You’ve got a Can-Am Outlander, one of the most capable ATVs right out of the box. You probably agree it’s a beast on the trails, a reliable workhorse, and a ton of fun. But you also know that “stock” is just a starting point.
We promise this guide will walk you through the most impactful can am outlander upgrades you can tackle yourself. We’re cutting through the noise to show you what mods deliver real-world results, from conquering tougher terrain to making your machine uniquely yours.
In this post, we’ll preview everything from essential “first mods” and performance tweaks to bulletproof protection and even sustainable upgrade practices. Let’s get those wrenches turning.
Why Bother? The Real Benefits of Can Am Outlander Upgrades
Before you start ordering parts, it’s crucial to understand why you’re upgrading. Every modification should have a purpose. The right upgrades transform your ride from a factory machine into a personalized extension of your riding style.
Here are the core benefits of can am outlander upgrades:
- Increased Capability: This is the big one. Upgrades like better tires, a lift kit, or a winch allow you to tackle deeper mud, steeper climbs, and more technical, rocky trails that would stop a stock machine in its tracks.
- Enhanced Durability: The factory parts are good, but they’re built to a price point. Aftermarket skid plates, A-arm guards, and heavy-duty bumpers protect vital components from trail damage, saving you from a long walk home and costly repairs.
- Improved Performance: Want quicker acceleration or better throttle response? Clutch kits, tuners, and exhaust systems can wake up your Rotax engine, giving you the power you need when you need it.
- Greater Safety & Comfort: Upgrades aren’t just about going faster or harder. Better lighting improves visibility for night rides, upgraded seats reduce fatigue on long trips, and a winch is an indispensable recovery tool for you and your buddies.
- Personalization: Let’s be honest, it’s fun to make your machine look and feel like your own. Custom wraps, wheels, and accessories set your Outlander apart from the crowd.
Start Here: Essential “First Five” Can Am Outlander Upgrades
Feeling overwhelmed by the options? Don’t be. This is the starting lineup—the five upgrades that offer the most bang for your buck and address the most common shortcomings of a stock ATV. This section is your primer on how to can am outlander upgrades effectively.
1. Tires: The Foundation of Performance
What it is: Swapping the stock tires for a more aggressive, durable set.
Why you need it: Factory tires are often all-purpose compromises. They lack the deep lugs for serious mud, the tough sidewalls for sharp rocks, or the right compound for specific terrains. A good set of aftermarket tires is the single best upgrade for improving traction and reducing flats.
Pro Tip: Look for 6-ply or 8-ply rated tires for maximum puncture resistance. Popular choices include the Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 for all-terrain performance or the ITP Mud Lite II for sloppy conditions.
2. Skid Plates: Armor for Your Undercarriage
What it is: Replacing the thin, factory plastic protection with robust aluminum or UHMW (Ultra-High-Molecular-Weight) plastic plates.
Why you need it: Your engine, transmission, and differentials are dangerously exposed. A single well-placed rock or stump can crack a case, leading to a catastrophic failure. Full skid plates provide a smooth, strong surface to slide over obstacles.
Pro Tip: UHMW is often a better choice than aluminum. It’s lighter, slides over rocks more easily (it doesn’t “gouge” like aluminum), and absorbs impacts without denting.
3. Winch: Your Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card
What it is: An electric motor with a cable or synthetic rope used for vehicle recovery.
Why you need it: It’s not a question of if you’ll get stuck, but when. A winch allows you to pull yourself out of deep mud, up a slippery hill, or move a fallen tree blocking the trail. It’s a critical safety and recovery tool.
Pro Tip: Choose a winch with a capacity of at least 3,500 lbs for an Outlander. We strongly recommend a synthetic rope over a steel cable—it’s lighter, stronger, safer if it snaps, and easier to handle.
4. LED Lighting: See and Be Seen
What it is: Adding an LED light bar or cube lights to supplement the stock headlights.
Why you need it: Stock headlights are adequate for slow yard work, not for navigating a dark trail at speed. An LED light bar turns night into day, letting you see obstacles far earlier and ride with more confidence after sunset.
Pro Tip: Mount a 10-12 inch light bar on the front bumper or rack. Wire it to a separate, relayed switch on your handlebars so you can control it independently of your main lights.
5. Clutch Kit: Putting the Power Down
What it is: A set of new springs and weights for your CVT transmission.
Why you need it: If you’ve added bigger, heavier tires, your stock clutch will struggle. It will feel sluggish and can cause your belt to slip and burn. A clutch kit re-calibrates the transmission to handle the extra load, restoring snappy acceleration and improving belt life.
Pro Tip: Be honest about your riding style and tire size when ordering a kit. Companies like Dalton or EPI have kits specifically tuned for different applications. This is one of the most important can am outlander upgrades tips for maintaining reliability.
