In the last few days, we received a beautiful 2022 Can-Am Commander XT 1000R. We were not at the end of our surprises when we saw it for the first time. Indeed, the vehicle is well accessorized with the front windshield, the rear window, the upper flexible door panels, the windshield wipers, the ventilation system… In short, the big comfort guaranteed for bad weather!
Before starting this test, I want to review the features of the 2022 Can-Am Commander XT 1000R and tell you about my expectations.
Engine
This year, there are two engine options. The model of this test is equipped with the Rotax 1000R engine that develops 100 hp. We know this engine and its performance well. Indeed, in Sport mode, it provides sustained acceleration and offers recovery throughout the Powerband.
Considering the significant increase of gasoline prices, I will focus more on fuel consumption. My goal is to properly document the observed consumption using the various modes of the iTC system. I will also discipline myself to test wiser driving behaviors in the Sport and ECO modes. At the end of this test, I should be able to present you a chart that represents very well what you can expect.
Suspension
Since the Commander’s chassis is based on the Maverick’s, I expect the suspension of the 2022 Can-Am Commander XT 1000R to behave similarly. The shocks are twin-tube gas shocks that don’t offer compression or rebound adjustment. You can only adjust the preload from the coil springs.
Suspension travel is 12.5 inches (31.8 cm) in the front and 15 inches (38.1 cm) in the rear. This means that the suspension should absorb all the bumps and obstacles I’ll experience on the trail or during my off-trail rides. Furthermore, the 13″ ground clearance will allow me to ride rocky trails and even make my own trail through the woods.
Interior of the 2022 Can-Am Commander XT 1000R
Having already tested several Maverick Trail and Sport models, I am quite familiar with the interior of the “new” Commander. That said, I will be able to get a first-hand look at the 7.6″ wide digital display with keyboard. I will also be able to see the impact of the various accessories mentioned above on the driving experience and comfort.
The real start of the test
At the moment, I am waiting for the opening of the trails. Undeed, we are still in the thaw period in my area. As soon as the trails are officially opened by my club, I will be able to ride my first kilometers of the season.
However, the first real test will be the “Tour de la Gaspésie” ride that I will participate in mid-June. Indeed, this 7 days trip will allow me to ride about 1400 km with this vehicle. I will ride on a wide variety of trails during this trip. This will allow me to fully evaluate the behavior and performance of the 2022 Can-Am Commander XT 1000R.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the manufacturer Can-Am for making this test possible. I invite you to visit the manufacturer’s website to learn more about the 2022 Commander family by clicking here.
Until then, I wish you all a great season!
