Race-Worthy from the showroom floor
photos by John Pellan and Can-Am BRP
video by Joe Tolle
Hello Moto!
We’ll start off with the DS 450 X mx. Our favorite thing about the DS 450 is its handling and cornering ability, so that’s where we’ll start off. The new MX Can-Am features +2 inch A-arms that bring the front end to 50 inches. The front end is completely caster and camber adjustable with shim-style adjustments. Each shim represents one-degree of adjustment with the camber adjustable from 11 degrees to 15 degrees; caster is adjustable from 3 degrees to 10 degrees. This really lets us dial in our ultimate front end set up! Now you have to admit, that’s pretty slick! As for the rear adjustment, the DS MX comes with an adjustable Chromoly 4140 hollow rear axle. This axle allows a finished width from 46 inches to 50. Very cool!
All this equates to an extremely well-handling race machine. Cornering is outstanding thanks to its wider stance and low center of gravity. If you thought the old DS 450 handled well, wait until you ride this new MX version, especially after dialing it in to your exact size and riding style. All we can say is look out competition. The Can-Am has the handling department dialed in!
While we’re on the handling subject, the MX model comes stock with a new +1 inch rubber-mounted anti-vibration steering stem. Again, no aftermarket needed folks. It’s mounted to a set of aluminum 6061-T6 tapered handlebars with a square racing pad, just like the top pros run.
Both front and rear shocks are KYB HPG with a paint-like material called Kashima coating, which reduces internal friction and heat for consistent performance. All three shocks are fully adjustable with high and low speed rebound and compression damping, as well as preload adjustment. Two separate rate springs with crossovers in the front allow for maximum performance in all conditions. Front and rear travel is 10.7 inches. The KYB’s have piggybacks up front and remote reservoirs in the rear. Suspension duties were simply outstanding, perhaps the best in the business! We’re talking pro class worthy stuff here.
We had some issues with the slightly hard to pull clutch, which also makes some annoying noises, (according to Can-Am's factory pro, Cody Miller, using Rotella 15W-40 oil reduces the noise). Other than this problem from the extra wide angled footpegs – to the firm-yet-still-soft seat foam – to the high profile bars, grips, levers, throttle and more -- the ergonomics felt spot on for a near 6 foot 175 pound rider. Nothing was out of place, and nothing felt awkward even after several hard motos. Also worth noting is the new-for-’09-front-end styling, which we feel looks a lot better than the ugly-duckling front end of last year.