The New Can Am Defenders 3 biggest problems!
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- čas přidán 26. 10. 2023
- With close to 3000kms in less than 4 months on my Can Am Defender i feel like its time for an update on the machine and what i think the 3 biggest problems are, and what i would change.
A must watch for any owner or potential owner of these great machines. Please subscribe to keep updated on future content, and pop on over to instagram and say hi!
#canam #offroad #utv #defender #review #powersports #snow #polaris #modifcations - Auta a dopravní prostředky
Good Video! They did put the Smart Lock Diff in the 24's.
I’ll have to look to see the difference :)
Great video! Straight to the point!
1. LED headlight bulbs
2. Underseat storage bin standard
3. Seatbelts that fit bigger riders
Three simple factory fixes for under $100.
Good points! I think that this goes to show you how far these machines have come, we really picking them apart at such a microscopic level.
I have a commander, and the suspensions are good for offroad, and recently bought the defender with a hope that the suspensions would be not far from the Commander. I agree on the breaks, they could have done a better job on those
Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment!
Wish I could afford to have both, the commander looks sweet :)
I agree on all points I bought a 2023 defender limited max in June and I"m putting on the thumper fab long travel kit with the zbros exit shock as I write this .I am hoping to find an upgrade for the brake system as well because it does not want to stop on a steep down hill grade we do a lot of mountain trail riding in Colorado and I need better stopping power . great video keep updating as you go plz.
Hey,
That sounds amazing!!! I went with the sdi suspension eclipse smarts shocks, and judging by some photos I have seen alone it should be compatible with thumper long travel kit. Thanks for watching and please consider subscribing here and on instagram. Please, please shoot me a message on instagram when you get your first ride with the thumper fab long travel, I want to know if it’s worth it!
I agree with you on the brakes. As far as the suspension goes, I havee we not had any problems with mine (I have the same machine as you) but I also don’t ride mine hard. I primarily use mine for hunting and general off road exploring in the Rocky Mountains.
I did upgrade my headlights to LED using the Beamtech bulbs which cost about $65 dollars. And then the last thing, which everyone scratches their head over is not having door locks.
If I had known they were going to put the smartloc in the 2024 I may have waited but I have had no issues with the Visco-loc.
Other than that I am very happy with the machine.
Thanks man! Yes a lot of this is subjective :) the door locks is kind of weird I agree, but the new doors look so good so I still take it as win :) like I said the suspension isn’t bad for what it’s intended for, it has a great factory ride. I just wish something a little more hardcore was an option. The elka hq is less than an hour drive away from the brp headquarters….. you think they would have sat down for a meeting at some point.
Thanks again for talking the time to comment and watch.
You spot on. I have a 2021 hd 10 limited. The front suspension is not beefy enough. I have been though a few bushing in that area. And that causes alinement issues. The brakes and tires could do well on 15" set up. As for as not having a front dif lock. I haven't needed one. But it should have it. I also have close to 8000 milse on mine.
Thanks you for watching! I have big plans for the suspension and I’ll be making a video as soon as it’s ready! Please consider subscribing so you don’t miss it!
I never considered that about the wheels, maybe I should go to 15 when I swap to 32s!!
Sounds like you want a Maverick with the creature comforts of the closed in Defender, lol !! I had a 2 Rangers before this and the Defender suspension is much better. To me the Defender is quiet compared to anything else. I don't want people in the next county hearing me coming. I have 2 buddies with Honda's. The transmission is so loud you need an upgraded sound system to not hear it. Nothing is perfect and I always think for $200 this could be so much better but after 2 Rangers and a Kawasaki this has been to best so far. Quiet and smooth is what sold me.
It’s not just the enclosure. I love the siting position, sight lines, cargo capacity, and especially the seating!!! When you go to a sport model (commander, general, maverick, rzr, and even the xpedition to some extent) you lose a lot of that. Throw some better suspension on this thing, bigger brakes and it really could do it all (or at least have a better balance between it all then most things). Even if they just made a higher trim then the limited with a few performance upgrades.
