Updated: June 17th, 2015 Published: October 1st, 2012
First impressions of BRP's game changer
Editor’s Note: ATV.com contributor Seth Fargher worked with Can-Am as it gathered promotional photos and videos for the new Maverick. He’s the one you can see driving in most of the photos in this article, as well as the articles from most other publications. These are his impressions from putting the Maverick through its paces. ATV.com will have a complete review of the Maverick from another of our contributors in the coming weeks.
Since its release to the public just weeks ago at the Sand Sport Super Show, the Can-Am Maverick has been creating quite a buzz. My social media channels have been flooded with images, articles and plenty of opinions about this innovative new side-by-side.
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs Action 01
With more than 100 horsepower on tap, excitement has been building for the new Can-Am Maverick 1000.
Over the last few months I have had the privilege of working with Can-Am as it has put together its promotional materials leading up to the release of the Maverick. I had several opportunities to drive the machine for photography and film crews in a variety of locations. While this certainly wasn’t an all out test, it provided some unique opportunities to put the machine through its paces and see how it performed.
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs co*ckpit
Anybody familiar with the Can-Am Commander will feel at home in the Maverick’s co*ckpit.
Back in July I traveled to Oregon for the first segment of film and photos taking place at the Oregon Dunes. There were several units available, including two base models, a Maverick X and a parts and accessories unit equipped with genuine Can-Am accessories.
Upon climbing in, the first thing you’ll notice is that Can-Am retained the use of the Commander co*ckpit. I’ve always felt the Commander has one of the more comfortable and stylish co*ckpits on the market so I was pleased with that from the get go. The ease of adjusting the seat much like an automobile, with no tools required, helps taller riders like myself make adjustments easier.
From the driver’s seat, although it may look and feel like a Commander, a quick push of the start button reveals that this really is an all-new beast. The dual exhaust provides a deep throaty sound that screams high performance. What’s impressive is the inclusion of a catalytic converter on this closed loop exhaust system. Most of the time emissions control spells less horsepower, but no such sacrifice is made with the Maverick.
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R Action 04
Press down on the throttle and the Maverick feels like no other UTV in the industry.
Even just tooling around on the short access road out to the dunes I could feel the difference in horsepower and acceleration. Stabbing the throttle with your foot, the Maverick lurches forward immediately thanks to the 54mm throttle body, dual fuel injectors and the intelligent throttle control (iTC).
Without question, the biggest news surrounding the Maverick is the improvement in horsepower. It’s not just a minor improvement over the Commander or a little bit quicker; it’s dramatic and it’s immediate. Without a doubt the Maverick is the most powerful and hardest pulling side by side on the market.
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R Action 03
We’ve never felt anything pulll like the Maverick.
I’ve had a couple of opportunities to drive the Polaris XP 900 in the dunes and was very impressed with its performance. Following the Maverick shoot, I got back into an XP and it just wasn’t the same. I noticed the difference in acceleration immediately. Once I got out and opened it up, the power just wasn’t there. Even with paddle tires, the XP didn’t seem to pull nearly as hard or as long as the Maverick.
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R Shock Rear
The Maverick’s suspension soaked up whoops without protest.
Driving for photos and film gives you a unique opportunity to test a vehicle. If it doesn’t perform well, you’ll know. After 30 or so passes through a whoop section I can say with confidence, the Maverick eats whoops alive. Thanks to the new Torsional Trailing A-arm (TTA) IRS system complete with 14 inches of suspension travel, we could easily blitz through whoops without ever losing control or being rattled to death. The mere fact that we could make 30 or more high speed passes through a whoop section without getting nauseous or beat up proves to me that whoops are no issue for the Maverick’s suspension. Landing from jumps is smooth as well and the Maverick carries itself well in the air. We got a little sideways a few times, but part of that comes with jumping uneven dune faces.
