CAN-AM MAVERICK SPORT 1000XRC TEST
CAN-AM MAVERICK SPORT 1000XRC TEST
Can-Am introduced the 50-inch Maverick Trail 1000 and 800 in 2018 and the 60-inch Maverick Sport in 2019, along with the 64-inch-wide Sport 1000X rock crawler edition. For 2021, the Maverick Sport 1000X rc returns in Magna Red, and we did our Can-Am Maverick Sport 1000Xrc test at the SxS Adventure Rally at Utah’s Sand Hollow State Park (SHSP). With gnarly rock-crawling trails and dunes, SHSP is the perfect place to test the 1000X rc.
HOW IS THE MAVERICK SPORT 1000X RC SPECIAL?
First of all, the 1000X rc has the most suspension travel of the Maverick Sport lineup. Whereas the standard 60-inch 1000R has 12 inches of rear travel, the 1000X rc sports 14.75 inches of front and rear travel. The Fox Podium 2.5 QS3 piggyback shocks are only found on the rock crawler, X xc, X mr, and Sport Max DPS. 1000Rs come with Fox 2.0 Podiums. While the 1000R comes with 27-inch Maxxis Bighorn tires on 12-inch rims, the 1000X sports 30-inch, 8-ply Maxxis Liberty radial tires on 14-inch aluminum wheels. The rock crawler comes with a 4500-pound winch, front tow hook, HMW full skid plate and suspension-arm guards, HMW rock sliders, a front skid plate, rear bumper, premium half doors, and a rear-view mirror. The 1000X rc is also one of three Sport models to have the Smart-Lok front differential; the 1000X rc has 4WD Rock and 4WD Trail modes and also sports electronic hill-descent control.
HOW DOES COST COMPARE?
The Maverick Sport X rc is $21,599 ($300 more than in 2019). The Sport X xc is $20,299, and the 1000X mr is $21,199. The 75-horsepower Sport 1000 DPS is $17,499. Polaris’ RZR Trail S 1000 EPS is $16,999, and the RZR Trail S 900 EPS is $14,999. The RZR XP1000 starts at $28,599 and jumps to $23,599 for the Trails & Rocks edition. The Arctic Cat Wildcat XX is $19,999, and the Tracker XTR1000 is $17,999. Honda’s Talon 1000X is $19,999, and the Live Valve 1000X is $22,099. The new CFMoto 950 Sport is $12,999.
HOW FAST IS THE SPORT?
It’s Can-Am’s fastest non-turbo. The 1000X rc uses the same 100-horsepoweer V-twin as the Sport 1000R, and top speed is around 75 mph in high and 28 mph in low. It’s very controllable and predictable power with enough grunt to drift out the rear end for tighter turning. The Sport/Eco toggle tunes power delivery for rock crawling, mud or other slick conditions.
HOW IS THE RC DELIVERY?
Excellent. The Quick-Response clutch is fairly aggressive yet allows finesse in delicate rock-crawling situations. The CVT has two belt-saving features, and EBS and Hill-Descent Control make it very sure-footed on slick rock. The Smart-Lok front diff with Trail and Rock modes provides plenty of traction, as do the Liberty tires. We did some black-diamond trails, including Double Sammy, and the Sport X RC was impressive.
HOW DOES SMART-LOK WORK?
Like mechanical magic. Two toggle switches control the Smart-Lok diff module; there is the 2WD/4WD/diff-Lock toggle, and with that switch in 4WD, choose between Trail or Rocks. Rock mode is for slow-speed driving, and the module monitors throttle position and engine torque to lock up the front diff for maximum traction with light steering from the EPS unit. Trail Active mode monitors vehicle speed and engine torque and progressively tightens the front diff for better traction during aggressive driving while loosening engagement when throttle or speed are reduced. Smart-Lok limits tire spin, whether attacking slick rocks or twisty trails.
HOW IS THE SPORT SUSPENSION?
It’s the best of the Sport line. Those 14.75 inches of travel are well-tuned for a plush ride in slow-speed technical terrain, yet the suspension does a good job with bottoming resistance at higher speeds over bigger bumps. The three-position QS3 compression adjusters can be run on full soft for rock crawling, and they quickly stiffen compression damping for hitting the dunes. Front and rear sway bars fight body roll in turns but allow full articulation for crawling over rocks, logs and ruts. Boxed and arched front A-arms and rear torsional trailing arms are sturdy and protected by HMW guards.
HOW SPORTY IS THE HANDLING?
It’s the best of any Maverick Sport. The wheelbase is 90.6 inches, which is the same as the Polaris RZR XP 1000, but the 1000X rc feels much more responsive and smaller, despite having much the same weight (1,593 pounds). It has a great combination of agility and high-speed stability, and the 1000X is also among the widest Maverick Sports at 64 inches, along with the X xc and X mr. We also like the front-width rear 30x10R14 tires for setting up better and for more predictable drifts. The 1000R has wider rear Bighorns.
