The original Can-Am Commander arrived for the 2011 model year as one of the first side-by-sides to seriously combine sport performance with practical utility. We ordered this 2011 Can-Am Commander 1000 XT shortly after the model was introduced and spent the following year using it on dunes, mountain trails and family trips.
This long-term ownership log follows the Commander from its first ride in August 2010 through trips to DuneFest, Sand Mountain, the Barrett Lake Jeep Trail and the Oregon Dunes. Along the way, we transformed it with long-travel suspension, suspension seats, doors, underbody protection, paddle tires and other aftermarket upgrades.
For more information about the platform, see our original Can-Am Commander 1000 review and the complete history of the Can-Am Commander.
2011 Can-Am Commander 1000 XT
The Commander 1000 was powered by a 976cc, liquid-cooled Rotax V-twin with electronic fuel injection. Can-Am rated the original engine at 85 horsepower. Its combination of strong acceleration, a dual-level cargo box and a comfortable cockpit helped establish the sport-utility UTV category.
The XT package added several useful comfort, protection and appearance upgrades over the standard Commander 1000:
- 4,000-pound winch
- 26-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 tires
- 14-inch cast-aluminum wheels
- Analog and digital instrumentation
- Heavy-duty front bumper
- Cargo-box rails
- Mud guards
- Leather-wrapped steering wheel
Commander 1000 XT Ownership Log
June 2011: Oregon Dunes
The Oregon Dunes gave us another opportunity to use the Commander as both a family recreation vehicle and a dune machine. Read the complete Oregon Dunes family trip report.
April 2011: Commander of the Month
Our Commander 1000 XT was voted Commander of the Month for April 2011 on CommanderForums.org.
March 2011: Sand Mountain
We spent a weekend running around Sand Mountain with my son. By this point, the Commander had evolved substantially from the stock machine we picked up the previous summer.
October 2010: Sand Mountain
October 2010: Barrett Lake Jeep Trail
Barrett Lake provided a very different test than the dunes. The rocky Sierra Nevada trail let us use the Commander’s four-wheel drive, ground clearance and low-speed capability in technical terrain.
September 2010: Sand Sports Super Show
Our Commander 1000 XT was displayed in the UTV Guide booth at the 2010 Sand Sports Super Show.
August 2010: DuneFest
DuneFest was one of the Commander’s first major outings. We installed OMF Performance billet-center beadlock wheels, Skat-Trak Hauler paddle tires in the rear and ITP Dune Star tires up front.
August 2010: First Ride
We picked up our new 2011 Can-Am Commander 1000 XT from Elk Grove Powersports and brought it home for a quick first drive around the pasture. It did not seem to bother the cows.
July 2010: Commander Ordered
BRP confirmed that our Commander 1000 XT had been ordered and was expected to arrive in time for DuneFest in Oregon. That began a year of trips, testing and aftermarket development with the new platform.
Can-Am Commander 1000 XT Build
Dalton Industries Clutch Kit
The Dalton Industries clutch kit offered a broad range of adjustment rather than being limited to one tire size, terrain type or elevation. Its adjustable flyweight lever arms allowed the clutching to be tuned for belt grip and different riding conditions.
Custom Splice Synthetic Winch Rope
The synthetic winch rope was considerably lighter than the original steel cable. It also eliminated the kinks and sharp burrs commonly associated with a used steel winch cable.
Pro Armor Doors
The rear-hinged Pro Armor doors used aluminum construction and an integrated automotive-style slam latch.
TCB Long-Travel Suspension
A TCB long-travel suspension system widened the Commander and increased its capability in rough terrain and the dunes.
PRP Suspension Seats
The PRP suspension seats provided additional support and helped isolate the occupants from impacts transmitted through the chassis.
Elka Suspension Replacement Shocks
Elka replacement shocks provided additional adjustability and suspension control compared with the original shocks.
Simpson Harnesses
Paddle Tires and OMF Beadlock Wheels
The dune combination used Skat-Trak Hauler paddle tires, ITP Dune Star front tires and OMF Performance billet-center beadlock wheels.
Factory UTV Skid Plates and A-Arm Guards
Factory UTV UHMW skid plates and A-arm guards added underbody protection for rocks and trail obstacles.
Axia Alloys Mirrors
We installed a 17-inch billet panoramic rearview mirror and billet convex side mirrors.
Wicked Bilt Power Steering
The Wicked Bilt electric power-steering system reduced steering effort, particularly in technical terrain and when running the wider long-travel suspension.
Long-Term Perspective
Our Commander 1000 XT became much more than a short-term test vehicle. From family dune trips to rocky Sierra trails, it demonstrated why the original Commander was important: it offered useful cargo capacity and everyday versatility without giving up the power and recreational character enthusiasts wanted.
The build also reflected the rapid growth of the Commander aftermarket. Suspension, seating, doors, protection and steering upgrades allowed the same machine to be adapted for dunes, trail riding and technical terrain.
Continue with our original Can-Am Commander 1000 review, or explore how the model evolved in our Can-Am Commander history.