It’s so funny how you mention noise, that was one of the many things that made me choose it above everything else…. The older I get the more quiet I want my machines. The defender sounds really good, but it’s never obnoxious. It is overall the best side by side I have ridden in and I love it!!!
I think that what the machine was designed for makes it the best out there I got mine in late August and love it. It’s not perfect but there is no such thing.
It is pretty awesome! I love it!!
Love my defender… you are correct in the 3 …especially the suspension and the Doff lock especially on the lower models. And BUMPERS standard on all models
The defender kicks butt! I am also finding it hard to find a decent set of rock rails for this machine! Thanks for taking the time to watch and reaching out!! Happy riding!
100% agree with the breaks and I'm only at 700km on the '24 limited (not max)... It was my first ride out and they had me very shocked right at the start... they just feel weak, and that I have to press extra hard to get the machine to stop "quickly". They work, I'm getting used to it... but I'm guessing at one point I'll be looking at finding a better breaking solution
You are 100% right about the shocks. Around my business they work just fine, but going off road and over bumps and potholes they duck. About the brake mine work just fine. Yes you have ac and all window so yours is probably 400 pounds or more heavier so I could see your problem. About the front diff I do not have that problem as I have an XMR which has the electronic front diff lock. Funny thing is that the only reason the both of us did not get the commander was because of our wife’s.
Well done
I am still considering one bus as you say I figured it would disappoint stock
Considering HCR arms and Fox Shocks possibly a 3 in portals
Excited to see your findings
Installing a set of sdi e clik shocks this week and should have a video up soon, please consider following me here and on instagram, if you want to see the results. Also, let me know how you like that set up. I have never even see portals in real life, let alone ridden a rig with them, so please message me and give me some info!!
I own a defender limited and you are 100% right with all 3 dislikes. I also own a xpedition and they are unbelievably loud!
Thanks for watching! I find the older I get the more I appreciate the subtle engine of the can am defender 😂😂😂! I am going to try and do a build with this defender to rival the xpedition. Make sure to subscribe if you want to see if it’s possible, and if it will end up costing more then just making the xpedition will!
@azrel9 the xpedition is very comfortable and has a lot more power . But it was 53k with warranty and gap insurance as the defender was 35k with warranty and gap. I definitely didn't see 18k difference. We still have not decided what machine to keep.
My guy!!! Thanks for the info. That’s exactly what I am talking about I think a defender “ overlander.” Trim level could be a step up performance package, and since your just adding components rather then designing an entirely new platform you won’t have such a huge R&D budget to recover. @canamoffroad could shake up this entirely new sector that’s emerging by offering a competitive performance package at hopefully a lower price point then the xpedition. Can you shoot me a message over on instagram if you have it @headupthrottledown, I haven’t had the opportunity to drive an xpedition yet, and would love to get some feedback from you as an owner of both :)
All great points. I'll add one. I have a 3 seater 2024 Defender Limited, and the turning radius is absolutely horrible. Maybe I'm just used to my pioneer 1000LE that could turn on a dime but it sure seems like you need a very large open area to do a true u-turn without having to do a 3 point turn. Also gets tricky on tight winding trails.
I find because of the cab over sitting position it maneuvers quite well, but I am also used to lugging my jeep jk with solid axles through everything, so I might not know what resonible turning radius is! 🤪🤪 definitely in 4x4 it turns pretty wide, but that’s pretty standard for most I think.
I basically use my mirrors as whiskers, and it’s served me well so far :)
Thanks for taking the time to comment brother and hope you’ll subscribe so we can continue having these conversations on my next videos !!!
Appreciate the view!
My new 24 defender has the new smart diff. I agree brakes are garbage… they really missed on that one.
Haven’t seen any sort of brake upgrade yet…. Will update if I find something :) please sub to not miss it my friend :) thanks for taking time to comment! Have you ridden one with the old visque diff or whatever they called it? Is the smart differential a noticeable upgrade?
