Can-Am DS 450 EFI X mx Manual

WARNING
YOUR VEHICLE CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. A collision or rollover
can occur quickly, even during routine maneuvers such as turning and
driving on hills or over obstacles, if you fail to take proper precautions.
For your safety, understand and follow all the warnings contained in this
Operator's Guide and the labels on your vehicle. Failure to follow these
warnings can result in SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH!
Keep this Operator's Guide with the vehicle at all times.
WARNING
Disregarding any of the safety precautions and instructions contained in
this Operator’s Guide, SAFETY DVD and on-product labels could cause
injury including the possibility of death!
WARNING
This vehicle may exceed the performance of other vehicles you may have
ridden in the past. Take time to familiarize yourself with your new vehicle.
The following trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational
Products Inc.:
Can-Am™
DS 450TM
Rotax®
XP-STM
vmo2009-010 en AG
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2008 Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. and BRP US Inc. All rights reserved.

FOREWORD
Congratulations on your purchase of a
new Can-Am™ ATV. It is backed by the
BRP warranty and a network of autho-
rized Can-Am dealers ready to provide
the parts, service or accessories you
may require.
Your dealer is committed to your sat-
isfaction. He has taken training to per-
form the initial setup and inspection of
your vehicle as well as completed the
final adjustment before you took pos-
session. If you need more complete
servicing information, please ask your
dealer.
Atdelivery,youwerealsoinformedof
the warranty coverage and signed the
PREDELIVERY CHECK LIST to ensure
your new vehicle was prepared to your
entire satisfaction.
Know Before you Go
To learn how to reduce the risk for you
or bystanders being hurt or killed, read
the following sections before you oper-
ate the vehicle:
–
SAFETY INFORMATION
– VEHICLE INFORMATION .
We highly recommend that you take
a safety riding course. Please check
your dealer or local authorities for avail-
ability in your area.
Keep this Operator's Guide in the vehi-
cle so that you can refer to it for things
such as maintenance, troubleshooting
and instructing others.
Safety Messages
The types of safety messages, what
they look like and how they are used in
this guide are explained as follows:
WARNING
Indicates a hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, could result
in death or serious injury.
CAUTION Indicates a hazard
situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTICE Indicates an instruction
which, if not followed, could severe-
ly damage vehicle components or
other property.
About this Operator's
Guide
This Operator's Guide has been pre-
pared to acquaint the owner/operator
of a new vehicle with the various ve-
hicle controls, maintenance and safe
operating instructions. It is indispens-
able for the proper use of the product.
Note that this guide is available in sev-
eral languages. In the event of any dis-
crepancy, the English version shall pre-
vail.
If you want to view and/or print an ex-
tra copy of your Operator's Guide, sim-
ply visit the following website www.
operatorsguide.brp.com.
The informations contained in this doc-
ument are correct at the time of publi-
cation. BRP, however, maintains a pol-
icy of continuous improvement of its
products without imposing upon itself
any obligation to install them on prod-
ucts previously manufactured. Due
to late changes, some differences be-
tween the manufactured product and
the descriptions and/or specifications
in this guide may occur. BRP reserves
the right at any time to discontinue or
_______________ 1

