By Jon Crowley
When Can-Am unveiled the 2024 Maverick R in August 2023, its 240-horsepower turbocharged Rotax engine, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and tall-knuckle front suspension made me want to see what the platform could do. I put my name on one at MotoExpo and started planning a build for the terrain we actually ride: desert, rocks and dunes.
I first drove the Maverick R at Can-Am’s Nevada press introduction near the Vegas to Reno route. After taking delivery, we brought our own machine to the Rubicon Trail for a rock-crawling test and then to Sand Mountain for a dune review. Those rides gave us a starting point before changing the suspension, cockpit, tires and powertrain calibration.
Suspension and Chassis
Suspension was a priority from the start. Shock Therapy supplied springs, shock valving, limit straps and radius rods to tailor the ride to the weight and use of this machine. Alsup Racing Development added suspension components and the cage. Together, these changes addressed the parts of the build that matter most when moving between fast desert terrain and technical trails.
The Maverick R’s unusual front suspension is part of the reason we chose this platform. If you’re new to its design, our first-ride report explains how the tall-knuckle layout and DCT felt from behind the wheel. Spring and valving choices should reflect a particular car’s accessories, passengers and terrain; this list is a record of our setup, not a universal tune recommendation.
Engine and Transmission Upgrades
Evolution Powersports provided the exhaust, blow-off valve, fuel rail, charge-tube upgrade, ECU tune and DCT tune. The stock Maverick R already has strong acceleration and a transmission with a very different feel from a belt-driven CVT, so the goal was a more personalized performance package. We have not published a before-and-after dyno result for this particular car; the parts list should not be read as a horsepower claim.
Tires and Wheels for Dirt and Sand
We used separate wheel-and-tire setups for different terrain. The dirt configuration paired 35-inch MRT Tires Rocky RX tires with High Lifter beadlock wheels. For dune trips, we ran System 3 Off-Road SS360 tires and System 3 beadlock wheels. Switching setups lets the car carry a tire suited to the conditions instead of asking one tire to do everything.
The Maverick R uses a six-lug wheel pattern, so wheel fitment needs to be checked specifically for this platform. Tire diameter, offset and added rotating weight also deserve attention when selecting a package.
Seats, Communications and Controls
PRP Seats supplied heated seats and harnesses, while Rugged Radios supplied the intercom and radio. Communications and seating are among the first things I address on a project car because they affect every ride. Project UTV seat sliders completed the seating setup.
Lighted Sector Seven mirrors improved side visibility, and a Switch Works signal kit added the controls for the street-legal equipment. Registration and equipment requirements vary by location, so the kit itself does not establish that a UTV is road legal everywhere.
Protection, Recovery and Lighting
A Factory UTV UHMW skid plate and suspension guards protect exposed areas underneath. Baja Designs supplied the bumper, forward LED lighting and rear chase light. The recovery setup uses a WARN AXON 55-S winch. Lighted whips came from RLB Motorsports, and Wolf Designs finished the exterior with a wrap.
Can-Am Maverick R Build Photo Gallery
The original build gallery remains below, including details of the cage, suspension, cockpit and finished car.
More From Our Maverick R Project
- 2024 Can-Am Maverick R specs and first look
- First ride on the Nevada desert course
- Maverick R rock-crawling review on the Rubicon
- Maverick R dune review at Sand Mountain
Project update: This was our 2024 build. The Maverick R later changed owners and appeared at the 2025 Sand Sports Super Show in the WARN and Factor 55 display. That later appearance reflected the car’s subsequent presentation; the parts listed above document the setup featured in this original build.