Your first two points i am ok with the factory way. Third point i agree. Already bought a locker to put in front end.
It’s all perspective based! Depends how your riding style is as well! Thanks for watching and hope you subscribe and keep in touch!
I purchased the shock therapy qs3 for our 23’ defender max limited. We’ve had them for about a 1000 miles now. Unbelievable ride improvement, it’s definitely an awesome machine now, a bit pricey but worth it IMO.
That’s good! I have been a little hesitant to pull the trigger because there isn’t much out there on end user reviews! Thanks for the input!!
@kevinryal9516 Can toy shoot me a dm on instagram? I have some questions about the suspension!
Not sure if you have experienced this, but ours rides great from factory (its all we know), and we are taking it places you should really have an X3 for, but here is the question. Its super "tippy". Have had the machine several times where 2 tires are 8 inches off the ground. Do the new ST qs3 do anything for more travel or less tippy, or is this just a narrow top heavy platform? Places we take a stock rubicon jeep and don't feel like the thing is about to turn over, our defender needs a hand by someone outside the machine holding the high side down towards earth. Kinda scary actually.
@@grantparnes hey man!
I have, but I think it’s a bunch of things, one being that it is quite top heavy and the cab sits more or less on top of the wheels and suspension. Everything is a lot more upright, and even though it isn’t that narrow, when you put your vehicles side by side you’ll see that the defenders cab is actually taller from bottom to top (I have a jeep as well). And that a jeep cab sits between the tires a little more, giving it a lower centre of gravity.
I also think it has alot to do with the factory sway bars links limiting the articulation of each wheel before it will lift the others, and I have personally been searching for some quick disconnects that will fit to test this theory. If you disconnect yours, let me know if it improves this at all, and when my shocks arrive I will being doing a full video on how it Improves the handling. So stay tuned for that bro!
Thanks for taking the time to respond and if you love taking off-road stuff, please feel free to message me on instagram: same handle. I love talking about these units :)
@@Headupthrottledown I have a house buried in the side of a mountain in Idaho. So, parts of my yard are on a 45 degrees slope. I am going to tie a yank um rope to my defender cab with the windows down and the other end to my tractor and see what it will take to actually get it to turn over. Riding in it and getting a bit sideways does not seem like it will take much. I may be asking too much from it. I also got my unit after waiting 9 months for it, 3 days before the 2024 was announced with the smart lock front diff. A locking front dif would have come in handy at least 58 times in the 260 miles I have put on ours. In fact I tried to sell it with 25 miles on it and reorder a 2024. 3 wheel drive on this thing, where we taking it is a no go (in more ways than one).
I bought a 23 and have been very satisfied since moving from a Yamaha wolverine x4....no dust, heat, a/c....that is the true reward...I could agree to many changes such as door locks, off road shocks, bigger brakes, however is does come with a winch(steel cable and why not synthetic for another$50), 30" tires from factory are great....I agree we could all build a perfect ride for our style and terrain....when you get spoiled you nit pick...go ride with your friend who is back there sucking in all the dust with heat blankets and snow gloves...then you come back to reality about why you love the defender! lol
100% dude I come from a 900 rzr. I tried to make it quite clear in the video that the defender is incredible, but if I could I would (and most likely will) change a couple of things, or even would have been happy spending a little more for these to be a factory optional trim (like have you seen the maverick sport XMR? ) google it, it’s bonkers 🤣🤣🤣
Thanks for taking the time to engage and watching. I really appreciate the feedback and the discussion:)
@@HeadupthrottledownI sold A Yamaha wolverine X2 and got a good deal on a 2022 Can Am Defender XMR. I'm not even a big mudder but the thing is a beast. Everything is heavy duty on it. The only thing I'm going to probably do is enclose it and put in heat since I use it for plowing in Minnesota. I used to be a Yamaha guy and I am very pleased with my Can Am.👍
I feel like the quality and passion for engineering really shines through on these machines :)
What brakes did you end up replacing your stock defender breaks with ? Love your videos, btw
Ah wow :) thank you!!!
