The Maverick is Can-Am’s top dog when it comes to side-by-side performance, boasting a 976cc V-Twin engine that pumps out 101 horsepower. This is the same powerplant that is found in the less powerful Commander, but larger intake and exhaust valves, a 12:1 compression ratio and revised F.I. setting pull the extra ponies out of the Rotax motor. A reshaped air intake and new dual exhaust also contribute to the additional juice on tap.

With that much motor pushing the Maverick the suspension needs to be up to the task, and the specs suggest that it is more than capable. Up front, dual A-arm suspension strokes Fox Podium X 2.0 shocks through 14 inches of travel. It’s all standard engineering for a side-by-side front-end, but when you move to the back suspension things get technical. Can-Am’s new Torsional Trailing A-arms (TTA) independent rear suspension is a compact version of a five-link system that also gives 14 inches of wheel travel. Bump-steer is non-existent and tire scrub is reduced with this set-up allowing for better tire-to-ground contact.

The 1000R X rs is the premium model in the Maverick line-up that adds features such as the Fox Podium 2.5 shocks, bead-lock wheels wrapped in Maxxis Bighorn Tires, digital/analog gauges and specially trimmed seats. Jumping behind the wheel of the X rs, the first thing you notice is how well those specially trimmed bucket seats support and hold you in place. Usually seats are on the short list of aftermarket changes for a side-by-side, but not these units. They are much better than what the other manufacturers have to offer. The rest of the cockpit is roomy and feels much more put together than the usual fare.

Turn one of the two keys provided (one limits the top speed to 44 mph), press the start button and the Rotax V-Twin lumps to life with a throaty rumble. Selecting gears is via a gated shift lever on the left side of the center console with the standard park, reverse, neutral, high and low selections. Power is transferred from the engine to the transmission through a CVT system.

The 2013 Can-Am Maverick is a true ripper in the side-by-side world. A powerful engine, bottomless suspension and unparalleled comfort make the 1000R X-rs high on our list of machines for ripping up the trails and desert. Jump in, stomp on the gas and you’ll be instantly hooked as the scenery flies by in a flash.

2013 Can-Am Maverick X rs Technical Specifications:
Engine: Liquid-cooled 4-Stroke, SOHC V-Twin
Displacement: 976cc
Fueling: iTC with EFI
Transmission: CVT, sub-transmission with H/L/P/N/R, standard engine braking, selectable 2WD/4WD
Final Drive: Shaft
Front Suspension: Dual A-Arm, Fox Podium X 2.0 shocks with compression and preload adjustment, 14 in. travel
Rear Suspension: TTA independent with sway bar, Fox Podium X 2.0 shocks with compression and preload adjustment, 14 in. travel
Front/Rear Brakes: 4-Wheel dual 214mm ventilated discs, twin piston calipers (front), single psiton calipers (rear)
Front Tires: 27 x 9-12; Maxxis Bighorn 2.0
Rear Tires: 27 x 11-12; Maxxis Bighorn 2.0
Wheels: Cast Aluminum
Wheelbase: 84.3 in.
Dry Weight: 1,297 lbs. (claimed)
LxWxH: 118.8 x 64 x 74.2 in.
Ground Clearance: 13 in.
Fuel Capacity: 10 gal
Rear Rack Capacity: 200 lbs.
Cargo System: LinQ quick-attach
Lighting: 4 60-W projectors with tail/brak light
Instrumentation: Multifunction Gauge, Speedometer, Odometer, Tachometer, Tripmeter, Hour Meter, Clock, Gear Position, Fuel Gauge, Seat Belt and 4X4 indicator, Diagnostics, Auto Shut Off