2017 Can-Am Defender MAX Six-Seater
Can-Am expands their line-up with a
maxed-out version of their Defender UTV. The 2017 Defender MAX is now
32.5" (82.5 cm) longer and received a second row of seats, being capable
of hauling as many as six passengers.
Of course, this growth also improved the
functionality and versatility of this quad. Can-Am installed five folding seats
in the Defender MAX, and this simple move opened a whole new universe of
possibilities to the customer.
As you can see in one of the photos
below, riding alone and folding the unoccupied seats transforms the Defender
MAX into a veritable mule that can haul an immense amount of gear. The payload
went up from 1,500 pounds to 1,750 pounds (680 kg to 793 kg), and to certain
customers this will be a huge boon.
Can-Am retains the dual engine options,
the HD8 and HD10 that can produce 50 and 72 horsepower, respectively, both
mated to the Pro-Torq transmission. The HD8 packs 799.9 cc of displacement,
while the HD10 is a 976 cc deal, both v-twins, both Rotax.
The differential locking system offers
excellent versatility for the transmission, as using "separate
front-and-rear toggle switches, users can select between a 2×4 open rear
differential for tight turning and turf protection, a 2×4 lockable rear for
improved 2WD traction, a 4×4 open rear for more maneuverability in rugged
terrain and a 4×4 locked rear for maximum traction."
The front tires are now Maxxis Bighorn
2.0 27-9/14, complemented by 27-11/14 in the rear, with black cast aluminum
rims. The Defender MAX can tow 906 kg and has a 2,038 kg winch. Braking power comes from four ventilated 220 mm rotors with dual-pot
calipers.
Can-Am's DPS (Dynamic Power Steering)
version comes with Electronic Hill Descent Control, while the XT model also has
ECO, Work, and Normal riding modes. The Defender XT will be offered in Pure
Magnesium Metallic, Intense Red and Mossy Oak Break-Up Country Camo, and the
DPS model will be available in Green, Yellow and the mentioned camo livery, irrespective
of engine choice. No prices were mentioned at the time of writing.
