Can-Am Defender HD11

With the demise of the quad bike in Australia, hunters are left with two main options for motorised transport in the field: Trail bikes or side-by-sides (SXS). Having gone bush with both, the conclusion was reached that when hunting on a motorbike, you spend lots of time watching where you’re going and a little bit of time looking for game. Yet with a side-by-side, you spend a little time watching where you’re going and a lot more looking for game. So I was excited when invited to attend the launch of the new Can-Am Defender HD11.

The first Can-Am Defender was released 10 years ago and although it was popular, its spec sheet didn’t make for great reading. It came with four-ply tyres (still the industry standard), no full cab options and no heavy bullbars. There was zero air conditioning in side-by-sides (it was unheard of), no max platforms or six-seaters and very limited access to accessories, as they were a new product.

Fast-forward to 2026 where the newly-released models include the XU, XT, Limited, XMR and a bunch of max platforms. Regarded as an industry leader, the new Can-Ams are at the higher end of the price range and for good reason.

Let’s hit the (off) road
First up was a warm-up lap as co-driver on a custom-built, off-road course which featured some genuine challenges from short, sharp hill climbs, to mud crossings and tight corners. There were even times when nearby trees looked desperate to see how well the roof was actually attached to the vehicle. This was no graded, dirt road track and now it was my turn behind the wheel.

It took a moment to work out when the centrifugal clutch was going to engage but, once we were under way, it was clear this was an outstanding off-road vehicle. We maintained high-range 4WD for the bulk of the course and the turning circle was impressive. The ability to lock both front and rear diff-lockers while in motion took some getting used to (I was habitually bringing the vehicle to a halt to engage the locks).

Dauntingly deep wheel ruts were the result of the course being used all week, to the point where low-range 4WD was required for the climb. Ground clearance on the HD11 was astonishing to the point where my co-driver and I had to winch out an HD10 which was hung up in the same ruts we’d just driven through! This not only demonstrated effectiveness of the winch for recovery, but also the superior ground clearance of the HD11 over previous models.

It was at this point that Dave, my Can-Am representative and co-driver asked me: “Do you hear that?” My heart sank a little, as for some reason I immediately thought of potentially shot bearings, leaking tyres or the million-and-one other things which can go wrong with offroad vehicles. Yet I couldn’t hear any of that and told him: “I don’t.” Dave’s reply? “Exactly.”

It was only then I realised the HD11 is so quiet, that not only were we able to have a effortless conversation without having to shout like town-criers, it was possible despite both of us wearing helmets. Suddenly all the talk of rubberised floor mats, insulated exhaust and sound-suppressed airboxes etc became real. I felt confident a hands-free kit would be a genuinely useful tool in this vehicle, rather than just part of the sales pitch. I drove the course multiple times, each time gaining more insight into the outstanding abilities and handling of the vehicle.

Accessories 
Designed with the hunter in mind, the HD11 features a multitude of accessories. There are LinQ connected gun boots available for the tray, as well as bolt-on racks which allow you to keep two firearms in the cabin. This is even more practical with the HD11 Limited, which features side doors and windows (as opposed to just mesh), and a gas strut-assisted windscreen that folds up and out of the way with single-handed operation from inside the cab.

This means not only are your firearms kept clean and dry, they’re readily available should you need them in a hurry. There’s also generous under-seat storage on the passenger side which, in addition to being dust and moisture resistant, would be ideal for ammunition storage along with countless other items I can think of.

In summary
The Can-Am Defender HD11 is a seriously good piece of kit. In the time I spent behind the wheel, it was almost impossible to find fault and even harder not to reach ‘feature/benefit’ overload, as each new improvement seemed more outstanding than the last. It’s abundantly clear Can-Am isn’t an organisation just happy to rest on previous successes. It’s genuinely working its backside off to listen to and address any and all feedback from the end users.

Having hunted from any number of motorised vehicles for more than two decades, I can’t think of a vehicle that could go blow-for-blow with this one. The Can-Am Defender HD11 gives the impression no expense has been spared in an effort to design and build the best SXS on the market. For price and availability, contact your local Can-Am dealer or visit can-am.brp.com  

Features

• Can-Am Defender HD11
• More comfortable ride and significantly quieter
• Super fuel-efficient redesigned three-cylinder Rotox 1000cc engine
• Large 45-litre fuel tank
• 25 per cent increase in driveline strength
• 200 hours between services
• Claimed to be 41 per cent cheaper to run than closest competitor
• LED headlights 50 per cent brighter
• Tail-lights and reverse lights added
• HD11 comes standard with 2000kg winch
• 12v outlet at the back and in the cab along with USB-A and USB-C
• Two pre-filters before the main air filter for increased efficiency
• Airbox 50 per cent bigger with noise suppressors on both sides
• Seat backrests taller and support rails angled
• Air conditioning
• Hands-free kit as standard
• ‘Flip-up’ steering wheel for easier access
• Infotainment system with 260mm touch-monitor
• Slated top speed more than 110k/h