Can-Am DS 450 Series Manual

2012
2012
DS
450
Series
DS
450
Series
Read this guide thoroughly. It contains important safety information.
Minimum recommended operator
s age: 16 years old. Experienced
operator only. Keep this perator
s Guide in the vehicle.
WARNING
THIS 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.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if
you do not follow these instructions:
 BEFORE YOU OPERATE THIS VEHICLE, READ
THIS OPERATORS GUIDE AND ALL
ON-PRODUCT PRODUCT LABELS.
 NEVER OPERATE THIS VEHICLE WITHOUT
PROPER INSTRUCTIONS.
Complete a certified training course.
NEVER CARRY A PASSENGER. You increase
your risk of losing control if you carry a passenger.
 NEVER OPERATE THIS VEHICLE ON A PAVED
SURFACE. You increase your risk of losing control
if you operate this vehicle on pavement.
 NEVER OPERATE THIS VEHICLE ON PUBLIC
ROADS. You can collide with another vehicle if you
operate this vehicle on a public road.
 ALWAYS WEAR AN APPROVED HELMET,
eye protection, and protective clothing.
 NEVER RIDE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF
ALCOHOL OR DRUGS. They slow reaction time and
impair judgment.
 NEVER OPERATE THIS VEHICLE AT EXCESSIVE
SPEEDS. You increase your risk of losing control
if you operate this vehicle at speeds too fast for the
terrain, visibility conditions, or your experience.
NEVER ATTEMPT WHEELIES, JUMPS, OR OTHER
STUNTS.
WARNING
DS
450
TM
Series
DS
450
TM
® AND THE BRP LOGO ARE TRADEMARKS OF BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. OR ITS AFFILIATES.
©2011 BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN CANADA.
219 000 780 CA
OPERATORS GUIDE, DS 450 Series / ENGLIS
GUIDE DU CONDUCTEUR, Série DS 450 / ANGLAIS
FAIT AU / MADE IN CANADA U/M:P.C.
219 000 780
Series
Includes
Safety, Vehicle
and Maintenance Information
Operators
uide
2012

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.
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65 WARNING
WARNING
This product contains or emits chemicals known to the state of California to
cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.
In Canada, products are distributed by Bombardier Recreational Products Inc.
(BRP). In USA, products are distributed by BRP US Inc.
The following trademarks are the property of Bombardier Recreational
Products Inc.:
Can-Am™
DS 450™
DS450™X™xc
DS 450™ X™ mx
Rotax®
XPS™
vmo2012-016 en AG
®™ and the BRP logo are trademarks of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. or its affiliates.
©2011 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.
At delivery, you were also informed of
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 injured or killed,
read this Operator's Guide before you
operate the vehicle:
–
SAFETY INFORMATION
– VEHICLE INFORMATION .
Also, read all safety labels on your ATV
and watch attentively your
SAFETY
DVD
.
This vehicle is a category S, always fol-
low this age recommendation: A per-
son under 16 years old should never
operate this vehicle.
This vehicle is for recreational use by
experienced operators only.
We highly recommend that you take
a safety riding course. Please check
your dealer or local authorities for avail-
ability in your area.
Failure to follow the warnings con-
tained in this Operator's Guide can
result in SERIOUS INJURY or DEATH.
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 potential hazard, if not
avoided, could result in serious in-
jury or death.
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 se-
verely 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.
Keep this Operator's Guide in the vehi-
cle as you can refer to it for things such
as maintenance, troubleshooting and
instructing others.
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 anex-
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
_______________ 1

