Story and photos by Danny Adair
My full-time job probably is not what you would expect after finding me writing about adventures in one of the most exciting four-seat sport UTVs of its era. During the week, I spend most of my time in an office designing and creating marketing messages. Weekends are usually filled with our daughter’s soccer games, yardwork and a little more work.
My life may be a lot like yours.
A few months earlier, I approached UTVGuide.net founder Jon Crowley with an idea: help me spend more time in the dirt with my family. I had typically ridden a dirt bike on weekends, but family time was becoming increasingly important. A four-seat UTV could let us enjoy off-road adventures together.
Jon may have initially thought I was crazy when I asked him to send one of his UTVs to Idaho. After considering the idea, however, he realized it could create something special. I could explore places that would otherwise require a major road trip for him while sharing what it was like to take a young family of four on off-road adventures.
Bringing the Maverick MAX to Idaho
On Tuesday, I took a day away from the office and drove from Boise, Idaho, to Fallon, Nevada, to meet Jon and pick up the new 2014 Can-Am Maverick MAX X rs DPS. A friend joined me for the roughly 800-mile round trip, which gave us plenty of time to discuss where we should take the new Can-Am.
Saturday arrived, and we still had a soccer game at 10 a.m. Once that was over, it was finally time to hit the dirt.
We loaded the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 Crew Cab with helmets, snacks, water, an AO cooler and sweatshirts in case the sunny spring weather changed.
Loading the 12-foot single-axle flatbed trailer was straightforward, although the long-wheelbase Maverick MAX used nearly every inch of available deck space. We secured the approximately 1,500-pound four-seater with Speed Strap two-inch ratchet tie-downs rated for a 3,300-pound working load.
The integrated axle straps made it easy to wrap the tie-downs around the chassis or suspension without placing metal hooks directly against those components. Wide handles, covered barrel ends and hook-and-loop retainers for the loose strap ends were thoughtful details that made loading cleaner and easier.
Riding the Kane Springs Area
After loading, we made the drive south from Boise toward Reynolds Creek Road and the Kane Springs area of the Owyhee Mountains. Much of the surrounding trail network included routes restricted to vehicles 50 inches wide or narrower, so we needed to choose a route suitable for the 64-inch-wide Maverick MAX.
After speaking with other UTV riders, we continued to the Kane Springs staging area, where we found access to trails wide enough for the four-seat Can-Am. We unloaded, secured the kids in their seats and headed into the Idaho desert.
The greater Owyhee Front contains an extensive network of roads and trails, but permitted vehicle widths and route conditions can change. Riders planning a current trip should consult the latest land-management maps, observe posted signs and stay on designated routes. The nearby Rabbit Creek system provides access to hundreds of miles of OHV routes across steep, rocky desert terrain.
2014 Can-Am Maverick MAX X rs DPS First Impressions
Strong Power with a Smooth, Controllable Ride
Because this was the kids’ first UTV ride, I was not about to charge down the trail and scare them away from the experience. We started slowly, cruising across terrain covered with lava rock and sagebrush. Their smiles grew as I gradually increased our speed.
The cross-ruts and embedded rocks were absorbed surprisingly well by the FOX 2.5 Podium shocks fitted to the Maverick MAX X rs DPS. Its three-spoke steering wheel was easy to manage, even when the tires encountered a few unexpected rocks. The steering retained enough feedback to communicate what the front tires were doing without becoming tiring or difficult to control.
As we continued along Trail Road 3702, the route presented larger rocks and deeper ruts. That made us appreciate the additional clearance provided by the 30-inch GMZ Kahuna tires. The taller tires reduced the amount of contact between the trail and the underside of the vehicle while maintaining dependable traction in loose, rocky terrain.
The Kahunas also paired nicely with the 14-inch GMZ LiteLoc beadlock wheels. We planned to test the combination in entirely different conditions during future trips to Rally on the Rocks in Moab and DuneFest on the Oregon Coast.
A Sport UTV the Family Could Enjoy
After about 30 minutes, it was clear that I had some happy passengers. With everyone becoming comfortable, I began using more throttle on the long, open sections of trail.
The Maverick MAX’s 976cc Rotax V-twin delivered strong, smooth power. Its engine braking was also useful when setting up for corners and descending uneven terrain. Coming from four-stroke dirt bikes, the response felt familiar and reduced how much braking was needed before some turns.
The original Maverick MAX combined the performance character of the two-seat Maverick with a 113.8-inch wheelbase and stadium-style rear seating. The 2014 X rs DPS package added Tri-Mode Dynamic Power Steering, the quicker-engaging Visco-Lok QE front differential, FOX 2.5 Podium shocks and beadlock wheels. Read more about the platform in our Can-Am Maverick MAX 1000R overview.
Desert Views and Wild Horses
The scenery became one of the highlights of the afternoon. To our left, a broad desert valley opened toward the Snake River. To the right were the rugged peaks of the Owyhee Mountains, where prospectors once searched for gold and silver.
Continuing deeper into the mountains could eventually lead toward historic Silver City, one of Idaho’s best-known former mining communities. That longer trip would have to wait for another day.
We encountered grazing cattle along the route and also spotted a group of wild horses. I had seen wild horses in this region while riding my dirt bike, but sharing the experience with my wife and children made the encounter more memorable.
A Successful First Family UTV Ride
For a quick afternoon trip into the desert, the outing could hardly have gone better. The kids’ first UTV adventure was a success, and my five-year-old daughter was already asking when we could go again.
My wife also spent time in the driver’s seat while I took photos. She was surprised by how easy the four-seat Can-Am was to drive. Based on how quickly she became comfortable, I suspected I might have to start sharing more of the driving time.
Our first impression was that the 2014 Can-Am Maverick MAX X rs DPS successfully combined sport performance with the space and ride quality needed for a family outing. It gave us the opportunity to explore the Idaho desert together without eliminating the acceleration, handling and suspension performance that made the original Maverick exciting.
Equipment Used on the Ride
GMZ Kahuna Tires
- 30-inch radial tire
- Eight-ply construction
- DOT approved
- Heavy-duty sidewall
- Self-cleaning tread design
The taller tires provided additional ground clearance and dependable traction on the loose, rocky trails. Learn more about the tire’s original release in our 30-inch GMZ Kahuna tire overview.
GMZ LiteLoc Beadlock Wheels
- 14-inch cast-aluminum wheel
- Functional beadlock ring
- Eight-millimeter beadlock bolts
- Claimed 15-pound wheel weight
- 1,000-pound load rating
Speed Strap Two-Inch Ratchet Tie-Downs
- 3,300-pound working-load rating
- Integrated axle strap
- Black CAD-plated snap hooks
- Wide soft-touch handle and release
- Covered barrel ends
- Hook-and-loop retainers for excess webbing
This article documents a ride completed in April 2014. Trail designations, access rules and conditions may have changed. Consult current maps and land-management information before visiting the area.