FOREWORD
change specifications, designs, fea-
tures, models or equipment without
incurring any obligation upon itself.
This Operator's Guide and the
SAFETY
DVD
should remain with the vehicle
when it's sold.
While reading this Operator’s Guide, reminder that:
WARNING
Indicates a potential hazard that, if not avoided, could result in serious
injury or death.
2_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FOREWORD .......................................................................... 1
KnowBeforeyouGo............................................................. 1
SafetyMessages................................................................. 1
About this Operator's Guide .................................................... 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERALPRECAUTIONS.......................................................... 8
Avoid Carbon Monoxide Poisoning ............................................. 8
AvoidGasolineFiresandOtherHazards ....................................... 8
AvoidBurnsfromHotParts ..................................................... 8
AccessoriesandModifications ................................................. 8
SPECIALSAFETYMESSAGES .................................................... 9
EuropeanCommunity .......................................................... 11
OPERATIONWARNINGS.......................................................... 12
RIDINGTHEVEHICLE.............................................................. 36
Pre-RideInspection............................................................. 37
Clothing.......................................................................... 38
CarryingLoads .................................................................. 39
RecreationalRiding ............................................................. 40
Environment..................................................................... 40
DesignLimitation ............................................................... 41
Off-HighwayOperation......................................................... 41
General Operating and Safety Precautions ................................... 41
Riding Techniques............................................................... 42
HANGTAG........................................................................... 48
IMPORTANTONPRODUCTLABELS ............................................ 49
VEHICLE INFORMATION
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENTS .................................... 54
1)ThrottleLever................................................................. 56
2)FrontBrakeLever ............................................................ 56
3)ClutchLever .................................................................. 57
4)ParkingBrakeLever.......................................................... 57
5)HeadlightsDimmerSwitch.................................................. 58
6)TurnSignalSwitch............................................................ 59
7)EngineStopSwitch .......................................................... 59
8)HornButton................................................................... 59
9)HazardWarningButton...................................................... 60
10)EngineStartButton......................................................... 60
_______________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENTS (cont’d)
11)MultifunctionGauge........................................................ 60
12)IgnitionSwitch .............................................................. 63
13)IndicatorLamps............................................................. 63
14)GearshiftPedal.............................................................. 64
15)ToolKit....................................................................... 64
16)SeatLatch ................................................................... 64
17)BrakePedal.................................................................. 65
18)VehicleLock................................................................. 65
FUEL.................................................................................. 67
Recommended Fuel ............................................................ 67
Fueling Procedure............................................................... 67
OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS..................................................... 68
OperationDuringBreak-InPeriod.............................................. 68
StartingtheEngine.............................................................. 68
ShiftingtheTransmission....................................................... 69
StoppingtheEngine ............................................................ 70
Post-OperationCare............................................................ 71
WhattoDoifVehicleIsTurnedOver .......................................... 71
WhattoDoifVehicleIsImmersedinWater .................................. 71
TUNEYOURRIDE .................................................................. 72
SteeringAlignment(Toe)....................................................... 72
RearTrackWidthAdjustment(XmxOnly) .................................... 74
Front Suspension Adjustments ................................................ 75
RearSuspensionAdjustments................................................. 79
VEHICLETRANSPORTATION..................................................... 81
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE...................................................... 84
5-HourEngineOilandFilterReplacement .................................... 89
10-HourInspection.............................................................. 89
MAINTENANCEPROCEDURES .................................................. 90
EngineOil........................................................................ 90
EngineCoolant .................................................................. 93
AirFilter.......................................................................... 97
AirFilterHousing................................................................ 98
MufflerSparkArrester.......................................................... 98
Radiator.......................................................................... 99
GearshiftPedal................................................................ 100
ParkingBrake.................................................................. 100
Clutch .......................................................................... 101
4_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES (cont’d)
ThrottleCable ................................................................. 104
ThrottleLever ................................................................. 106
SparkPlugs .................................................................... 107
Battery ......................................................................... 107
Fuses........................................................................... 108
Lights........................................................................... 109
IndicatorLamps ............................................................... 111
DriveChain .................................................................... 112
DriveChainSlider ............................................................. 113
DriveChainSprockets ........................................................ 113
Tires/Wheels .................................................................. 114
FrontWheelBearings......................................................... 115
RearAxle....................................................................... 115
Suspensions................................................................... 115
Brakes.......................................................................... 117
Body............................................................................ 119
Frame .......................................................................... 119
STORAGEANDPRESEASONPREPARATION................................ 120
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
VEHICLEIDENTIFICATION ...................................................... 122
Vehicle Identification Number................................................ 122
EngineIdentificationNumber................................................ 122
ComplianceLabel............................................................. 122
ECDECLARATIONOFCONFORMITY.......................................... 123
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................. 124
CONVERSIONCHART ........................................................... 128
TROUBLESHOOTING
TECHNICALGUIDELINES....................................................... 130
MULTIFUNCTIONGAUGEDISPLAYMESSAGES ........................... 134
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY USA AND CANADA: 2009 CAN-AMTM ATV . . 136
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2009 CAN-AMTM ATV ..... 141
_______________ 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE EUROPEAN ECONOMIC AREA: 2009
CAN-AMTM ATV................................................................... 145
PRIVACYOBLIGATION/DISCLAIMER......................................... 149
CHANGEOFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 150
6_______________

