The Can-Am Defender also has plenty of dash space,
which is always a nice feature. There are many different
insert panels in the dash, which allow you to store
gloves, paperwork, or other small possessions. The
ergonomics on the machine were excellent.
|
| The
Can-Am Defender even has a removable Toolbox
mounted on the dash, which is one of the many
unique features on the Defender |
As for the handling, the Defender really shined in
this category as well. The tires are Maxxis’ standard,
a 25 inch tire on a 12 inch wheel, which is always
a really great tire. The unit also has power steering.
In any side by side, power steering makes a huge difference
and is always a feature we recommend. It is also a
very wide and stable vehicle, but not over wide, they
came up with a really great width. “It handles and
steers really nice, especially for a utility UTV,”
stated Luburgh.
| |
| The
Maxxis Big Horn tires provided plenty of traction
& the Can-Am Defender is very stable &
easy to drive especially with the power steering |
The suspension performed extremely well. The Defender
has HD rear suspension with ten inches of travel,
which provided a smooth and comfortable ride. We hit
a couple small jumps and it soaked those up just fine.
While its not intended to be a high performance vehicle,
it can definitely be sporty as well. “As far as the
ruts and bumps it was a really smooth ride. We did
not throw anything at it that it didn’t take like
a champ. From deep ruts, bottoming out, log crossing,
and hill climbs, it took everything we threw at it,”
stated Luburgh.
The Defender has a large cargo bed that is very versatile
with a 1,000 pound capacity. “It is a really nice
big bed. It has loads of different nooks and crannies,
things they have planned out for accessories, and
ways to secure your load depending on what you’re
hauling,” said Luburgh. We were able to load the bed
up with a bunch of feed bags and go for a drive. You
can notice the weight in the back, but it still handled
really well. We took full advantage of testing the
heavy load on the farm.
| |
| The
Can-Am Defender features a large cargo bed with
a 1,000 pound capacity |
The Defender also has great power, even in the smaller
799.0cc model. The H8 has plenty of power to get the
job done, the H10 just gives it a little extra oomph
with its 976cc engine. “I think they both have very
similar bottom end. The mid and top end is where the
H10 really came alive. It was quite a bit faster than
the H8 in that respect, but the bottom end was pretty
similar,” explained Luburgh.
Can-Am once again proved why it is an industry leader
in the side by side market with their release of the
2016 Defender. From handling, to power, to the innovative
features of the cab and seating, the Defender performed
flawlessly.
