2009 Can-Am DS 450 EFI Preview

Rotax 4-TEC 450 EFI

This engine features DNA from the Rotax V990, which powers the Aprilia RSV 1000 R sportbike while the crankcase, clutch and transmission are designed for the rigors of off-road riding. Can-Am says its free-flow design, which has the largest piston bore, intake valves and throttle body of the segment, delivers awesome power and great potential for performance tuning. An EFI system with micro-controller is said to optimize performance at every rpm and Can-Am says throttle response is instant

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ALTEC aluminium frame

Aerospace-grade aluminum in dual-pyramidal design is strong and lightweight. Unique aluminum lock-bolt fastening system eliminates the need for welds. Strength comes from computer-optimized design rather than heavier or added materials. The pyramidal structure has been proven on BRP’s Ski-Doo REV and REV-XP snowmobiles.

R-type double A-arm front suspension

According to Can-Am, the R-Type forged aluminum double A-arm front suspension delivers razor-sharp handling, remarkable bump absorption, and confident tracking. The radical design with inverted dual-piston caliper – on the inside of the disc – enables placement of the ball-joints and kingpin axis deep inside the wheel for reduced scrub and steering kickback, as well as self-correcting behavior under hard braking.

KYB HPG piggyback shocks

Aluminum-bodied shocks with compression and rebound adjustment and threaded pre-load adjustment. Features 9.5-inches (24 cm) of travel in front, 10.2 inches (26 cm) in rear. Lightweight and adjustable.

R-Type rear swing arm suspension

Can-Am says the lightweight design dramatically reduces unsprung weight for quick response, exceptional traction capability and less rider fatigue. Cast-aluminium swingarm, with rising-rate linkage, hollow Chromoly 4140 rear axle, extended-reach aluminium hubs and aluminum chain sprocket.

Wilwood braking systems

Inverted dual-piston calipers – mounted inside front rotors – enable unique knuckle/spindle/A-arm design. Front and rear rotors’ wave shape is computer-designed for exceptional cooling.

Performance wheels/tires

Specifically-designed ITP Holeshot SR tires to get maximum performance from the DS 450 EFI. The rims are lightweight, yet durable, because of aluminum construction with rolled bead.

Performance ergonomics

Can-Am says the DS 450 was designed to give the active sport rider room and the right leverage. Narrow body and seat with smooth transitional surfaces, wide foot pegs and deep heel guards.

Performance features

Detachable headlights, interchangeable front fenders

MSRP

$7,499

DS 450 X mx EFI

50-inch width

At 50 inches (1,270 mm) wide, the DS 450 X mx meets the recognized standard for motocross racing with its stock +2 (51 mm) A-arms. Racers will not have to purchase expensive aftermarket A-arms to take the X mx to the track and be competitive.

Anti-vibe steering stem

A +1-inch (25 mm) extra-strength steering stem with anti-vibe mounts comes standard on the DS 450 X mx. This gives the racer a better feel for the ATV while out on the track in a racing stance. Again, there is no need to buy an aftermarket stem to be competitive. Mounted to the steering stem is an aluminum 6061-T6 taper-profile handlebar with square racing pad.

Camber- and caster-adjustable front end

The front end of the DS 450 X mx is completely adjustable with a shim-style adjustment. Each shim represents one-degree of adjustment with camber adjustable from 11 degrees to 15 degrees; caster is adjustable from 3 degrees to 10 degrees. Can-Am says this allows the racer to completely dial in the DS 450 X mx for his or her preference.

Race-bred suspension

The suspension, both front and rear, features (piggyback up front and remote reservoir for the rear) KYB HPG shocks with Kashima coating. This high-performance shock coating is intended to reduce internal friction and heat for consistent shock performance (less stiction and less fade). The shocks are fully adjustable with high- and low-speed rebound and compression damping, as well as preload adjustment. Can-Am says two separate-rate springs with a crossover up front allow for maximum performance in all conditions. Front and rear travel is 10.7 inches (272 mm).

