2012 CAN-AM DS 450 ATV FAMILY
Can-Am offers one of the most diverse 450 sport quad lineups in the industry with three models to choose from: Can-Am
DS 450, DS 450 X mx and DS 450 X xc. Whether it’s slicing through the tight, twisting woods, taming motocross tracks or
exploring wide-open spaces in the desert, Can-Am has a model for every rider and every terrain imaginable. It’s easy to
throw your weight around when you’re riding a machine with the preeminent power-to-weight ratio of any 450-class sport
ATV*. The DS 450 family features an innovative, no-weld ALTEC aluminum frame and a hearty Rotax engine that’s proven
itself on racetracks and in extreme environments around the world. When it comes to superior performance, unmatched
handling and precision control – the DS 450 should be considered untouchable.
CAN-AM DS 450 FAMILY HIGHLIGHTS
» Rotax 4-TEC 450 EFI engine
» ALTEC aluminum frame
» R-type double A-arm front suspension
» KYB HPG piggyback shocks
» R-Type rear swing arm suspension
» Wilwood braking systems
CAN-AM DS 450 X PACKAGES
DS 450 X mX
» +2 (51 mm) A-arms for 50-inch (1270 mm) width
» +1 (25 mm) anti-vibe steering stem
» Camber- and caster-adjustable front end
» 10.7 inches (272 mm) of suspension travel
» Dual-rate shocks with crossovers
» ITP QuadCross MX Pro tires
» Beadlock ITP T-9 rear wheels
» ITP T-9 GP front wheels
» Motocross-specific ride height
» Aluminum nerf bars with netted heel guards
DS 450 X Xc
» Caster-adjustable aluminum A-Arms
» 9.6 inches (244 mm) of front suspension travel
» 10.5 inches (267 mm) of rear suspension travel
» Dual-rate front shocks with crossovers
» ITP Holeshot GNCC tires
» Front and rear beadlock ITP T-9 wheels
» Cross-country-specific ride height
» +1 (25 mm) anti-vibe steering stem
» Aluminum skid plates
» Aluminum nerf bars with aluminum heel guard
CAN-AM DS 450 FAMILY FEATURES AND BENEFITS
RotaX 4-tEc 450 EFI EngInE
The Rotax four-stroke engine features the largest piston bore, intake valves and throttle body in its segment. The engine
also inherits its top end from the tried-and-true Rotax V990 mill found in the Aprilia RSV 1000 R sportbike and mates that
with a crankcase, clutch and transmission that are specially produced for off-road performance and use in an ATV. A freeflow design and electronic fuel injection means impressive power is blended with precision throttle control and instantaneous throttle response. No matter the temperature, altitude or riding situation, the DS 450 has the inherent ability to
transfer power the ground at every rpm.
ALTEC ALUMINUM FRAME
Outfitted with the industry’s only lock-bolt fastening system instead of welds, the aerospace-grade aluminum chassis is
as strong as it is lightweight and innovative. The frame’s dual-pyramidal construction — a design proven on BRP’s SkiDoo® REV™ and REV-XP™ platforms — was created by computer-optimized technology to offer weight savings without sacrificing durability.
RACE-INSPIRED RADIATOR GRILL
Incorporating valuable feedback from its real-world racing development program, Can-Am engineers scalloped the radiator to make it more resistant to mud and debris buildup.
R-TYPE DOUBLE A-ARM FRONT SUSPENSION
Offering less unsprung weight than competitive models, the R-Type forged aluminum double A-arm front suspension is
outfitted with unique inverted dual-piston caliper (on the inside of the disc). This setup not only delivers razor-sharp handling, remarkable bump absorption and confident tracking, but it also reduces wheel scrub and kickback and positions the
ball-joints and kingpin axis inside the wheel. The clear-cut result is precision control and self-correcting behavior under
hard braking.
KYB HPG PIGGYBACK SHOCKS
The lightweight, aluminum-bodied piggyback shocks offer adjustments for compression, rebound and preload (threaded)
so riders can dial in the shocks for the terrain at hand. The front KYB shocks offer 9.5 inches (24 cm) of usable suspension
travel, while the rear shock supplies a generous 10.2 inches (26 cm) of travel.
