New Can Am Defender Need suggestions

[jeff061768]

Hi All,  

Purchased a new Can Am Defender HD10 XT  in March and received in June.  Vehicle will mostly be used for Deer hunting however twice a year will be used to ride in Eastern KY Coal mining area "Buck Horn" and surrounding mountains.   This year was my second year riding this area.   Last year I used a Honda 420 ES Quad with no issues.  This year was a different story so I'm looking for advice!

 

First,  I ended up in the deep end of the creek (missed the line by a foot or two) where it died immediately (good thing).  I had water in everything (Gas, Oil, Differentials).  We changed the fluids multiple times ensuring we removed all water and I'm changing once again now that I'm home.  Ultimately I want to install a snorkel.  I inquired about the Can Am snorkel and it's expensive but wondering if anyone has any other suggestions that from an appearance standpoint will look good!

Second, the factory tires Bighorn 2.0,  I ended up with a flat as I was drug back to camp from the water issue above . Tires had 10 hours or so on them.  Everyone I was with stated these tires are junk and they've all been stranded many times with these tires.  I'm wondering what the suggestions are from this group.  I would also like to change from a 27x9x14 tire to a 29x9x14 tire giving me a couple of more inches of clearance without having to change the clutch/belt.  Suggestions for tires would be greatly appreciated.  

Third,  after we got it running we went through some pretty knurly stuff only to be on a simple trail (kiddy as I called it) where I apparently hit a rock and bent the  tie rod.  We got it back to camp but what a pain in the ass and ultimately not what I would consider a great showing for the Can Am Defender HD10 XT this weekend.  I have ordered upgraded tie rods from UTV direct Kit B  https://www.utvdirect.com/can-am-defender-heavy-duty-tie-rod-kits/.  Is there a better option?  

 

I will admit I'm not a seasoned driver in these situations and ultimately learned a lot from those that I was with but looking for suggestions from this group considering it's specific to the Defender!  Appreciate any and all input.

 

Thanks,

 

Jeff  

[honda400ex2003]

first off, you have to be smart about where you put the machine. these things are big and heavy, esp compared to a little honda machine.  the defender cant help that you put it in a creek and sunk it or towed it out and bent stuff.  LOL.  

OEM snorkels seem to be the go to- they work the best, install the easiest and look good still even though they are expensive.  check around the pages and custom builds here, there might be some good pics of other styles that you like that are custom.

tires are tough, what are the rest of the group using?  i personally like x comps from STI/gladiator, they are 10 ply but a little heavier.  im running 28s on my xt and they look small still, they only come in a 28 or 30" so that makes it tougher.  i didnt want to lose too much power or need a clutch kit so i stayed with the 28s, i havent bottomed on anything yet but dont ride super technical stuff with it either.  if you find a 29" that you like, that would be fine too.  something at least 8 ply is 100% needed on these big machines.

tie rods- S3 powersports or jake moorhead would probably get my vote.  both are known and well abused products with great luck.

steve

[jeff061768]

Thank you for your reply,

 

To add a little context here,  a Honda Pioneer (with 5 people in it) made it through the muck where I got stuck,  he just took a better line.  I would say he was quite heavy.  There was also a Honda Talon that made it through and I know those machines are lighter and made for this type of stuff (both of those machines got their seats wet). 

As for the snorkel,  Ultimately my plan is to probably go with the OEM product.  I'm not a fan of custom built stuff. however if anyone has picks of other non OEM snorkel's that have been installed I'd be willing to take a look anyways.  The Pioneer did not install a typical snorkel, but did extend his air breather higher with some type of hose.  Obviously they don't have to deal with the belt/clutch situation.  

Tires I definitely want to increase to at least 8 ply and 10 would be preferred  Rockabilly was suggested by a couple of folks.  As you mention I'm having trouble finding the tires in 29's and may have to go with  28's.  Thanks for your recommendation on the STI/gladiators.  Like you, I prefer not to upgrade clutch/belt at this point due to a tire change.  Since I already have to replace one due to a flat I might as well go ahead and replace all. 

[Andystoy19]

A good place to start is by reading the builds section in the defender garage on this forum, there is a lot of good info there on tires, batteries, lights and I think snorkels as well.

I have ridden in some pretty rough terrain and muskeg and haven't bent anything except that I broke both front axles in one deep off camber hole.

Speed is not your friend in the steep or deep. If your riding with a Honda group you shouldn't have any problem staying ahead with a good set of tires. JMO🙂

[honda400ex2003]

1 hour ago, jeff061768 said:

Thank you for your reply,

 

To add a little context here,  a Honda Pioneer (with 5 people in it) made it through the muck where I got stuck,  he just took a better line.  I would say he was quite heavy.  There was also a Honda Talon that made it through and I know those machines are lighter and made for this type of stuff (both of those machines got their seats wet). 

youll only make those expensive and project ensuing mistakes a few times then learn to read the land a bit better before entering into situations.  it takes time and experience.

enjoy your new ride, it will be nice once you get it set up how you want it.

steve