ITP QuadCross MX Pro tires and ITP T-9 wheels

High-performance ITP Quadcross MX Pro tires, according to Can-Am, give the DS 450 X mx maximized traction on a variety of track surfaces, but especially for blue-grooved tracks. The rear tires are 18-inch motocross-ready tires complete with 8-inch (203 mm) black, aluminum ITP T-9 beadlock wheels with an inner reinforcement ring. Up front, 20-inch (508 mm) ITP Quadcross MX Pro tires mounted on 10-inch (254 mm) black, aluminum ITP T-9 wheels give the DS 450 X mx precise cornering ability with decreased lateral roll.

Aluminum nerf bars

In order to race motocross at any level, nerf bars are a requirement. Straight from the factory, the DS 450 X mx comes complete with lightweight aluminum nerf bars with aluminum heel guards. If one desires, the nerf bars, heel guards and side extensions can be removed.

Adjustable-width axle

Many of today’s top motocross pros are choosing to race with a rear width that is slightly narrower than the front-end width. This is possible with the DS 450 X mx thanks to a chromoly 4140 adjustable-width hollow axle. Adjustment from 46 (1168 mm) to 50 inches (1270 mm) is possible with .5-inch (13 mm) spacers.

Motocross-specific amenities

The DS 450 X mx comes complete with a tether engine-shut-off switch that is a requirement at any level of motocross racing. From the factory, the ride height of the X mx is set at seven inches (178 mm) (assuming a 175-pound rider (79 kg) with gear), meaning exceptional cornering performance for a lower centre of gravity.

MSRP

$8,999

DS 450 X xc EFI

46-inch width

At 46 inches (1168 mm) wide, Can-Am says the DS 450 X xc is the perfect width for the tight woods courses cross-country racers love. With forged aluminum upper and lower A-arms, the X xc can pick its way through the trees.

Anti-vibe steering stem

A +1-inch (25 mm) extra-strength steering stem with anti-vibe mounts comes standard on the DS 450 X xc. According to Can-Am, this gives the racer a better feel for the ATV while in an attacking stance out on the course. Can-Am says there is no need to buy an aftermarket stem to be competitive. Mounted to the steering stem is an aluminum 6061-T6 taper-profile handlebar with square racing pad.

Caster-adjustable front end

The front end of the DS 450 X xc comes with a shim-style caster adjustment. Each shim represents one-degree of adjustment with 3 degrees to 10 degrees of caster adjustment. Can-Am says this allows the racer to completely dial in the DS 450 X xc for his or her preference.

Race-bred suspension

The suspension, both front and rear, features (piggyback up front and remote reservoir for the rear) KYB HPG shocks. The shocks are fully adjustable with high- and low-speed compression damping, as well as preload adjustment. Can-Am says two separate-rate springs with a crossover up front allow for maximum performance in all conditions. Front travel is 9.6 inches (244 mm) while rear travel is 10.5 inches.(267 mm)

ITP Holeshot GNCC tires and ITP T-9 wheels

The DS 450 X xc features 20-inch (508 mm) rear ITP Holeshot GNCC tires mounted on 10-inch (254 mm) black, aluminum ITP T-9 beadlock wheels. Up front, 21-inch (533 mm) ITP Holeshot GNCC tires mounted on 9-inch (229 mm) black, aluminum ITP T-9 wheels with beadlock rings. The taller lugs of the Holeshot GNCC provide superior traction in demanding race conditions.

Aluminum nerf bars

Straight from the factory, the DS 450 X xc comes complete with lightweight aluminum nerf bars with aluminum heel guards. If one desires, the nerf bars, heel guards and side extensions can be removed.

Adjustable-width axle

The DS 450 X xc features a chromoly 4140 adjustable-width hollow axle. Adjustment from 46 inches (1168 mm) to 50 inches (1270 mm) is possible with .5-inch (13 mm) spacers for rider preference.

Cross-country-specific amenities

Aluminum skid plates for the frame and swingarm are standard on the DS 450 X xc for added protection on demanding courses. The X xc also comes complete with a tether engine-shut-off switch that is a requirement for many local and national cross-country racing circuits. From the factory, the ride height of the X xc is set at 7.5 inches (101 mm)(assuming a 175-pound (79 kg) rider with gear), which Can-Am says provides exceptional cornering performance for a lower centre of gravity. Wind deflectors that feature a full-wrap aluminum brace are mounted to the handlebars.

MSRP

$8,799