FOREWORD
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
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, remember 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
AboutthisOperator'sGuide .................................................... 1
SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERALPRECAUTIONS.......................................................... 8
AvoidCarbonMonoxidePoisoning............................................. 8
AvoidGasolineFiresandOtherHazards ....................................... 8
AvoidBurnsfromHotParts ..................................................... 8
AccessoriesandModifications ................................................. 8
SPECIALSAFETYMESSAGES .................................................... 9
OPERATIONWARNINGS.......................................................... 12
RIDINGTHEVEHICLE.............................................................. 37
Pre-RideInspection............................................................. 38
Clothing.......................................................................... 39
CarryingPassenger ............................................................. 40
CarryingLoads .................................................................. 40
RecreationalRiding ............................................................. 40
Environment..................................................................... 41
DesignLimitation ............................................................... 41
Off-HighwayOperation......................................................... 42
GeneralOperatingandSafetyPrecautions ................................... 42
RidingTechniques............................................................... 44
IMPORTANTON-PRODUCTLABELS............................................ 50
HangTag......................................................................... 50
VehicleSafetyLabels........................................................... 50
ComplianceLabels.............................................................. 53
TechnicalInformationLabel.................................................... 54
VEHICLE INFORMATION
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENTS .................................... 56
1)ThrottleLever................................................................. 57
2)FrontBrakeLever ............................................................ 57
3)ClutchLever .................................................................. 58
4)ParkingBrake................................................................. 58
5)MultifunctionSwitch......................................................... 59
6)IgnitionSwitch................................................................ 60
7)IndicatorLamps .............................................................. 61
_______________ 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
CONTROLS/INSTRUMENT/EQUIPMENTS (cont’d)
8)RearBrakePedal ............................................................. 61
9)TransmissionLever........................................................... 61
10)ToolKit ....................................................................... 62
11)SeatLatch ................................................................... 62
FUEL.................................................................................. 64
RecommendedFuel............................................................ 64
FuelingProcedure............................................................... 64
OPERATINGINSTRUCTIONS..................................................... 66
OperationDuringBreak-InPeriod.............................................. 66
StartingtheEngine.............................................................. 66
ShiftingtheTransmission....................................................... 67
StoppingtheEngine ............................................................ 67
WhattoDoifVehicleIsTurnedOver .......................................... 69
WhattoDoifVehicleIsImmersedinWater .................................. 69
TUNEYOURRIDE .................................................................. 70
SteeringAlignment(Toe)....................................................... 70
RearTrackWidthAdjustment(XxcandXmx)................................ 71
CasterAdjustment(XxcandXmx)............................................ 72
CamberAdjustment(Xmx) .................................................... 74
SuspensionAdjustmentsGuideline........................................... 75
FrontSuspensionAdjustments................................................ 75
RearSuspensionAdjustments................................................. 77
FrontSuspensionFactorySettings............................................ 79
RearSuspensionFactorySettings............................................. 79
VEHICLETRANSPORTATION..................................................... 80
MAINTENANCE INFORMATION
5-HOURAND10-HOURINITIALSERVICES..................................... 82
5-HourEngineOilandFilterReplacement.................................... 82
InitialInspection................................................................. 82
MAINTENANCESCHEDULE...................................................... 83
MAINTENANCEPROCEDURES .................................................. 87
EngineOil........................................................................ 87
EngineCoolant.................................................................. 90
AirFilter.......................................................................... 94
AirFilterHousing................................................................ 95
MufflerSparkArrester.......................................................... 96
Radiator.......................................................................... 97
TransmissionLever ............................................................. 97
Clutch ............................................................................ 98
4_______________

