First-Generation Can-Am Maverick 1000R: History, Models, Specs and Reviews

Posted on May 8, 2015
3:48 pm

The first-generation Can-Am Maverick 1000R helped establish Can-Am as a serious force in the high-performance side-by-side market. Introduced for the 2013 model year with a 101-horsepower Rotax V-twin, the original Maverick combined aggressive power with a purpose-built sport chassis, Torsional Trailing A-arm rear suspension and a driver-focused cockpit.

Can-Am expanded the platform rapidly. The original two-seat Maverick was joined by the four-seat Maverick MAX, the narrower Maverick X xc, the mud-focused Maverick X mr and the longer-wheelbase Maverick X ds. For 2015, the Maverick X ds Turbo became the industry’s first production side-by-side offered with a factory-installed turbocharger.

This model hub covers the original 2013–2017 Can-Am Maverick platform. It does not include the later Can-Am Maverick X3, Maverick Sport, Maverick Trail or current-generation Can-Am Maverick R.

First-generation Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs sport UTV

The original Can-Am Maverick 1000R X rs paired a 101-horsepower Rotax V-twin with FOX 2.5 Podium shocks.

First-Generation Can-Am Maverick 1000R Overview

Category	Original Maverick 1000R
Model years covered	2013–2017
Engine	976cc liquid-cooled Rotax V-twin
Original output	101 horsepower
Turbo output	121 horsepower for 2015; increased to 131 horsepower for 2016
Transmission	CVT with high, low, park, neutral and reverse
Drivetrain	Selectable 2WD/4WD with Visco-Lok or quicker-engaging Visco-Lok QE front differential
Seating	Two-seat Maverick and four-seat Maverick MAX
Primary widths	60 inches for X xc; approximately 64 inches for most other models
Key packages	Base, DPS, X rs, X xc, X mr and X ds

Why the Original Maverick Mattered

When Can-Am introduced the Maverick 1000R, the sport UTV category was expanding quickly. Can-Am responded with a new chassis rather than simply converting its recreation-focused Commander into a pure sport model.

The Maverick’s 101-horsepower Rotax engine was a major talking point, but the chassis was equally important. Its engine was positioned low and near the center of the wheelbase, while the compact Torsional Trailing A-arm rear suspension was designed to minimize bump steer and unsprung weight. The original two-seat model offered 14 inches of front and rear suspension travel and an 84.3-inch wheelbase.

Our first drive at Nevada’s Logandale Trail System showed that the Maverick delivered more than an impressive specification sheet. Read the complete Can-Am Maverick 1000R first-ride review for Jon Crowley’s original driving impressions.

Can-Am Maverick 1000R Model History

2013: Maverick 1000R and Maverick X rs

The first 2013 lineup centered on the 64-inch-wide, two-seat Maverick 1000R. Its naturally aspirated 976cc Rotax V-twin produced 101 horsepower and was paired with a CVT, selectable four-wheel drive and Can-Am’s automatically engaging Visco-Lok front differential.

The standard Maverick used FOX Podium X Performance 2.0 piggyback shocks. The upgraded Maverick X rs added fully adjustable FOX 2.5 Podium RC2 shocks, aluminum beadlock wheels, X-package seats and graphics, a custom steering wheel and an upgraded analog/digital gauge.

2014: Maverick MAX, X xc and X mr Expand the Family

Can-Am broadened the Maverick family significantly for 2014. The Can-Am Maverick MAX 1000R added a second row of seating and a 29.5-inch-longer wheelbase, bringing the original Maverick’s performance to a four-passenger platform.

The Maverick X xc took the platform in the opposite direction. Narrower suspension components reduced overall width from 64 to 60 inches for tighter woods and trail systems. It also received Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering, Visco-Lok QE and FOX 2.0 Podium shocks providing 12 inches of travel.

Dynamic Power Steering and Visco-Lok QE were important additions to the 2014 Maverick X rs DPS.

During our test of the X xc in New York, the narrower stance and power steering made a noticeable difference between the trees. The standard 64-inch Maverick remained more stable in open, faster terrain, while the X xc was the better fit for tight trails. Read the complete Can-Am Maverick 1000R X xc review.

The Can-Am Maverick 1000R X mr was developed for deep mud. Its specialized equipment included a lower low-range ratio, relocated engine and CVT air intakes, aggressive mud tires, increased ground clearance and mud-specific suspension calibration.

