If you read a review of Can Am Defenders, you’ll see that while they easily make the list of best UTVs for the money, they do have some drawbacks to consider.
Fortunately, adding any number of the thirteen best Can-Am Defender accessories will help overcome any shortcomings.
However, speed is not one of these drawbacks, as these models make for some of the fastest utility-focused side-by-sides in the industry.
There are 21 different trim styles for the Can Am Defender that range across five different engine performance levels.
For vehicles in stock condition, the Can Am Defender top speed is mostly dependent upon the size of its engine.
The five different engine sizes of the Can Am Defender are the HD5, HD7, HD8, HD9, and HD10.
This guide will explore:
- Top speed of each Defender model by engine type
- Which models are limited by speed limiters
- How to bypass these speed limiters to increase the top speed if desired
Can Am Defender HD 5 Top Speed
The Defender HD5 is powered by a 427 cc single-cylinder engine with an output of around 38 horsepower.
As the smallest of the engine options, the Can Am Defender HD5 top speed is 50 to 52 mph depending on the terrain and load weight.
The HD5 engine is no longer an option for new models, but was made available in two different pre-2022 Defender models. An electronic speed limiter restricts the HD5’s top speed.
Can Am Defender Models Available With HD5 Engine:
- Defender Base Model
- Defender DPS
| Engine Type | Rotax ACE, Four-Stroke |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 427 cc |
| Horsepower | 38 HP |
| Engine Torque | NA |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Can Am Defender HD7 Top Speed
The Can Am Defender HD7 makes the list of the best cheap side-by-side options for this year.
Powered by a 650 cc single-cylinder engine with an output of 52 horsepower, the Can Am Defender HD7 top speed is 66 mph.
The HD7 is restricted by an electronic speed limiter.
This top speed puts the Defender HD7 models right in line with many similar utility vehicles speed-wise, including the Polaris Ranger models.
The HD7 is the smallest engine still available on new Defenders and is currently available in three different models.
Can Am Defender Models Available With HD7 Engine:
- Defender Base
- Defender DPS
- Defender Max
| Engine Type | Rotax ACE (Advanced Combustion Efficiency), Four-Stroke |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Single-Cylinder |
| Displacement | 650 cc |
| Horsepower | 52 HP |
| Engine Torque | 41 lb-ft |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Can Am Defender HD8 Top Speed
The Defender HD8 is powered by a 800 cc V-Twin engine that puts out around 50 horsepower.
The smallest of the V-Twin engines, the Can Am Defender HD8 top speed is 66 mph. It is restricted by an electronic speed limiter.
Along with the HD5, the Defender HD8 is no longer an option in new models. It was made available in at least four different pre-2022 models.
Can Am Defender Models Available With HD8 Engine:
- Can Am Defender Base Model
- Defender DPS
- Defender DPS Cab
- Defender XT
| Engine Type | Rotax, Four-Stroke |
| Cylinder Arrangement | V-Twin |
| Displacement | 800 cc |
| Horsepower | 50 HP |
| Engine Torque | 50 lb-ft |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Cam Am Defender HD9 Top Speed
Boasting a 976 cc V-Twin engine with an output of 65 horsepower, the Can Am Defender HD9 top speed is 66 mph.
While a bigger, more powerful engine would give the impression that the HD9 would have more top end speed than the HD7 and HD8 models, an electronic speed limiter caps this model’s top speed.
The Defender HD9 surprisingly keeps pace with some of the fastest Can Am ATVs in stock form.
The HD9 is currently available in five different Defender models.
Can Am Defender Models Available With HD9 Engine:
- Defender DPS
- Defender XT
- Defender Max
- Defender Max DPS
- Defender Max XT
| Engine Type | Rotax, Four-Stroke |
| Cylinder Arrangement | V-Twin |
| Displacement | 976 cc |
| Horsepower | 65 HP |
| Engine Torque | 59 lb-ft |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Can Am Defender HD10 Top Speed
The Defender HD10 features a 976 cc V-Twin engine with an output of a whopping 82 horsepower.
The most powerful of all of the Defender models, the Can Am Defender HD10 top speed is 66 mph.
Speed-wise, the Defender is neck and neck with the very similar CFMoto UForce 1000, but a review of the fourteen key differences between the Cam Am Defender vs UForce 1000 show how they differ as well.
As you may have guessed, this model is also restricted by an electronic speed limiter.
Though the same size as the HD9, the HD10 offers a good bit more towing capacity as it boasts more horsepower and torque.
The HD10 is the most popular Defender engine, currently available in seventeen different models.
