Hey There,

Thinking about moving from an X3 Max RR into one of the new "R" models.

Wonder what trim line has worked the best, reliability is Numero Uno for me. I scoured the forum and still find Smart Shox have their issues more than I like really. Are the RC shocks with bypass worth the extra money from Q3 shock models. If the driveline is the same it comes down to shocks and a half inch of travel being the difference.

Thoughts? Ideas?

Thanks in advance for your time.

Some say go with the basic and build up for several reasons, more to reliability and suspension.

I would wait until we see what's changed or bugs taken care of with the '25 model year.

 

I'm in between an "X" model and do my own shock thing, or a Smart Shox version. I know I'll be mad if my smart shox have issues but I like the idea. Although the "X" has 15's and the same HP and interior options and it's cheaper, so that is really appealing too. Only other thing to add is the front camera.

 

Any new model will have bugs, unfortunately. I would still go for the Smart Shox model. You might have issues with a base model too? Buy the best, if you have issues, let your warranty work for you.

 

No issues with my smart shox at all. Most of those problems were from early SS models. Even if you have an issue they just default to firm which is where most people set their standard shocks anyway. It’s not going to leave you stranded or ruin your day. Continue on and fix when able. I wouldn’t even consider buying a non SS model.

 

I would go with the ugraded version if so.

 

both methods work. You can get the red model for 32k right now or top dog for just over 37, both numbers pre tax.

you can put the extra 5k into the cheaper one and some things will be better for sure, its a tough decision but the shocks on the cheaper model will never be as good as the podiums. I bought the smart shox and will respring /valve the podiums for $2300 then it is by far the best suspension setup and I don't want to regret not having them when I am running 70mph through the desert / dunes

 

both methods work. You can get the red model for 32k right now or top dog for just over 37, both numbers pre tax.

you can put the extra 5k into the cheaper one and some things will be better for sure, its a tough decision but the shocks on the cheaper model will never be as good as the podiums. I bought the smart shox and will respring /valve the podiums for $2300 then it is by far the best suspension setup and I don't want to regret not having them when I am running 70mph through the desert / dunes

I do like that one you picked up!

 

Base model for $30k. MTS full suspension tune coils and revalve $1900 Garmin GPS $900. $32800 your got a real GPS, and better suspension and still be ahead of a top of line. But hey to each his own. Good luck.

 

Thanks, just had to hear it...

2025 will be a good year!

 

I know a lot of old timers and pure racers will probably disagree but actively managed live valve style suspensions are the way of the future and when properly set-up are incredible. Sure, if you only ride in one type of terrain or on a track you can set up a passive system great. If you’re riding varies you have to mess with it all the time to be optimal. You still won’t have the active management that constantly adjusts to input, that’s the awesome part of it. Not just being able to set firmness on the fly. I would never go back to passive suspension. Pay up front for it because you can’t change your mind and add it later.

 

For what it’s worth, I haven’t taken my SS out of comfort because sport and sport+ are to stiff. I prefer sport for less body roll but not at a trade of the softer suspension. Sport+ is rough.

If the lower models rode like comfort, I would be happy.

 

Take your front sway bar off, makes it a lot better.
Just take it easy and don't dive crazy until you get a new feel for it.

I use comfort when I'm just tooling around or riding trails, much more enjoyable and plush ride.
When I'm blasting the desert I go sport+ for better cornering.
Way too much body roll in comfort, especially with the front sway bar off.
I use sport the least but there are occasions where I do and it feels right.

 

So what is that?

 

POV
In 2019 I got a YXZ for the hard transmission, not a great car, felt like 1st was too high and 5th was too low along with a host of suspension shortcomings.

In 2020 I got the X3 Max RR and was really impressed but the CVT is a CVT and now the DCT with 7 speed has got my attention. Love the idea of cruising along gently in 3rd at low rpm if I don't need to be revving. CVT cant really offer that flexibility so the "R" might be what I am looking for.

 

I have a Mav r XRS with SS. I will base my response off of what msrp pricing is. I know there are huge discounts right now at some dealers. But that muddies the water a bit.
Your gaining larger wheels and tires, which is ok, until you need to replace them and realize 16's arent readily available. Your getting a dash with GPS, stereo controls, and a backup camera. All of which are 99% worthless, due to CAN am poor design. You will also receive shocks that are valved horribly, and severely undersprung. I opted for the XRS SS due to what my dealer gave me for a price at the time, but would have highly considered the base model if pricing was stuck at msrp. And if I were to buy another one tomorrow I would likely do base, and do my own accessories, and upgrades, as I had to do it to this one anyways. I have added a usable GPS, usable stereo controls, and an additional backup camera that works all the time. And I also just put over 2k into the suspension. This is my first Can am after many RZR's. I dont say I regret it, but disapointed in how Can Am implemented most of their technology. All the tech looks great on the brochure, but its not doing much when you actually want and need it. Polaris SS are 10x better setup than these. And Ride command blows this setup out of the water, and I think RC sux as well. All the manufacturers are selling us on tech, because apparantly thats what we tell them we want, but they are falling short on most of it. At the end of the day if you think you will be 100% content with how the tech stuff works on the XRS SS then do it. But if you think you will want to upgrade the machine to more user friendly stuff, I would look closely at a base model.

 

I see a lot of talk about how smart shocks need to be re-valved and re-sprung. I think that is debatable and maybe use/driver dependent. The thing is the base shocks would absolutely also need to be re-valved and re-sprung, they are terrible.

So the real question is would you rather re-spring and re-valve dumb shocks or re-spring and re-valve smart shocks with active management and control? Unless it is out of budget for SS I think it’s a no brainer.

 

I disagree with it being a no brainer. The way can am has these setup compared to others on the market, I would hesitate to call them Smart! Good shock, of course. But no Brainer I dont think it is.

 

I would get the XRS model. You get the better shocks with all the adjustability. The QRS shocks are only 2.5" and only have 3 compression settings. The XRS has rebound and hi/low speed compression adjustments and the rear shocks are 3".

I wish Can Am would move the GPS screen/display to were the dash cluster is and leave that space for a real GPS. Can Am tech for GPS sucks. Have no clue why they did not do something better like the Ride Command.