R-TYPE REAR SWING ARM SUSPENSION
A cast-aluminum swingarm with rising-rate linkage and critical weight-saving elements make the R-Type rear end as
lightweight as they come. Using an aluminum-bodied rear shock, hollow Chromoly 4140 axle, extended-reach aluminum hubs and aluminum chain sprocket also reduces the overall weight. These parts create a strategically strong, yet lightweight setup that not only reduces unsprung weight but also offers a quick transfer of power, improved traction and reduced rider fatigue.
WILWOOD BRAKING SYSTEMS
Mounted inside front rotors, the DS 450’s exclusive inverted dual-piston calipers allow for a unique knuckle / spindle /
A-arm design. Computer-designed, wave-type front-and-rear rotors offer exceptional cooling and enhance all-around
handling.
PERFORMANCE WHEELS AND TIRES
Lightweight and durable aluminum wheels are equipped with a rolled bead and proven ITP Holeshot SR tires. This setup
contributes to the machine’s superb power-to-weight ratio as well as its skillful ability to supply traction and transfer
power to the ground.
PERFORMANCE ERGONOMICS
Ergonomically enhanced with a narrow midsection, performance-type seat and smooth transitions, the DS 450 is built to
please sport enthusiasts with an active riding style. Wide foot pegs with kick ups and integrated heel guards offer riders
superb footing and protection.
PERFORMANCE FEATURES
Equipped with conveniently detachable headlights and interchangeable front fenders.
CAN-AM DS 450 X MX PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS
GRAPHICS PACKAGE
The 2012 DS 450 X mx returns to the lineup its motocross-ready package and an eye-catching yellow-and-black graphics
package.
50-INCH WIDTH
The DS 450 X mx is purpose built with the ATV motocross racer in mind and saves buyers the hassle of having to purchase
aftermarket A-arms. It measures 50 inches (1270 mm) wide thanks to its +2 (51 mm) A-arms, which come stock. It comes
out of box with built-in control and stability to enhance the racing experience.
ANTI-VIBE STEERING STEM
Motocross racers love being in control and often feel one with their ATV while competing on the track. The DS 450 X mx
offers quad racers a familiar setup and comfortable feel with a rubber-mounted anti-vibe steering stem. Combine the +1
(25 mm) stem with the aftermarket-comparable aluminum 6061-T6 taper-profile handlebar and square bar pad and racers should enjoy this race-ready cockpit.
CAMBER- AND CASTER-ADJUSTABLE FRONT END
Can-Am engineers added a shim-style camber and caster-adjustable front end on the DS 405 X mx to help riders “dial in”
the machine for motocross. Each shim represents one-degree of adjustment. Camber is adjustable from 11 degrees to 15
degrees, while caster is adjustable from 3 degrees to 10 degrees. Ultimate handling and superior control are now literally
in the hands of the riders.
RACE-BRED SUSPENSION
KYB HPG shocks comprise the DS 450 X mx shocks. Piggyback shocks run on the front end and a single shock with remote
reservoir is on the rear end. All three shocks are adjustable for high- and low-speed compression damping, rebound and
preload (threaded). The front shocks include dual separate-rate springs with a crossover for further tuning and terrain
control. Suspension travel is 10.7 inches (272 mm) front and rear. The shocks feature Kashima coating, which reduces
internal friction and heat and creates more consistent shock performance and reduces fade.
ITP QUADCROSS MX PRO TIRES AND ITP T-9 WHEELS
The Can-Am DS 450 X mx is outfitted with an ideal tire-and-wheel setup for motocross. High-performance, 18-inch rear
ITP QuadCross MX Pro tires are more than capable of transferring the DS 450 X mx’s power to ground and in a wide variety
of soil conditions, from loam to hard-pack dirt. Guiding the Can-Am through corners are 20-inch ITP QuadCross MX Pro
tires. Both tires are mounted on black, aluminum ITP T-9 wheels, which boost handling and add to this machine’s precision
cornering. The rear 8-inch beadlock wheel includes an inner reinforcement ring and it’s specially designed to handle the
rigors of motocross racing.
ALUMINUM NERF BARS
Straight from the factory, Can-Am has prepped the DS 450 X mx for you by adding lightweight aluminum nerf bars with
netted heel guards. The nerf bars are required for racing motocross and are built with you in mind. Adjustable side extensions let you customize the width of the nerf bars and they can be easily removed if you so choose.
