When I tested the new Can-Am Defender HD11 last year, I wasn’t really craving more power. Sure, everything could use a few more horses – except for the Stark class, which needs less – but a little bump here and there won’t kill anyone. I wasn’t expecting, although I probably should have, that Evolution Powersports would release a basic ECU tune and clutch kit for a 25+ horsepower machine so soon.
If you know the name Evolution Powersports, or its more colloquially used name “EVP”, you’ve probably seen how it turns Can-Ams and Polaris into literal fire-breathing monsters. Billet internals and blocks, big-ass turbochargers and squirrel-sucking wastegates, and machines that spit flames, tear up dunes, and some of which can even pop wheelies.
Thankfully, the new kit doesn’t do this with the more utilitarian Defender HD11. It just adds a handful of ponies to make life easier and a little more fun. Who’s ready to pull out the backend while taking out a deer?
“The all-new Can-Am Defender HD11 has become one of the most talked-about utilities of the year due to its completely redesigned powertrain and improved refinement,” the press release said. Now, Evolution Powersports (EVP) is offering one of the first major aftermarket performance packages for the new platform, giving owners the opportunity to unlock even more performance.
This performance is through the brand’s Stage 1 ECU Power Flash and Clicker Clutch Weight Kit, both of which are “designed to work together to deliver a claimed gain of more than 25 horsepower while improving throttle response, acceleration and overall drivability.” This is a big addition purely for tune and clutch kit, but I would love to feel it myself.
As far as numbers are concerned, the stock Rotax 3-cylinder engine produces 95 horsepower and 70 pound-feet of torque. This new EVP setup bumps it up to 120 horsepower and a bit more torque, although EVP doesn’t say how much. As stated, the tune bumps the top speed to 93 mph, and increases the rev range by 250 rpm.
With clutch kits, there are two options: a Shift-Tech-P clicker clutch weight setup, and a low engagement clutch weight kit, the latter of which is what you’ll need to tune up and get the most out of your machine. Additionally, EVP is also working on other mods for the Defender HD11, including a turbo setup, to provide a massive boost to the 120 horsepower figure in the near future.
pricing for The ECU kit will cost you $1,000While clutch kits are either $520 for heavy-duty setup Or $250 for more everyday kits. Either way, it’s not terrible for the performance you’re getting… and to prepare yourself for when the turbo setup drops in the coming weeks and months.