2015: Maverick X ds Introduces Factory Turbocharging

The 2015 Maverick X ds represented the original platform’s biggest performance step. Can-Am lengthened the wheelbase to 88 inches, increased rear suspension travel to 16 inches and offered both naturally aspirated and turbocharged versions.

The 2015 Can-Am Maverick X ds Turbo used an electronically controlled turbocharger, intercooler, forged pistons and revised fuel delivery to produce 121 horsepower. More important in the dunes was its substantial increase in torque compared with the naturally aspirated Maverick.

Can-Am Maverick 1000R dual exhaust system

The naturally aspirated Maverick 1000R used a distinctive dual-exhaust system.

UTVGuide tested the new Turbo in Glamis with both stock tires and sand paddles. Its broad power delivery, strong low-end response and well-matched CVT calibration made a greater impression than the horsepower increase alone suggested. Read our Can-Am Maverick X ds Turbo review.

The factory-turbocharged Maverick also influenced UTV racing. Racing organizations began adapting production-class rules for factory turbo systems, and a Maverick MAX Turbo from S3 Powersports won the UTV division at the 2015 Mint 400.

2016: Turbo Power Increases to 131 Horsepower

For 2016, Can-Am increased output from the Rotax 1000R Turbo to 131 horsepower through changes that included larger injectors, increased boost pressure and revised CVT calibration.

The lineup also gained the Maverick X rs Turbo. Based on the longer-wheelbase X ds platform, it combined the 131-horsepower engine with FOX-tuned suspension, a Yoshimura exhaust, four-point harnesses and equipment aimed at fast desert terrain and whoops.

The naturally aspirated Maverick remained available, including specialized models such as the 2016 Maverick X mr 1000R.

2017: Final Evolution of the Original Platform

The original Maverick family continued alongside the newly introduced Maverick X3 for 2017. A more affordable 60-inch Maverick xc joined the lineup, and a four-seat Maverick MAX X mr extended the mud package to the longer MAX chassis.

FOX Podium QS3 shocks were also added to several models, providing simpler, tool-free compression adjustment. See the complete 2017 Can-Am side-by-side lineup for the final range of original-generation Maverick configurations.

First-Generation Can-Am Maverick Model Guide

Model	Configuration	Best Suited For	Notable Equipment
Maverick 1000R	Two seats, 64 inches wide	General sport riding, dunes and open trails	101-hp Rotax V-twin and 14 inches of suspension travel
Maverick X rs	Two seats, 64 inches wide	Aggressive desert and open-terrain riding	FOX 2.5 shocks, beadlock wheels and X-package trim
Maverick X xc	Two seats, 60 inches wide	Tight woods, trail systems and GNCC-style terrain	Narrow suspension, DPS and Visco-Lok QE
Maverick X mr	Two seats, mud-focused setup	Deep mud and wet trail conditions	Mud tires, relocated intakes, lower gearing and winch on selected years
Maverick X ds	Two seats, 64 inches wide, 88-inch wheelbase	Dunes, desert and faster rough terrain	Longer wheelbase and up to 16 inches of rear travel
Maverick Turbo	Two- or four-seat configurations	High-performance dunes and desert riding	121 hp for 2015 and 131 hp for 2016–2017
Maverick MAX	Four seats, extended wheelbase	Family rides, dunes and multi-passenger recreation	Second-row seating and 113.8-inch wheelbase on the original MAX platform

Original 2013 Can-Am Maverick 1000R Specifications

The specifications below apply to the original 2013 two-seat Maverick 1000R. Dimensions, suspension, tires and equipment changed across later X packages, MAX models and Turbo versions.

Engine	976cc liquid-cooled SOHC eight-valve Rotax V-twin
Horsepower	101 hp
Fuel system	Electronic fuel injection with 54mm throttle body
Transmission	CVT with high, low, park, neutral, reverse and engine braking
Drivetrain	Selectable 2WD/4WD with Visco-Lok front differential
Front suspension	Double A-arm with 14 inches of travel
Rear suspension	Torsional Trailing A-arm with 14 inches of travel
Length × width × height	118.8 × 64 × 74.2 inches
Wheelbase	84.3 inches
Ground clearance	13 inches
Dry weight	1,295 pounds
Fuel capacity	10 gallons
Original tires	27-inch Maxxis Bighorn 2.0 radials
Rear rack capacity	200 pounds with LinQ accessory compatibility

Can-Am Maverick Torsional Trailing A-arm rear suspension

The Maverick’s compact Torsional Trailing A-arm rear suspension was designed to control bump steer and reduce unsprung weight.