Unlocking Performance: Power and Drivetrain Mods
Once you’ve handled the essentials, you might get the itch for more power. These mods are for riders looking to squeeze every last bit of performance from their machine.
Exhaust Systems
A full exhaust system or even a slip-on muffler can reduce weight, improve exhaust flow, and give your Outlander a throatier, more aggressive sound. Brands like HMF, Two Brothers, and Yoshimura are popular choices. Be aware that a new exhaust often requires an EFI tuner to work correctly.
EFI Tuners / Programmers
An EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) tuner is a small electronic device that plugs into your ATV and allows you to adjust the air/fuel ratio. This is essential if you’ve changed your exhaust or air filter. A tuner optimizes performance, prevents the engine from running dangerously lean, and can provide a noticeable boost in throttle response and power.
Upgraded Axles
If you’re running a big lift kit and massive tires, the stock axles become the weak link. Heavy-duty axles from brands like Rhino 2.0 or Turner are built with stronger materials and larger CV joints to handle the extreme angles and stress of aggressive off-roading.
Armor Up: A Complete Can Am Outlander Upgrades Guide for Protection
Protecting your investment is one of the smartest things you can do. This is your guide to making your Outlander as tough as possible and avoiding common problems with can am outlander upgrades—like breaking unprotected parts.
Heavy-Duty Bumpers
The stock bumpers are mostly for looks. A solid steel front or rear bumper from a company like SuperATV or Rival Powersports will protect your radiator, lights, and plastics from impacts with trees, rocks, and other riders.
A-Arm & CV Guards
Your A-arms and CV boots are extremely vulnerable to sticks and rocks. A set of aluminum or UHMW guards will deflect impacts that could easily puncture a CV boot (leading to a failed axle) or bend a control arm.
Rock Sliders / Nerf Bars
These bars run along the side of your floorboards. They protect your plastics from side impacts and allow you to pivot around trees or rocks on tight trails without causing expensive damage. They also provide a helpful step for shorter riders.
Sustainable & Eco-Friendly Can Am Outlander Upgrades: A Smart Approach
Being an off-roader means being a steward of the trails we love. You can make smart choices that enhance your ride while minimizing your environmental impact. These are some of the best practices for eco-friendly can am outlander upgrades.
- Choose Quality Over Quantity: Buying a well-made, durable part once is more sustainable than replacing a cheap, broken part three times. High-quality skid plates or bumpers last longer, creating less waste.
- Proper Fluid Disposal: When doing your own maintenance (like an oil change), always capture used fluids in a sealed container. Take them to your local auto parts store or municipal recycling center for proper disposal. Never dump them on the ground.
- Use Biodegradable Cleaners: After a muddy ride, wash your ATV with phosphate-free, biodegradable soaps. This prevents harmful chemicals from entering local watersheds.
- Consider Noise Levels: While a loud exhaust sounds cool, it can be disruptive to wildlife and other people. Some aftermarket exhausts come with a “quiet core” insert that reduces decibel levels without sacrificing all of the performance gains.
A well-maintained machine is also a more eco-friendly one. Following a regular can am outlander upgrades care guide by checking fluids and cleaning filters ensures your engine runs efficiently, burns cleaner, and lasts longer.
Frequently Asked Questions About Can Am Outlander Upgrades
What is the best first upgrade for a Can-Am Outlander?
Tires, without a doubt. They provide the most immediate and noticeable improvement in traction, handling, and durability across all types of terrain. It’s the foundation upon which all other performance mods are built.
Do aftermarket parts void my Can-Am warranty?
It’s a gray area. Legally (in the U.S., under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act), a manufacturer cannot void your entire warranty just because you installed an aftermarket part. They must prove that your specific modification directly caused the failure you are trying to claim under warranty. However, for major engine or drivetrain mods, be prepared for a potential fight with a dealer.
How much lift is too much for an Outlander?
Generally, a 2-3 inch lift kit is the sweet spot for most riders. This provides a significant increase in ground clearance without putting extreme, premature wear on your axles, ball joints, and tie rods. Going higher often requires more extensive (and expensive) supporting modifications like heavy-duty axles and A-arms.
Do I need a programmer if I just install a slip-on exhaust?
It is highly recommended. Even a slip-on muffler can change the exhaust flow enough to make the engine run lean. A lean condition creates excess heat, which can damage internal engine components over time. An EFI tuner ensures your air/fuel ratio remains safe and optimized.
Upgrading your Can-Am Outlander is a rewarding journey that deepens your connection to your machine and opens up new possibilities on the trail. By starting with the essentials, focusing on protection, and making smart choices, you can build a reliable and capable rig that’s perfectly suited to your adventures.
Take your time, do your research, and don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. The pride of building your own ultimate trail machine is worth every turned wrench. Now get out there and ride!
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