Nothing yet. Still stock. I am waiting to find a big break kit for these!!
I recently bought a defender hd9 cab model . I really enjoy the machine. I feel the locking diff should be a standard option . I have it on my outlander xmr and it works great.
How do you find the power in the hd 9?
@@Headupthrottledown it’s fine for my use. Lots of low end which I want. Top speed maxed out is 100 km/hr. The dealership told me I can get it tuned back to the hd 10 specs.
I am pretty sure mine tops out @ like 106km/h…. Let me know how it goes if you end up doing that :) thanks for watching, and for taking the time to chat. I love talking machines :)
Yes
Thanks for watching :)
I'd like to see door locks, better dust control, less noise. Just put 29"tires on our 22.5, made a big difference on hard road surfaces. Factory tires were noisy. We love the rig, 2500 miles. Dogs love the back seat.
Locks isn’t a big deal for me, as I park mine in the garage and they aren’t street legal here. That’s crazy about the noise, I find it sooooo quiet compared to anything else we’ve been in. Thanks for the watch and reaching out, I have some new videos coming out about some modifications I’ll be making to the defender, so please watch and subscribe.
All very well said I didn't want a sport machine either!
I have a CFMOTO 1000 XL
Nice! Thanks for commenting and watching!
Check out the super atv rock sliders and they are also called nerf rails for some reason. They also wear brake pads fast especially if in any mud or sand. Just had mine our with the fam for a trail day and the weather was incredible.
Thanks man , will do :)
Back in the 80s and 90s the side step bars used to be made out of tubed steel or aluminum. The tube shape was similar to "Nerf" gun bullets. They still make Nerf stuff today. They used to make a pretty cool football.
I’d add a single piece driveshaft to the list. Stock one is paper thin and will twist like a pretzel under heavy load. Rhino makes a nice one that will delete the carrier bearing.
I haven’t had this issue! But good to know, thanks for the watch and taking the time to join the conversation!!
Defenders are very short lived here in New Zealand. Gearboxes self destruct, steering racks failure, front diffs blowing all within 2 years.
Beyond that chassis crack, engine dusting. The speedo cluster dies after hrs exceeded.
That’s crazy!!! The reason I switched from prostar to Rotax is there are guys who get like 20,000.00 miles out of them with only oil changes and belts.
Do you think it’s a climate issue? Are they built in different places ?
Winter Wonderland ❄️ Great vid!
Thanks! Appreciate it!
My 19 defender single cab has diff lockers. Been a great rig. I got rid of the Polaris I had. It was too unrefined. Can am builds the best stuff.
I agree. The can am just seems like alot of passion and thought went into the design. You should check out my review video on it and share some thoughts:) appreciate you taking the time to comment and watch…..
Your machine has a front and rear locking differential? On a switch! That’s cool, I wonder why the decided to swap the front one out for a lsd in the newer ones,
I have the same unit except it’s a 2024 . I have just gotten past the break in period . I had total brake fade on long with major sqeeling . I’m starting to research this issue . Do you have any info on this . I love the machine but the brakes are my number one complaint. This is my first side by side . I have had Polaris quads and have never had issues braking in all types of conditions. Any info you have would be great ! Thank you for your video . Hope to hear from you
Hey… I don’t have this issue, but I’ve had similar problems on other things, and it simply was from corrosion building up on the rotors due to long periods of sitting idle after exposure to water! Thanks for your time :)
2024 they corrected that from what I’ve read. Polaris has true 4wd. They all should. Or at least the option to lock it.
Yea! I haven’t had the opportunity to try the smart lock yet, but everything sounds promising!!
I disagree with the suspension, it works fine for what the machine is supposed to be and it keeps the price down. If you want the better suspension, it's an easy aftermarket option that will likely be cheaper for you to do yourself. Agree, the brakes could be better. The front diff they already have taken care of in 2024 with smart lok.