What to Check When Buying a Used Maverick 1000R

The original Maverick remains an entertaining used sport UTV, but condition and previous modifications can matter more than the model year. Many examples were driven aggressively in dunes, desert terrain, mud or racing environments.

CVT and belt condition: Check for belt slippage, inconsistent engagement, excessive clutch noise and signs of heat inside the clutch housing.
Air intake system: Inspect the air filter, intake tract and sealing surfaces carefully, especially on machines used in dust, sand or mud.
Suspension wear: Look for play in bushings, ball joints, wheel bearings, tie rods and trailing-arm pivots. Rebuildable FOX shocks may also be due for service.
Frame and cage: Inspect the chassis for cracks, repairs or evidence of a hard rollover. Determine whether an aftermarket cage and its mounting points were properly fabricated.
Turbo system: On turbocharged models, check service history, intake plumbing, intercooler condition and whether the engine, clutching or boost control has been modified.
Mud exposure: X mr models and other machines used in deep water deserve additional inspection around electrical connections, drivetrain fluids, intake plumbing and vent lines.
Model-specific equipment: Verify that shocks, wheels, suspension arms and other components match the advertised package. Older Mavericks are often assembled with parts from several versions.
Recall and service history: Have a Can-Am dealer check the VIN for completed safety campaigns and outstanding service work before purchase.

For a closer look at how the original platform performed after extended use and modification, see our Can-Am Maverick 1000R long-term review.

Notable Maverick 1000R Builds and Adventures

The first-generation Maverick quickly became a popular foundation for custom builds. The longer MAX chassis was especially well suited to dune builds with aftermarket suspension, cages and four-place seating.

SDR Motorsports Maverick MAX long-travel build – A four-seat dune build with HCR suspension, King shocks, a custom SDR cage and Twisted Stitch seats.
UTV Off-Road Magazine Maverick X ds Turbo build – One of the first customized 2015 Maverick Turbo projects.
Maverick MAX at the Idaho Dunes UTV Invasion – A firsthand look at using the four-seat Maverick as a family dune machine.
2015 Mint 400 race report – S3 Powersports captured the UTV victory in a Can-Am Maverick MAX Turbo.

How the Maverick 1000R Led to the Maverick X3

The original Maverick established several themes that continued through Can-Am’s later sport UTVs: aggressive Rotax power, trailing-arm rear suspension, specialized terrain packages and factory turbocharging.

The Maverick X3 was not simply an updated original Maverick. It introduced a substantially different chassis, a turbocharged three-cylinder engine, more suspension travel and a lower, more radical seating position. However, the original Maverick 1000R gave Can-Am the platform, racing experience and customer base needed to take that next step.

The lineage now continues through the Can-Am Maverick X3 and the 240-horsepower Can-Am Maverick R.

First-Generation Can-Am Maverick 1000R FAQ

What years was the original Can-Am Maverick 1000R produced?

The original platform debuted for the 2013 model year and remained in Can-Am’s lineup through 2017. The Maverick X3 arrived for 2017 and represented a separate, next-generation sport platform.

How much horsepower did the original Maverick 1000R have?

The naturally aspirated 976cc Rotax V-twin produced 101 horsepower. The 2015 Maverick X ds Turbo produced 121 horsepower, while revised 2016 and 2017 Turbo models produced 131 horsepower.

What was the first factory-turbocharged UTV?

The 2015 Can-Am Maverick X ds Turbo was introduced as the industry’s first side-by-side equipped with a factory-installed turbocharger.

What is the difference between the Maverick X xc and X ds?

The X xc was a 60-inch-wide model developed for tighter woods and trail systems. The X ds retained an approximately 64-inch width but used a longer 88-inch wheelbase and increased suspension travel for dunes, desert terrain and higher-speed riding.

What is the difference between the Maverick and Maverick MAX?

The standard Maverick has two seats. The Maverick MAX uses an extended chassis with two rows of seating for four occupants.

Is the original Maverick 1000R the same as the Maverick Sport 1000R?

No. Although both use versions of Can-Am’s 976cc Rotax V-twin, the Maverick Sport is a later platform with a different chassis, suspension layout, cockpit and overall design.