2016 Can Am Defender Ride Review
- Updated: October 8, 2015
I was home on a Sunday daydreaming about my next big off road adventure when the phone rang and I was presented with the opportunity to go to a Can-Am New Model Introduction. Not caring which new Can-Am model I would be riding, I quickly accepted and immediately started counting down the days until I could put the new machine through its paces. Once I knew the rest of the trip and machine details, I could not stop thinking about what Can-Am would bring to the table to enter the Utility Recreation SXS Segment. Everyone knows that Can Am builds some of the toughest, most capable, and clever Side by Sides and ATVs in the market and knowing their success and history, I was sure the new Defender would be a hit.
I began the journey to Harpole’s Heartland Lodge in Nebo, Illinois. Set against the backdrop of the Mississippi River Valley, this Full Service Bed and Breakfast/Resort offers endless opportunities to get away from it all and relax. It also offers some great ATV and UTV riding. You can experience their incredible ATV/UTV Trail System, horseback riding, hayrides, bonfires, sporting clays, fishing, golf, hunting, museums, bird watching, mountain biking, hiking, billiards and much more. This resort offers amazing food, plush accommodations and their staff was simply the best. I was extremely excited as this expansive trail system seemed to be the perfect testing ground.
I come from a racing background and thought for this test I would have to change my mindset from what I drive most to only relating this experience to the work style machines I have ridden. I thought I would have to set my expectations lower, when actually I was completely surprised as I headed out on the trails. I was shocked on the performance and handling that came stock on the all new Defender. Instead of comparing it to others I found it was in a class of its own. The suspension handled the terrain with 10 inches of travel front and rear and 11 inches of ground clearance as it soaked up the biggest of hits while keeping the machine firmly planted and in control in all conditions. Then I started thinking about how fun this would be to race a Defender, but maybe that’s a little on the extreme end for this machine. I will say, I really loved the throttle response of the Intelligent Throttle Control (iTC™) with Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) on the HD8 DPS 799cc V-twin liquid cooled motor which puts out 50 hp, as this was the first model I tested. While ripping through a winding woods trail, and loving every minute of it, I came to the shocking realization that I was fully enjoying the smaller motor that seemed to have plenty of power even for the big hills. I couldn’t wait to get back and switch machines to feel the difference of the HD10 motor.
After lunch, I swapped machines and grabbed the HD10 DPS model, which comes with a 976cc V-twin liquid cooled motor and puts out a very useful 72 hp. As I headed out hearing the roar of the 976cc mill, I gave her all the gas she could take and the pull was strong and precise. The upgrade was quite impressive to say the least but I have always been one to appreciate and want the most useable power possible and Can-Am really hit a home run with this motor. This experience was unique in that it wasn’t just trail riding. I was able to put the Defender through multiple stations to test its real-life utility capabilities. When I hooked up weighted trailers to tow or loaded the bed with the maximum payload, the machines performed flawlessly with hours and hours of extreme testing and a whole lot of fun.
What makes these Defenders tough? Well first off they are built by Can-Am, who has a long history of offering reliable motors in their proven vehicles. The Defender machines are equipped with Can-Am’s new Pro-Torq Transmission which has larger CVT ratios and a Work Specific Low Gear for the toughest job or heaviest load. Also, to hold it all together, is their newly designed, fully welded rigidity chassis which utilizes a hybrid combination of backbone and space frame technology.
Next let’s discuss why the Defender Line is so capable. This new transmission offers 20% more torque than its closest competitor, and at a lower rpm. This machine is capable of less down-time because the new Defender requires no break-in maintenance and remains maintenance-free for either one year, 1865 miles or 200 running hours. This means you can spend more time working or playing with the machine and less time tinkering with it. Maintenance-free or not, I really suggest you at minimum check your air filter and oil levels often to avoid unnecessary down-time. I also loved the braking ability of this machine as all Defender models come with disc brakes on all corners. What’s more the brakes seemed to have incredible stopping power, even with the bigger motor and higher speeds in the HD10. Also the electronic descent control works very well, even in reverse.
Now let’s talk about why Can-Am and their Defender models are so clever. Along with the launch of the new line of utility recreation Side by Sides, they already have over 50 Defender-model-specific Genuine Can-Am Accessories available. You can create the perfect custom-purpose-built Defender by adding an assortment of attachments that also work from other existing Can-Am models, for mostly every need or use imaginable. For convenience, there are access panels to key components which make maintenance easier. The amount of storage options that are on both base and other models is incredible. They have removable boxes for work or play which can be useful to carry tools or gear to a remote site after parking your machine. Whether it is used as a tackle-box for some remote fishing or hunting, a tool-box at the job site, or you’re simply using one of the storage boxes as a cooler at the beach, you are sure to find interesting uses for the ample storage.
With this new machine design they have moved the A-pillar of the cage forward which assists in branch or brush deflection and works in conjunction with the new custom seating to create a larger opening making entering and exiting the vehicles easier for handicapped or bigger operators. The versatility in this unit means that whether you are working, trail riding, hunting, or whatever else you use the Defender for, it offers great comfort and dependability as a work-horse or possibly your new best friend. I even backed the Defender to the water’s edge, folded down the tailgate and sat there and fished. You know the one that got away, right? Well that was mine!
Can-Am has hit the ground running with the new Defender platform. They continue to apply all they learn from each and every model into developing durable, reliable, machines and the all-new Defender is no different. Well, actually it is different! Together with over 50 media journalists from around the globe, we were able to put a solid two days of riding in on the new machines through almost every situation imaginable with zero failures! That in itself is a feat! That is why I recommend you check out the new Defender so you can begin to appreciate for yourself all that Can-Am brings to one of the biggest segments in the industry. With a more than capable base model starting at only $10,999 and all the accessories already manufactured to make it your own, if you don’t look at and drive a Defender before you make a decision, then you just might select the wrong machine. So get to your local Can-Am dealer or Demo Ride and see why I like the Defender so much, you will be glad you did.