Yea I saw that, haven’t had the opportunity to see how different the smart lok is, and if it is a lot better or if a electronic locking diff would still be ideal.Like I said in the video, the suspension is great for what it’s intended for. it would be nice if it as an optional trim to get an upgraded suspension package. When your shelling out this kind of money, I’d rather incorporate the cost into the unit and have all the benefits of factory options. (Warranty, correct geometry, ect). It’s also almost impossible to find any shocks that 2.5 for this machine because they aren’t factory available, it would be super cool to see more trim levels with different options geared to slightly different preferences.
Thanks so much for watching and especially for taking the time to have to discussion. Consider subscribing as the suspension upgrade is going to be the first thing I tackle :)
I’m almost convinced that I need a defender pro (hd10) for what I have going on.
Has the unit been reliable for you? Great video, new sub here.
So far it has been. I am a very high mile user, and from what I gather (all anecdotal of course) that can am motors last a lot longer than Polaris until some serious repairs/rebuilds are required. That is one of the main reasons I went for the can am, as well as the product itself seems more refined, including the drive line, clutching, ect.
And not going to lie, the cab over style sitting position really won me over. It’s super fun to off-road with the sight lines being what they are :)
@@HeadupthrottledownI appreciate the response & feedback! Is typical maintenance on the hd10 pretty easy? Is the stuff easy to access?
The only thing I would say with the cab, the oil change can be a bit more time consuming because they use filter rather then typical screw in replacement. I’ve seen guys do it from the outside but I got big fat ham hands so I just do it through the cab access.
But even the maintenance schedules are basically every 3000km. Shorter if you beat the crap out of it. Gearbox and rear differential are all one, so that’s super easy to change. Front diff is a different oil, so just make sure you get the right stuff.
If you ever want to know anything or talk about anything offroad related HMU on instagram, same handle.
Mine with 250 miles on it is for sale. I bought a 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon off the Jeep lot (brand new) for 14K more than the Defender cost me. Defender is way to top heavy and does not have a heated steering wheel, 7000# Tow package, electronic sway bar disconnect, adaptive cruise control, stereo, leather seats, heated seats, mirrors, LED light group package and on and on like the Gladiator does. Oh and about that 1 year warranty on a Can Am................3 years 36 and 5 years, 60K on the motor and drivetrain in a Jeep. Jeep dealer are about out, but you can still find 2023 Gladiators brand new on the lots for 20k off sticker. The 2 inches of up and 2 inches of down travel on the Can Am suspension killed it for me. Damn near turned it over 7 different times in the 250 miles I used it so far.
Sounds like they listened to you. The 2024 defender limited now comes with Smart Lock!
Hahaha. I wish I kind of had that pull, but I’ll keep out here doing my best mumbling to anyone that will listen. Thanks for taking the time to watch my guy :)
Drive shaft, differentials and suspension. Top 3 mechanic complaints.
I don’t think I completely understand this comment, please elaborate and thanks for watching my dude!!!
Where did you get your bed racks? i've looked but cant find them
Hey man!!! They are actually a factory accessories! You need the headache rack and bedwall extenders! Check it out on Can Am website! If you have any more questions please follow me on instagram @headupthrottledown and here and shoot me a message!
Thanks, found them.
One thing I’ve learned, sold my 23 lonestarmax open cab, bought a defender max limited, took it on trail ride we do several times a year all the weight of glass being that high up makes machine very top heavy and very tippy feeling, my other 2 never gave me a feeling like this
Well I think just how much weight it has, how tall it is, and it sits on top of the wheels not in between them it doesn’t just feel too heavy, it is… something to keep in mind for sure.
Always wanted to try a @thumperfab kit, and see what it rides like with the wheels pushed out farther :)
Thanks for taking the time to watch and leave a comment! Cheers!
Top heavy*
I’ve owned 2 without the windows that handled there self well , went everywhere the boys went on rzrs, this one with windows is a whole different animal, very top heavy
Sold my Defender and just bought the Xpedition XP Northstar, it's night and day ahead of the Can Am. Got a smoking good deal as well, $6K under MSRP is doable.