ADJUSTABLE-WIDTH AXLE
With four inches of total adjustment for width, the chromoly 4140 axle found in the DS 450 X mx is made for motocross.
The strong-but-lightweight (hollow) rear axle adjusts from 46 (1168 mm) to 50 inches (1270 mm) with .5-inch (13 mm)
spacers and enables riders to set up the Can-Am for their preferred motocross width.
MOTOCROSS-SPECIFIC RIDE HEIGHT
Ride height can make the world of difference in motocross racing. Straight from the factory, the DS 450 X mx is prepped
with a ride height of seven inches (178 mm). This height, along with the ATV being “dialed in” for a 175-pound rider (with
gear), gives the DS 450 X mx a lower center of gravity and allows you to rail through the corners with confidence
CAN-AM DS 450 X XC PACKAGE HIGHLIGHTS
GRAPHICS PACKAGE
Dressed in its signature Can-Am black-and-yellow racing attire, the 2012 DS 450 X mx is dressed for success in the
woods.
46-INCH WIDTH
Riders who enjoy charging through the trees at blistering speeds need an ATV that carries that same passion. Enter the
Can-Am DS X xc, which offers the perfect 46-inch (1168 mm) width and components (forged aluminum upper and lower
A-arms) to turn any wannabe into a woods-racing hero.
ANTI-VIBE STEERING STEM
Eliminating the need for an aftermarket steering stem, the 450 X xc comes from the factory with a rubber-mounted +1
(25mm) anti-vibe stem. This key component, along with the aluminum 6061-T6 taper-profile handlebars and race pad,
boosts the Can-Am’s racing ergonomics and better creates an “attack position” for riders.
CASTER-ADJUSTABLE FRONT END
The DS 450 X xc features a shim-style caster adjustment on its double aluminum A-arm front end, so racers can customize
the machine’s handling to match their riding preference. Each shim represents one-degree of adjustment with 3 degrees to
10 degrees of caster adjustment.
RACE-BRED SUSPENSION
Fully adjustable KYB HPG shocks adorn the DS 450 X xc. All three shocks offer adjustments for preload (threaded), high-
and low-speed rebound and compression damping. Offering 9.6 inches (244 mm) of travel, the front piggyback shocks
feature two separate-rate springs with a crossover for further tuning and maximizing performance. On the rear, the remote
reservoir-equipped KYB shock supplies an ample 10.5 inches (267 mm) of travel.
ITP HOLESHOT GNCC TIRES AND ITP T-9 WHEELS
Racing through the woods is far less predictable than riding a groomed motocross track. Racers require a tire-and-wheel
combo that is ready for anything. And that’s why the DS 450 X xc is outfitted with ITP Holeshot GNCC tires that feature an
aggressive, race-proven lug pattern for superb traction in a wide variety of terrain. Turning the dirt are 20-inch (508 mm)
ITP Holeshot GNCC rear tires mounted on 10-inch (254 mm) black, aluminum ITP T-9 beadlock wheels. A 21-inch (533 mm)
ITP Holeshot GNCC tire and 9-inch (229 mm) black, aluminum ITP T-9 wheel with beadlock rings lead the way up front.
ALUMINUM NERF BARS
Lightweight aluminum nerf bars with aluminum heel guards are part of the Can-Am DS 450 X xc’s racing makeup. Adjustable side extensions allow for customizable widths. And, if needed, nerf bars and heel guards are easy to remove.
ADJUSTABLE-WIDTH AXLE
The race-proven chromoly 4140 hollow axle on the DS 450 X xc is adjustable for width. It lets riders customize their ride,
offering varying widths from 46 inches (1168 mm) to 50 inches (1270 mm) with .5-inch (13 mm) spacers.
CROSS-COUNTRY-SPECIFIC AMENITIES
Racing in the desert and woods is demanding and often requires a rider to fortify their machine to withstand the brutal
conditions. Don’t fret, for added protection, the Can-Am DS 450 X xc comes standard with aluminum skid plates for its
frame and swing arm. And the handlebars also have full-wrap wind deflectors with aluminum braces for peace of mind.
The X xc’s 7.5-inch (101 mm) ride height — assuming a 175-pound rider with gear — reduces the center of gravity for
improved cornering capabilities.
Linear Mode
