CAN-AM ANNOUNCES TWO NEW VERSIONS OF THE DS 450
Friday, August 01, 2008 (07:41:29)
Posted by Weasel
CAN-AM announces two completely NEW DS 450 EFI's in the "race ready" MX and XC versions! They have also announced a new color scheme for the DS 450 EFI See complete announcement below:
Valcourt, Québec, August 1, 2008 – Can-AmTM announced today the release of its 2009 DS 450 TM EFI ATV, complete with two new racing-specific packages. Returning for 2009 is the ultrapotent 2009 Can-Am DS 450 EFI ATV. The base model gets updates and two exciting models, the DS 450 X mx and DS 450 X xc models, also join the line-up. Can-Am now boasts the most race-ready 450 sport ATV line in the industry. All models get power from a proven Rotax ® engine. And the ultra-light weight comes from cutting-edge computer design and the most revolutionary thinking in the sport ATV world.
It is still the benchmark for performance, handling and control – on the track and on the trail – thanks to the Rotax power, low weight, centralized mass, low unsprung weight, and fullyadjustable sport-tuned suspension.
“By releasing the DS 450 X mx and xc, we redefine the factory and amateur ATV racer relationship,” said Yves Leduc, Vice-President and General Manager, Can-Am Division. "The DS 450 continues to evolve and the base model was the perfect starting point for the two most race-ready sport packages in the industry.”
For the entire 2009 DS 450 X, mx and xc feature highlights / photos, please click: HERE FOR COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT
You can follow the complete FORUM DISCUSSION found: HERE FOR COMPLETE ANNOUNCEMENT
DS 450 EFI Key Features
Rotax ® 4-TEC 450 EFI – This engine features top-end DNA from the Rotax V990 which powers the Aprilia ‡ RSV 1000 R sportbike while the crankcase, clutch and transmission are specifically designed for the rigors of off-road riding. Its free-flow design – with the largest piston bore, intake valves and throttle body of the segment – delivers awesome power and great potential for performance tuning. A sophisticated EFI system with superfast micro-controller optimizes performance at every rpm, compensating for both temperature and altitude; throttle response is instant.
ALTECTM aluminium frame – Aerospace-grade aluminium in dual-pyramidal design is exceptionally strong and lightweight. Unique aluminium 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 ® REVTM and REV-XPTM snowmobiles.
R-type double A-arm front suspension* – The R-Type forged aluminium 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. All this in a lightweight package with less unsprung weight than competitive designs for a better ride and improved control.
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, capable and adjustable.
R-Type rear swing arm suspension** – 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.
WilwoodTM braking systems. - Inverted dual-piston calipers – mounted inside front rotors – enable unique knuckle/spindle/A-arm design. Front and rear rotors’ wave shape is computerdesigned 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 – 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.
DS 450 X mx EFI Key Features
50-inch width – At 50 inches (1270 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 rubber-mounted +1 (25 mm) anti-vibe steering stem 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. 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 highperformance shock coating reduces 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. 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 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, 20inch (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. Side extensions are adjustable to a variety of customizable widths. If one desires, the nerf bars and heel guards can be removed with ease.
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-shutoff 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.
DS 450 X xc EFI Key Features
46-inch width – At 46 inches (1168 mm) wide, the DS 450 X xc is the perfect width for the tight woods courses cross-country racers love. With forged aluminium upper and lower A-arms, the X xc can precisely pick its way through the trees.
Anti-vibe steering stem – A rubber-mounted +1 (25 mm) anti-vibe steering stem comes standard on the DS 450 X xc. This gives the racer a better feel for the ATV while in an attacking stance out on the course. There is no need to buy an aftermarket stem to be competitive. Mounted to the steering stem is an aluminium 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. 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 with Kashima coating. This highperformance shock coating reduces 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. 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 aluminium nerf bars with aluminum heel guards. Side extensions are adjustable to a variety of customizable widths. If one desires, the nerf bars and heel guards can be removed with ease.
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), meaning exceptional cornering performance for a lower centre of gravity. Wind deflectors that feature a full-wrap aluminium brace are mounted to the handlebars.