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES (cont’d)
ThrottleCable ................................................................. 101
ThrottleLever ................................................................. 102
SparkPlugs.................................................................... 103
Battery ......................................................................... 104
Fuses........................................................................... 104
Lights........................................................................... 105
IndicatorLamps............................................................... 107
DriveChain .................................................................... 107
DriveChainSlider ............................................................. 109
DriveChainSprockets ........................................................ 109
Tires/Wheels .................................................................. 109
FrontWheelBearings......................................................... 113
RearAxle....................................................................... 113
Suspensions................................................................... 113
Brakes.......................................................................... 114
Body............................................................................ 116
Frame .......................................................................... 116
VEHICLECARE.................................................................... 117
Post-OperationCare.......................................................... 117
VehicleCleaningandProtection ............................................. 117
STORAGEANDPRESEASONPREPARATION................................ 118
TECHNICAL INFORMATION
VEHICLEIDENTIFICATION...................................................... 120
VehicleIdentificationNumber................................................ 120
EngineIdentificationNumber................................................ 120
NOISEEMISSIONCONTROLSYSTEMREGULATION...................... 121
USAandCanadaOnly ........................................................ 121
SPECIFICATIONS................................................................. 122
TROUBLESHOOTING
TROUBLESHOOTINGGUIDELINES ........................................... 130
WARRANTY
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY USA AND CANADA: 2012 CAN-AMTM ATV .. 136
BRP INTERNATIONAL LIMITED WARRANTY: 2012 CAN-AMTM ATV ..... 141
_______________ 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS
BRP LIMITED WARRANTY FOR THE EUROPEAN AND THE RUSSIAN
ECONOMIC AREAS AND TURKEY: 2012 CAN-AMTM ATV.................. 145
CUSTOMER INFORMATION
PRIVACYINFORMATION........................................................ 152
CHANGEOFADDRESS/OWNERSHIP......................................... 153
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 exhaustcan 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:
– Never start or operate the engine
with the fuel cap removed.
– Use only an approved red gasoline
container to store fuel.
– Strictly adhere to instructions in
FUEL subsection.
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
THIS VEHICLE IS NOT A TOY AND CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE.
– This vehicle handles differently from other vehicles including motorcycles and
cars.
– 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 precau-
tions.
SEVERE INJURY OR DEATH can result if you do not follow these instructions:
– Read this Operator's Guide and all on-product safety labels carefully and follow
the operating procedures described. Watch and pay attention to the
SAFETY
DVD
before operation.
– This is a high performance ATV for off-road use only. Inexperienced riders may
overlook risks and be surprised by the specific behavior of this ATV in any terrain
condition.
– Always follow this age recommendation: A person under 16 years old should
never operate this vehicle. For experienced operators only.
– Never carry a passenger on this vehicle.
– Never operate this vehicle on any paved surfaces, including sidewalks, drive-
ways, parking lots and streets.
– Never operate this vehicle on any public street, road or highway, even a dirt or
gravel one.
– 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 ride this vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs. They slow reac-
tion time and impair judgement.
– Never operate at excessive speeds. Always go at a speed that is proper for the
terrain, visibility, and operating conditions, and your experience.
– Never attempt wheelies, jumps, or other stunts.
– 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 keep both hands 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 operation may
lead to foot protector breakage. Your foot or leg may come into contact with the
rear wheels, which could injure you or cause an accident. Never use foot pro-
tectors as a resting area.
– Always go slowly and be extra careful when operating on unfamiliar terrain. Al-
ways be alert to changing terrain conditions when operating this vehicle.
– 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.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 9

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
– Always follow proper procedures for turning as described further in this Opera-
tor'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 yourweight
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 described
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 climbing 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 attempt 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 skidding or
sliding by practicing at low speeds and on level smooth terrain. On extremely
slippery surfaces, such as ice, go slowly and be very cautious 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.
– Always use the size and type of tires 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 accessories.
Only use BRP's approved accessories.
10 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

SPECIAL SAFETY MESSAGES
– Never exceed the stated load limits for this vehicle including the operator and all
other added accessories.
– Never operate this vehicle without proper instruction. Take a training course.
All operators should receive training from a certified instructor.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ATV SAFETY, contact an authorized
Can-Am dealer to find out about available training courses nearest you.
USA and Canada only: call the Specialty Vehicle Institute of America (SVIA) at
1 800 887-2887 or in Canada, the Canada Safety Council (CSC) at 1 613 739-1535.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 11

OPERATION WARNINGS
The following warning and their format have been requested by the United States
Consumer Product Safety Commission and are required to be in the Operator's
Guide for all ATVs.
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
V00A03Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle on paved surfaces.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
The tires are designed for off-road use only, not for use on pavement. Paved
surfaces may seriously affect handling and control of this vehicle, and may
cause the vehicle to go out of control.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never operate this vehicle on any paved surfaces, including sidewalks,
driveways, parking lots and streets.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 15

OPERATION WARNINGS
WARNING
V00A04Q
POTENTIAL HAZARD
Operating this vehicle on public streets, roadsorhighways.
WHAT CAN HAPPEN
You can collide with another vehicle.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never operate this vehicle on any public street, road or highway, even a dirt
or gravel one. In many states or provinces it is illegal to operate this vehicle
on public streets, roads or highways.
16 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________

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.
________ SAFETY INFORMATION ________ 17

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.
Could result in an accident or death.
HOW TO AVOID THE HAZARD
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or while riding this vehicle.
18 _______ SAFETY INFORMATION ________