Just WOW! If you're into powersports like me, then there's a good chance you may have seen some of the buzz online about Can-Am's new performance side by side, the 2024 Maverick R. It is an absolute monster of a machine with a 7 speed dual clutch automatic transmission paired to a 999cc turbocharged inline three cylinder engine, boasting a best in class 240 reported horsepower. I could go on and on about what makes this Polaris killer so special, from it's drivetrain to all of the bells and whistles inside, but I'd even get lost myself in all of the technical jargon. Just know that if you want a side by side and money is no issue, this is the one to get.
What led me to write this is not simply how cool and capable the Maverick R is, but rather the reactions and skepticism from the public (particularly from keyboard warriers in comments sections). The debate is over Can-Am's use of decisive suspension systems that just look weird. The company has dubbed it a heavy-duty-tall-knuckle design, a revolutionary new approach providing a plethora of advantages over traditional suspension setups.
There are 25 inches of front wheel travel and 26 on the rear, allowing for the Maverick R to conquer terrain that other offraders would shy away from. The knuckle is super heavy duty, and the way it is all designed allows for a substantial decrease in stress on surrounding componenets, like an 85% reduction in load on the front upper control arms. That's nuts! If you know anything about these types of rigs, you know they have a tendency to break, especially when it comes to the wheels, suspension, and steering. This pionering design should help alleviate that anxiety by decreasing the probability of breaking down and being stranded when you're out on the trails.
Additionally, this beast has nearly a foot and a half of ground clearance with a class leading 77 inch wheel base, which comes in handy when attempting all the ruts that the Jeeps and other road-goers have dug out.
What's most impressive to me is that the physics behind Can-Am's suspension have improved the center of gravity on the Maverick R, effectively reducing the vehicle's tendency to roll-over when cornering by half. That is just insane, and if all it takes is a goofy looking knuckle, then I am sold... Well, I would be if I had $35k lying around. The top of the line model fully optioned out goes for over $60k. Woah.
So why are people so disgruntled and divided about this sick new 'ffroader? Frankly, I don't really know. There are two main concerns I have encountered in comments sections on the topic, and I'd say only one is legitimate and fair. The first is that this design may be more prone to breaking, and I think that's simply untrue. The theory is that a tree branch or something else comparable would get stuck within this enlarged knuckle setup and cause a mechanical failure. I have no incentive to defend Can-Am, but based on my experiences with riding, if you take a tree to the front end on any machine bad things are bound to occur. If anything, it is more durable and capable of taking some abuse than the traditonal counterparts, with its beefy forged aluminum construction. I won't waste any more words entertaining such baloney, but I do understand the other concern.
It is over the wheel size restrictions, in that bigger wheels and tires cannot be installed without major suspension modifications. I get it; most everyone loves to customize their toy, and big expensive wheels and tires are a flex. They can provide increased traction, ground clearance, and top speed. Additionally, it's an easy way to modify the look of a side by side without any major fabrication. When it comes to the Maverick R, the amount of hours into research and developement would suggest that Can-Am has chosen the wheel size it sports by no accident. Unlike a Jeep or truck which has been intended for road use, this side by side does not need to be modified in any way to be ready to race through rough terrain. Besides, just as there is in any form of motorsports, there will certainly be an aftermarket community for this 4x4; I am all but certain there will be a big wheel kit made available at some point. On top of that, someone out there will definitely do some custom fabrications of their own design.
Everyone is ultimately going to have their own opinion on this thing, but if you ask me, it is totally gnar. I have never been huge on side by sides, as I prefer being out in the elements on a quad, but the 2024 Can-Am Maverick R might have me thinking twice about that. Imagine one out on the ice this winter, just tearing it up. I'm all for it, but I'll put a link for you to check it out and decide for yourself!
Information in this blog supplimented by: https://www.motortrend.com/news/2024-can-am-maverick-r-first-look-review/ <-Clink this link to see all the pictures!