use a torque wrench and tighten in a star pattern to the specification in your owner’s manual (typically around 65-75 lb-ft for an Outlander, but always verify).

Benefits of Upgrading Wheels: More Than Just Looks

Understanding the bolt pattern unlocks a world of upgrades. The benefits of can am outlander bolt pattern knowledge go far beyond just fitting a wheel. It allows you to enhance your machine’s performance and durability.

Improved Traction and Stability: Many aftermarket wheels offer different offsets that can widen your ATV’s stance, making it more stable in corners and off-camber situations.
Stronger Construction: High-quality cast or forged aluminum wheels are often much stronger than stock steel wheels, standing up better to rocks and hard impacts on the trail.
Beadlock Options: For serious rock crawlers and mud riders, beadlock wheels let you air down your tires to extremely low pressures for massive traction without worrying about the tire debeading from the rim.
Customization: Let’s be honest, a new set of wheels is one of the best ways to make your Outlander stand out from the crowd.

Can Am Outlander Bolt Pattern Best Practices for Longevity

Properly installing your wheels is just the start. Following a few simple rules will ensure your setup remains safe and reliable for years to come. This is your quick can am outlander bolt pattern care guide.

Re-Torque After Your First Ride

This is one of the most important and often-skipped can am outlander bolt pattern tips. After installing new wheels, go for a short 10-15 minute ride. Then, bring it back to the garage and re-check the torque on every lug nut. Wheels can settle slightly, and this step ensures they remain perfectly tight.

Making a Sustainable Choice

When we talk about a sustainable can am outlander bolt pattern approach, we mean making smart choices that prevent waste. Buying the wrong wheels because you guessed the pattern means returns, extra shipping, or worse, a set of wheels collecting dust in your garage. Knowing your exact fitment ensures you buy the right part the first time.

Furthermore, this knowledge makes buying used wheels a viable, eco-friendly can am outlander bolt pattern option. You can confidently find a great deal on a pre-owned set, reducing manufacturing demand and saving parts from the landfill.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Can Am Outlander Bolt Pattern

Is the 4×137 bolt pattern the same for all Can Am Outlander models and years?

For the vast majority of modern Outlanders (roughly 2006 and newer), yes, the 4x137mm bolt pattern is standard. However, it’s always a best practice to verify for your specific year and model, especially if you have a much older or specialized sub-model. When in doubt, measure!

Can I use wheels from a Polaris or Honda on my Can Am Outlander?

No, not directly. Polaris typically uses a 4x156mm pattern and Honda uses 4x110mm. They will not fit on your Outlander’s 4x137mm hubs. The only way to make them fit is with a wheel adapter, which bolts to your hub and provides a new set of studs with a different pattern.

What’s the difference between 4×137 and 4/137?

There is no difference at all. The “x” and the “/” are used interchangeably to describe the same measurement. Both mean four lugs on a 137mm diameter circle.

What is the stock Can Am Outlander wheel offset?

Stock offset can vary slightly between models and wheel sizes, but it’s typically in the range of +40mm to +50mm. Most aftermarket wheels for a wider stance will have a much lower offset, often around +10mm or even negative values.

You now have a complete understanding of one of the most fundamental specs on your machine. Knowing the Can Am Outlander bolt pattern is your key to unlocking countless wheel and tire upgrades safely and correctly. Take this knowledge, be meticulous with your work, and always prioritize safety with torque wrenches and jack stands.

Now go find those perfect wheels and get ready to transform your ride. 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.