SAFETY
INFORMATION
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 7

GENERAL PRECAUTIONS
Avoid Carbon Monoxide
Poisoning
All engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, a deadly gas. Breathing car-
bon monoxide can cause headaches,
dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, confu-
sion and eventually death.
Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odor-
less, tasteless gas that may be present
even if you do not see or smell any en-
gine exhaust. Deadly levels of carbon
monoxide can collect rapidly, and you
can quickly be overcome and unable
to save yourself. Also, deadly levels of
carbon monoxide can linger for hours
or days in enclosed or poorly ventilated
areas. If you experience any symp-
toms of carbon monoxide poisoning,
leave the area immediately, get fresh
air and seek medical treatment.
To prevent serious injury or death from
carbon monoxide:
– Never run the vehicle in poorly ven-
tilated or partially enclosed areas
such as garages, carports or barns.
Even if you try to ventilate engine
exhaust with fans or open windows
and doors, carbon monoxide can
rapidly reach dangerous levels.
– Never run the vehicle outdoors
where engine exhaust can be drawn
into a building through openings
such as windows and doors.
Avoid Gasoline Fires and
Other Hazards
Gasoline is extremely flammable and
highly explosive. Fuel vapors can
spread and be ignited by a spark or
flame many feet away from the en-
gine. To reduce the risk of fire or explo-
sion, follow these instructions:
– Refuel outdoors in a well ventilated
area away from flames, sparks, any-
one smoking and other sources of
ignition.
– Never add fuel with engine running.
– Never top off the fuel tank. Leave
some room for the fuel to expand
with temperature changes.
– Wipeupanyspilledfuel.
– Never start or operate the engine
with the fuel cap removed.
– Use only an approved red gasoline
container to store fuel.
Gasoline is poisonous and can cause
injury or death.
– Never siphon gasoline by mouth.
– If you swallow gasoline, get any in
your eye or inhale gasoline vapor,
see your doctor immediately.
If gasoline spills on you, wash with
soap and water and change your
clothes.
Avoid Burns from Hot Parts
The exhaust system and engine be-
come hot during operation. Avoid con-
tact during and shortly after operation
to avoid burns.
Accessories and
Modifications
Do not make unauthorized modifica-
tions, or use attachments or acces-
sories that are not approved by BRP.
Since these changes have not been
tested by BRP, they may increase the
risk of crashes injuries, and they can
make the vehicle illegal.
See your authorized Can-Am dealer for
available accessories for your vehicle.
8________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
WARNING
THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE.
This vehicle handles differently from other vehicles including motorcycles
andcars. Acollisionorrollovercanoccurquickly,evenduringroutine
maneuvers such as turning and driving on hills or over obstacles, if you fail
to take proper precautions.
WARNING
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do not follow these instruc-
tions:
– Read this Operator's Guide and all on-product warning labels carefully
and follow the operating procedures described. Watch and pay attention
to the
SAFETY DVD before operation.
– Never operate this vehicle without proper instruction. Take a training
course. All operators should receive training from a certified instructor.
Contact an authorized Can-Am dealer for more information.
– Always follow this age recommendation: A person under 16 years old
should never operate this vehicle.
– Never operate at excessive speeds. Always go at a speed that is proper
for the terrain, visibility, and operating conditions, and your experience.
– Never carry a passenger on this vehicle.
– Never operate this vehicle on any paved surfaces unless it is for short
distances, at reduced speed and in order to move the vehicle from an
off-road location to another.
– Always respect the road traffic laws when you operate this vehicle on the
roadway, even a dirt or gravel road.
– Never take place on this vehicle without wearing an approved helmet
that fits properly. You should also wear eye protection (goggles or face
shield), gloves, boots, long sleeved shirt or jacket, and long pants.
– Never ridethis vehicle under the influence ofalcohol or drugs. They slow
reaction time and impair judgement.
– Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
– Always go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar ter-
rain. Always be alert to changing terrain conditions when operating this
vehicle.
– Always keep bothhands on the handlebars and both feet on the footpegs
of the vehicle during operation.
– Using foot protectors instead of footpegs as a resting area during opera-
tion may lead to foot protector breakage. Your foot or leg may come into
contact withthe rear wheels, which could injure youor causean accident.
Never use foot protectors as a resting area.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 9