HOW IS IT IN CHALLENGING TERRAIN?
It’s built to the hilt for every challenge and we fully used its special rock crawling features during our Can-Am Maverick Sport 1000Xrc test. Tall 30-inch Liberty tires give the 1000X rc 15 inches of ground clearance, 3 more inches than the 1000R and the same as the X mr. Arched suspension arms with guards and more travel let the X rc crawl over and clear obstacles that would high-center lesser machines. Smooth power delivery, traction control and the long, stable chassis inspire confidence on sketchy obstacles. A low seating position and secure seats and doors add confidence, but the 1000X rc doesn’t have harnesses like the X3 X rc Turbos do. Smart-Lok and Sport/Eco drive modes increase the 1000X’s effectiveness.
HOW STRONG ARE THE BRAKES?
Really strong. All four 30×10-14 tires are slowed by two-piston hydraulic calipers squeezing 220mm perforated rotors, and they’re backed up by an Engine-Braking System and Electronic Hill-Descent Control.
HOW ARE THE DETAILS?
Mostly excellent. The Sport 1000X has a race-car feel like an X3, and the cabin is loaded with creature comforts. Ergo-Lok seats are comfortable, and the driver’s seat has 5 inches of fore/aft adjustment. The molded steering wheel is comfortable, and the instrument panel is easy to read through the steering wheel. Controls are handy with a four-way dash toggle for Sport/Eco and configuring the digital readout. EPS assist is adjustable via the four-way toggle. The premium half doors have inner liners and hand-holds, but the inner/outer latch handle could be better. The Sport’s dash has X3 DNA with three storage bins, including a driver’s-side glove compartment.
The winch even has a synthetic rope, which is much easier on hands and gloves than a steel cable. Maverick Sports are built to not need maintenance for a year. A Donaldson-style air filter and the coolant reservoir are easy to service without tools. The CVT belt is easy to reach as well. Full protection, including rock sliders, defends the bodywork. The rear-view mirror is very handy, but no Maverick Sport comes standard with a roof.
WHAT IS OUR FINAL ANSWER?
Unless you do a lot of mud riding, the Maverick Sport X RC is the way to go, as it is the best-equipped version of the Sport 1000. It has the most travel and traction, with adjustable QS3 shocks and Smart-Lok diff. Between the Smart-Lok traction modes and Sport/Eco ECU map, the rock crawler has the most tunable delivery. Great power, handling, tires, brakes and cabin comfort combine to make a great ride in the most difficult conditions. To get a better Maverick, you’d have to go with the X3 Turbo.
SPECS:
CAN-AM MAVERICK SPORT X RC
ENGINE/TRANSMISSION
Engine type Liquid-cooled, 8-valve, SOHC 4-stroke
V-twin
Displacement 976cc
Bore x stroke 91mmx75mm (2)
Compression ratio 12:1
Lubrication system Wet sump
Induction iTC 54mm throttle body, 2 VDO injectors
Starting/back-up Electric push-button/none
Starting procedure In any range, brake engaged
Air filter:
Type Paper mesh/screen
Transmission Dual-range CVT w/ EBS
Drive system Selectable 2WD/4WD
Final drive f/r Shaft/shaft
DIMENSIONS/CAPACITIES/WEIGHTS
Fuel capacity 10.0 gal.
Wheelbase 90.6”
Overall length/width/height 122”/64”/74.25”
Ground clearance 15.0”
Claimed dry weight 1,593 lb.
Rear rack capacity 300 lb.
Towing capacity 1,500 lb.
ROLLING CHASSIS
Frame 2-inch, high-strength steel, ROPS-approved
Suspension/wheel travel:
Front Dual A-arms & shocks w/ adj. prel. &
comp./14.75”
Rear Dual A-arms & shocks w/ adj. prel. &
comp./14.75”
Brakes:
Front Twin-piston hydraulic 220 mm discs
Rear Twin-piston hydraulic 220mm discs
Tires:
Front 30×10-14 Maxxis Liberty
Rear 30×10-14 Maxxis Liberty
DETAILS
DC outlet Auto-style waterproof plug
Lighting:
Front Two 55W headlights
Rear Two LED tail/brake lights
Instrumentation Digital speedo/odo/tach/trip/hour/
fuel/gear position/diagnostics/clock
Colors Chalk Grey and Magma Red
Minimum recommended operator age 16
Suggested retail price $21,599
Contact .Bombardier, (877)4-MY-RIDE or
See UTV Action’s full test on the Can-Am Sport X xc here: https://utvactionmag.com/can-am-maverick-sport-x-xc/
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