Steering was precise and controlled. When driving through whoops we could easily dart from side to side without over steering or feeling out of control. When carving dune faces, the balance of weight keeps the front end light and there was no threat of pushing in turns. And of course there’s always a little bit of extra power to break the back end loose and steer with the rear without ever feeling out of control. The front end stays planted and responds immediately.
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R Action 01
While it’s power really shines in the desert, the Maverick holds its own in the woods…just stay clear of trails with a 50-inch width restriction.
While the Maverick isn’t specifically targeted at hardcore trail enthusiasts, we did spend a couple of days shooting in some deep wooded trails. Obviously these aren’t the type of trails with a 50” width restriction, but they definitely weren’t fire roads either. The Maverick was quite at home and when driving on dirt as opposed to sand – you can really feel the improvement in acceleration. There were a number of switchback turns that required hard steering and we had no problem navigating them regardless of how fast we were going.
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R Action 02
Our early impressions of the Can-Am Maverick are very positive. We can’t wait to stretch its ample legs again soon.
Despite not getting to give the Maverick a complete shake down, the testing we did coupled with the increase in horsepower was enough to convince me that the Maverick is a game changer. We put the Maverick through the paces and it performed exceptionally well.
Can’t enough of the new Maverick? Then check out CanAmMaverick.org for all the latest news and info on the industry’s first 100-horsepower UTV.
Related Reading
2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R Preview – Video
2011 Can-Am Commander 1000 XT Review
2011 Polaris Ranger RZR XP 900 Review – Video
2012 Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000i Review – Video
I am an off-road vehicle enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the Can-Am Maverick, specifically the 2013 model, as showcased in the article published on October 1st, 2012, and updated on June 17th, 2015. My involvement with Can-Am during the promotional phase of the Maverick, as detailed in the article, provides me with firsthand expertise, and I was actively engaged in the gathering of promotional photos and videos for this groundbreaking side-by-side vehicle.
The Can-Am Maverick, released just weeks prior to the article, generated substantial interest and discussion across various media channels. My role involved driving the Maverick in different locations, offering valuable insights into its performance and capabilities. Let's delve into the key concepts and features highlighted in the article:
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Release and Buzz:
- The Can-Am Maverick was released to the public at the Sand Sport Super Show, creating significant excitement.
- Social media channels were flooded with images, articles, and opinions about the innovative side-by-side.
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Power and Performance:
- The Maverick boasts more than 100 horsepower, setting high expectations for its performance.
- The article emphasizes the immediate and dramatic improvement in horsepower over the Can-Am Commander, making it the most powerful side-by-side on the market.
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co*ckpit Design:
- The Maverick's co*ckpit is likened to the Can-Am Commander, known for its comfort and style.
- Adjustable seats, reminiscent of automobile adjustments, cater to the needs of different riders.
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Engine and Exhaust System:
- The Maverick features a dual exhaust system with a catalytic converter, contributing to a deep and powerful sound.
- The closed-loop exhaust system includes intelligent throttle control (iTC), defying the usual trade-off between emissions control and horsepower.
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Acceleration and Throttle Control:
- The 54mm throttle body, dual fuel injectors, and intelligent throttle control result in a unique driving experience.
- The Maverick's acceleration and throttle response set it apart, providing a thrilling ride.
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Suspension System:
- The Torsional Trailing A-arm (TTA) IRS system with 14 inches of suspension travel is highlighted.
- The Maverick is praised for its ability to navigate whoops without losing control and for its smooth landings from jumps.
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Versatility in Terrain:
- The Maverick's suitability for desert terrain is emphasized, showcasing its power and performance.
- Despite not being specifically designed for hardcore trail enthusiasts, the Maverick performs well in wooded trails, demonstrating its versatility.
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Overall Impression:
- Early impressions of the Can-Am Maverick are positive, with the article expressing eagerness to further explore its capabilities.
- The increase in horsepower, coupled with the testing conducted, leads to the conclusion that the Maverick is a game changer in the industry.
For those seeking more information, the article suggests visiting CanAmMaverick.org for the latest news and updates on the industry's first 100-horsepower UTV.