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
WARNING
– Never operate on excessively rough, slippery or loose terrain until you
have learned and practiced the skills necessary to control this vehicle on
such terrain. Always be especially cautious on these kinds of terrain.
– Always follow proper procedures for turning as described further in this
Operator's Guide. Practice turning at low speeds before attempting to
turn at faster speeds. Do not turn at excessive speed.
– Never operate this vehicle on hills too steep for the vehicle or for your
abilities. Practice on smaller hills before attempting larger hills.
– Always follow proper procedures for climbing hills as described further
in this Operator's Guide. Check the terrain carefully before you start up
any hill. Never climb hills with excessively slippery or loose surfaces.
Shift your weight forward. Never open the throttle suddenly or make
sudden gear changes. Never go over the top of any hill at high speed.
– Always follow proper procedures for going down hills and for braking
on hills as described further in this Operator's Guide. Check the terrain
carefully before you start down any hill. Shift your weight backward.
Never go down a hill at high speed. Avoid going down a hill at an angle
that would cause the vehicle to lean sharply to one side. Go straight
down the hill where possible.
– Always follow proper procedures for crossing the side of a hill as de-
scribed further in this Operator's Guide. Avoid hills with excessively
slippery or loose surfaces. Shift your weight to the uphill side of the
vehicle. Never attempt to turn the vehicle around on any hill until you
have mastered the turning technique described in this Operator's Guide
on level ground. Avoid crossing the side of a steep hill if possible.
– Always use proper procedures if you stall or roll backwards when climb-
ing a hill. To avoid stalling, use proper gear and maintain a steady speed
when climbing a hill. If you stall or roll backwards, follow the special
procedure for braking described in this Operator's Guide. Dismount
on the uphill side or to a side if pointed straight uphill. Turn the vehicle
around and remount, following the procedure described further in this
Operator's Guide.
– Always check for obstacles before operating in a new area. Never at-
tempt to operate over large obstacles, such as large rocks or fallen trees.
Always follow proper procedures when operating over obstacles as
described further in this Operator's Guide.
– Always be careful when skidding or sliding. Learn to safely control skid-
ding or sliding by practicing at low speeds and on level smooth terrain.
On extremely slippery surfaces, such as ice, go slowly and be very cau-
tious in order to reduce the chance of skidding out of control.
– Never operate this vehicle in fast flowing water or in water deeper than
that specified in this Operator's Guide. Remember that wet brakes may
have reduced stopping ability. Test your brakes after leaving water. If
necessary, apply them several times to let friction dry out the pads.
10 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
WARNING
– Never exceed the stated load limits for this vehicle including operator, all
other added accessories.
– Always inspect and confirm the safe operating condition of your vehicle
prior to ride. Always follow the inspection and maintenance procedures
and schedules described in this Operator's Guide.
– Always use the tire size and type specified further in this Operator's
Guide. Always maintain proper tire pressure as described further in this
Operator's Guide.
– Never modify this vehicle through improper installation or use of acces-
sories. Onlyuse BRP's approved accessories. NEVER install apassenger
seat or use the cargo area to carry a passenger.
European Community
This warning applies only in the European Countries where on road usage is
allowed.
WARNING
On road use:
– This vehicleisbuilt forOFF-ROAD purposesonly. Itmaybeusedforshort
distances on paved surfaces at reduced speed, in order to move the vehi-
cle from an off-road location to another.
– When driving this vehicle on roads, always refrain from speeding and
substantially reduce vehicle speed when turning.
– Failure to do so can cause a loss of vehicle control, possibly resulting in
serious injury.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 11

OPERATION WARNINGS
NOTE: The following illustrations are general representations only. Your model
may differ.
WARNING
V00A0AQ
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle without proper instruction.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
The risk of an accident is greatly increased if the operator does not know
how to operate this vehicle properly in different situations and on different
types of terrain.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Beginning and inexperienced operators should complete a training course.
They should then regularly practice the skills learned in the course and the
operating techniques described in this Operator's Guide.
For more information about the training course, contact an authorized
Can-Am dealer.
12 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A01Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Failure to follow the age recommendations for this vehicle.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
A lack of respect for this age recommendation can lead to severe injury or
death of the child.
Even though a child may be within the age group for which this vehicle is
recommended, he may not have the skills, abilities, or judgment needed to
operate this vehicle safely and may be involved in a serious accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
No one under 16 should operate this vehicle.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 13

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A02Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Carrying a passenger on this vehicle.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Greatly reduces your ability to balance and control this vehicle.
Could cause an accident, resulting in harm to you and/or your passenger.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never carry a passenger. Even with a long seat that provides unrestricted
operator movement, it is not designed nor intended to carry passenger(s).
14 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A04Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle on public streets, roads or highways.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
You can collide with another vehicle. Paved surfaces may seriously affect
handling and control of the vehicle, and may cause the vehicle to go out of
control.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
If a road usage is allowed in your area, operate your vehicle on paved sur-
faces only for short distance and for the only purpose of moving the vehicle
from an off-road usage to another.
Always operate your vehicle at low speed (never exceed 65 km/h) and
reduce the speed before making a turn.
Always respect all road traffic laws when operating your vehicle on public
roads or streets.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 15

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A06Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Riding this vehicle without wearing an approved helmet, eye protection and
protective clothing.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
The following items concern all ATV's operator:
– Riding without an approved helmet increases the chances of a severe
head injury or death in the event of an accident.
– Riding without eye protection can result in an accident and increases the
chances of a severe injury in the event of an accident.
– Riding without protective clothing increases the chances of severe injury
in the event of an accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Always wear an approved helmet that fits properly. You should also wear:
– Eye protection (goggles or face shield)
– Gloves and boots
– Long sleeved shirt or jacket
–Longpants.
16 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A07Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Riding this vehicle after consuming alcohol or drugs.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Could seriously affect your judgment.
Could cause you to react more slowly.
Could affect your balance and perception.
Couldresultinanaccidentordeath.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while riding this vehicle.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 17

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A08Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle at excessive speeds.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
Increases your chances of losing control of the vehicle, which can result in
an accident.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Always travel at a speed which is proper for the terrain, visibility and operat-
ing conditions, and your experience. The maximum speed authorized with
this vehicle is 65 km/h. Always reduce speed before making a turn.
18 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________