2012 Can-Am Outlander 1000 XT First Ride Photo Gallery

Once parent company Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP) introduced the Commander side-by-side, the migration of its burly Rotax engine into an ATV was only a matter of time.

See photos of the 2012 Can-Am Outlander 1000 XT sport utility ATV in action during our first ride review. Read the full report in our 2012 Can-Am Outlander 1000 XT First Ride.

Black, oversized front and rear bumpers add to the appearance and do a good job of protecting the fancy plastic.

BRP says the Outlander 1000 is capable of towing 1300 pounds via its standard two-inch hitch receiver, and it holds 100-pounds on the front rack and 200 on the rear.

The racks use Can-Am’s LinQ quick-attach system to accept factory accessories.

Riders have plenty of information available to them via the digital display unit.

The big V-Twin pushes exhaust through a large, single muffler.

Having the RT30 comes in handy on more occasions than when simply stuck. A 50-foot steel wire rope can act as a safety line in sketchy situations, or, most commonly, it helps yard a fallen tree or fellow ATV rider out of a jam.

A rear trunk holds 5.7 gallons of cargo and is easily one of the larger storage options we’ve seen. It uses a simple and effective latch similar to a tailgate.

The wheels were one of the downfalls for the Can-Am as the painted aluminum surface scratches very easily. Just a few ruts and the shiny wheels look beat up.

A CVT transmission offers High and Low range along with Park, Neutral and Reverse.

Topping the list is Tri-mode Dynamic Power Steering (DPS). This three-position steering assist makes a huge difference in the handling character of the Outlander.

The handlebars are a bit too wide, and they make it difficult to turn full-tilt when leaning to the inside as they interfere with the rider’s leg, hip or stomach depending on how they need to hang off the machine.

Both front brakes (one in each wheel) and the rear brake (right wheel only) use dual-piston calipers.

Thundering from underneath revised bodywork and a new chassis is the 91mm x 75mm bore and stroke V-Twin engine.

Instead of wedging the big V-Twin into the existing Outlander chassis, Can-Am developed the second-generation Surrounding Spar Technology frame (SST G2).

The CVT transmission has an engine brake feature that is perhaps the best we’ve ever tested on an ATV.

The 230W headlights dual headlights and dual taillights crank out illumination and increase safety on the trail.

An XT model also comes with a different spec Visco-Lok QE front differential.

The seat is wide and cushy, making for a comfortable and leisurely platform.

Up front are shocks with nine inches of travel using double A-arm components. Can-Am uses what it calls “dive-control geometry” for positive cornering and braking dynamics.

We love the performance and benefits of the DPS system, and consider it a must-have upgrade for such a large, powerful ATV.

Suspension components on the Outlander are unique. Torsional Trailing arm Independent rear suspension (TTI) is similar to the components found on the Commander

Our trails range from hardpack roads to muddy two-track, and the three-ply Carlisle ACTs provide secure grip and a comfortable ride with minimal flex.