It’s no secret – ATVs were born for the mud, the snow, and the ice. Below, however, we see the modifications necessary to take a top notch Can-Am Outlander through bogs so deep we could lose a car in them! So what makes this brand of ATV so memorable? Right out of the factory, these ATVs were born and bred to take on some treacherous conditions. And at a price point that is altogether reasonable for the performance, it’s no wonder Can-Am has quickly become the trusted name in off-roading.
With a 976 cc V-twin, liquid-cooled SOHC 8 valve engine – it’s no shy guy when it comes to force. There’s more engine displacement in an Outlander than a Ducati Streetfighter. However, most of that energy is transferred to pure torque as that’s what’s required to bite through the swamp and get out the other side.
It’s transmission is no joke, either. Sporting a CVT style tranny with selectable two-wheel drive to four-wheel drive capability and the Visco-Lok QE auto-lock differentials, it reaches down to grab whatever mud there is and chew clay pan.
But What Mods Are Needed to Go Swamp Hopping?
Astute question, grasshopper. And we’ve done the research (field and otherwise) to bring you the answers. First off, it’s not just about a snorkel kit and lift. The base model Outlander 1000 XMr comes with 30 inch Gorilla Axle Silverback tires and 14 inch ITP cast aluminum wheels. And the best feature is a 3,000 lb winch so you can either pull your buddy out of the basin or conversely get hauled out yourself.
But, if you’re committed – here’s a list of recommended upgrades to make your mudding adventure all the more worthwhile:
• Mud Kit
If you plan on throwing on oversized tires in excess of the factory settings, a good mud kit that incorporates a new clutch may be a good investment for you. The Dalton kit, in particular, offers some nifty flexible tuning options to help your Outlander 4 x 4 accommodate itself to being further up off the ground. This kit also helps with features like acceleration, rapid backshifting, and response time in the throttle so you don’t lose top speed performance.
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• Snorkel Kit
The BRP Snorkel Kit is a safe investment if you plan on taking your Outlander into the deep. Of course it won’t save you (or your engine) if you decide to drown the poor sucker but outside of plunging into a canyon full of water, it sure helps to have a snorkel kit custom designed by the manufacturer itself. Also, if you plan on doing a rad relocation (relocating the radiator of your ATV to improve cooling), you may want to check to see if this conflicts with your snorkel setup.
• Shocks
The Double A-arm and torsional trailing independent arm (TTI) found standard on any XMr is more than enough to handle most utility operations. Bounding off hills, slamming into inches of muck and swinging around wildly? XMr’s default is just fine and dandy. However, if you’re looking for high performance mud wrasslin’ with your ATV, a new set of modded shocks may just be the ticket to keeping your investment alive a whole lot longer.
• Rad Relocate (Radiator Relocation)
This little feature keeps you from landing in the 10:30 club. That’s when you’re able to ride for ten minutes and then you need to let your ATV cool down for another thirty. The main issue is that no ATV comes out the gate looking to eat the type of bog you see here – they’re modded to do it. A radiator relocation kit helps distribute and dissipate heat more effectively.
• Skid Plates
Bouncing all over the place on your ATV sure is fun, in’it? If you’re into keeping that Outlander running at full speed and don’t plan on wanting to do major engine repair, it’s a good idea to invest in a good set of skid plates. Skid plates are the protective barrier that lines the bottom side of the ATV and after market varieties allow some amount of specializing in terms of what conditions or hazard you’ll be throwing that Can-Am through. Some are more geared for shock absorption due to unintentional smacking up against hard rock or clay while others are specifically designed to help for when the mud eats your tires and leaves your ATV flat on its belly.
These are just a few suggested mods so you can get the most out of your Can-Am Outlander 1000 XMr or otherwise. There’s more than just Can-Am out there and there are more mod kits than simply those described in this article. It’s always recommended that you shop the right mod for the right rig, save receipts and read the warranty paperwork. Six feet deep in mud is the last place to find the warranty paperwork. Other than that – enjoy the mud and as always, drop us a story or two in the comments field below!
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