They are gorgeous, and if I could afford a second machine I totally would. I actually like the defender better overall though, and I think it simply to do with how much room it has, and how open it feels. Makes riding with the family feel alot more inclusive. I also was blown away by the xpeditions overall interior build quality, felt very automotive. I also wonder about the longevity, as it seems the polestar seems to need major work before the rotax does (knock on wood) I know a lot of guys who have plus 10,000 miles on their defenders with nothing but oil changes and a one belt. I haven’t seen many rzrs or ranger with that high mileage, but I also haven’t done too much research into the gen 2 polstar motors.
Thanks for taking the time to watch, and I hope you consider subscribing to stay in touch and see the future of the build :) I have some upgrades recently installed and some in the plans that might give an xpedition it’s run for the money out there on the trail 😂😂🤣🤣
Lmfao
No It's not. It's garbage. Polaris sucks
I don’t think they suck, I had a rzr as my first machine and I loved that. I feel like Polaris is more concerned with the next thing and Can Am is more focused on improving the things they already have. I will hold my judgment about the xpedition until I get some serious wheel time behind it, but I think with some modifications (suspension, long travel kit, brakes,ect) the defender could be the ultimate overlander/ expedition UTV available, potentially for less money even with upgrades next to say something like the xpedition.
The price is the biggest issue. These things are pushing close to 60k
Mine was around 40k CAD.
all good points but I think you should ad a 4th.
NO DOOR LOCKS. Very poor decision by canam
Hey man!! I never had them on any rigs, and they aren’t street legal here so it’s less of an issue :) I wonder if maybe they will be going to power at some point? Maybe that will be next years update :)
I can definitely see how it would upset some people for sure :) thanks so much for taking the time to watch, leave a comment and please consider subscribing as I have a ton of content planned :)
Why not buy a truck?
I have a truck, and a jeep. This fits a different bill :)
I'm lucky, I have both, different applications. But 80 percent of the time you probably could use a jeep or a 4 runner if you want to make it home. Plus the side x sides are very costly in maintenance. Stay with a truck. Save the money.
@@unclebilly1353 I respectfully disagree. I find my defender to be more capable in certain situations offroad then even my modified jeep. There is also something to be said about having a dedicated off-road machine. You can always trailer it home if things go south, and you never rely on it as a form of transportation for onroad applications. As for the maintenance, have you seen can am new matienence schedule? It’s basically change the oils every 3000km. If you know what your doing, this can be done quite quick and relatively cheap.
Also for agriculture uses, I find the defender alot more suited than a truck or a jeep in certain aspects. But to each is own. Thanks for taking the time to watch and engage in the comments!!
You're the reason these machines are more expensive than a new car.
My machine was in fact, not more expensive then a new car. But close….
And how so? 😹😹😹😹
It’s the economy and Biden with huge inflation is the reason for things costing so much. It’s not the guy in this video. That makes no sense.
Lol thanks for coming to my defence, maybe I have some unknown influence over the current financial situation that I am not aware of 😂😂😂
@@Headupthrottledown no problem. Your not in charge of how the world or economy is ran. How’s that your fault? Huge lack of common sense in that comment. Keep doing your thing n don’t worry about uninformed people who don’t want to blame the real person in charge of this huge inflation. Your not the cause. Probably a dem that doesn’t want to blame the right people bc they support them. Thx for the video bc it helps others when deciding on what they want and to be informed on what there thinking of getting. Thx for the information and reply 👍🏻
I have a 22 defender hd10 6x6. Transmission issues trumps all other gripes.
My brother has a 23 and he has also had trans problems.
Just a thousand dollar upgrade to fix mine..reverse chain from factory is garbage.
I haven’t had any issues or even heard about that, thanks for sharing! What did you upgrade with?
@azrel9 the Turner cycles double reverse chain. Unfortunately when mine broke, it wadded up in the case and cracked the housing...