Can Am Defender Models Available With HD10 Engine:
- Defender DPS
- Defender XT
- Defender DPS Cab
- Defender Limited
- Defender XMR
- Defender Max DPS
- Defender Max XT
- Defender Max Lone Star
- Defender Max Lone Star Cab
- Defender Max Limited
- Defender Max XMR
- Defender 6×6 DPS
- Defender 6×6 XT
- Defender 6×6 Limited
- Defender Pro DPS
- Defender Pro XT
- Defender Pro Limited
| Engine Type | Rotax, Four-Stroke |
| Cylinder Arrangement | V-Twin |
| Displacement | 976 cc |
| Horsepower | 82 HP |
| Engine Torque | 69 lb-ft |
| Engine Cooling | Liquid-Cooled |
Can Am Defender Max Top Speed
All crew Defenders are referred to as the Can Am Defender Max, and they make the list for best 4-seater side by sides money can buy.
That said, these models each offer six seats, with room for three up front and three in back.
The various Defender Max models offer the option of an HD7, HD9, or HD10 engine and get the same speed as their three-seater companions depending upon which engine is installed.
Can Am Defender Max HD7 Top Speed: 66 mph.
Can Am Defender Max HD9 Top Speed: 66 mph.
Can Am Defender Max HD10 Top Speed: 66 mph.
Can Am Defender Speed Limiter
All Can Am Defender models are restricted by an electronic speed limiter. This speed limiter kicks in at 52 mph in the Defender HD5.
For the Defender HD7, HD8, HD9, and HD10 the speed limiter kicks in at 66 mph.
While the more powerful HD9 and HD10 will reach 66 mph faster than the HD7 and HD8, they all top out at the same speed.
Deleting the Speed Limiter
The only way to delete the electronic speed limiter in any Defender model is to have the Electronic Control Unit tuned.
By having the ECU tuned, the speed limiter goes poof. But this tune of the ECU also benefits your Defender by recalculating and adjusting the optimal air to fuel ratios, leading to better horsepower and throttle response.
An ECU tune can also reprogram the radiator fan to engage at a lower engine temperature to help prevent the Can Am Defender overheating problem many of them suffer from.
By tuning the ECU in the Defender HD7 through HD10 models, many owners are able to reach speeds of 75+ mph in their vehicles.
More Ways To Increase The Defender Top Speed
Upgrade The Air Intake
The air intake system consists of components such as the air filter and airbox, and is responsible for funneling clean air to the engine so it can breathe.
By modifying the airbox and upgrading the air filter, more airflow will be able to reach the engine which should increase performance.
This added airflow will also increase the amount of fuel that can and needs to be delivered to the engine.
Both UNI Filter and K&N Filters make highly recommended air intake upgrades for the line of Can Am Defenders.
Upgrade The Exhaust System
To ensure that the added airflow from an upgraded intake can exit the engine just as efficiently, you should upgrade the stock exhaust system as well.
Not to mention it will also give your Defender a more aggressive tone while riding, though it will likely make it a good bit louder as well.
Upgrading both the intake and exhaust will focus on giving your vehicle more power in the highest RPM ranges, which will add to the throttle response and top-end speed in those RPM ranges.
Highly Recommended Exhaust Upgrades For Defenders:
- HMF Exhaust
- MBRP Exhaust
- Empire Exhaust
- RJWC Exhaust
See how they all compare in this aftermarket exhaust guide.
Upgrade The Clutch System
Another way to increase the speed and overall performance of the Can Am Defender is to upgrade the clutch system.
Some Can Am Defender models suffer from clutch problems which can cause a jerky ride when starting from a stopped position and tend to wear out the drive belt.
But these clutch issues can also cause a loss of speed, throttle response and power in the Defender as well.
Owners can go the route of completely replacing the primary clutch, or install a clutch kit to upgrade some components of the stock clutch system. Either option should help overcome clutch issues and increase overall performance.
Airdam Clutches makes the best aftermarket primary clutch replacement in the business specifically for the Can Am Defender, but they can be quite pricey.
EPI Performance makes an aftermarket clutch kit for the Defender that is excellent for those with tire sizes 30 inches and under. These clutch kits usually come with upgraded springs, weights, and a helix.
Upgrade To Bigger Tires
The various Can Am Defender models come equipped with stock 27-inch, 28-inch, or 30-inch tires depending on the trim style. Replacing these with a larger diameter tire can help increase the top speed by around 3-5 mph.
If doing this, it’s important to consider upgrading the clutch system as well to ensure top performance.
Inspect The Drive Belt
As the Defender’s stock clutch can be hard on the drive belt, it is important to inspect the belt regularly to ensure it is not worn or loose fitting.
A worn or loose fitting drive belt can have a substantial negative effect on the top speed of the vehicle, so owners should regularly make sure they fit tight and are in good condition.
Run High Octane Fuel
A high octane fuel, such as 91 or 93 octane, is highly recommended in Can Am Defender models.
Not only will this result in better overall engine performance, but it should increase the longevity of the engine and its components as well.
Can Am Defender Break-In Period
The top speed and overall engine performance of the Can Am Defender is heavily dependent upon the proper breaking in of the vehicle.
Owners should refer to the break-in period outlined in the owner’s manual, which refers to the first ten hours of operation (or 200 miles) as the break-in period.
During this time it is important to avoid excessive engine heat as the engine and its components wear and polish themselves to the proper operating clearances.
The manual recommends that owners avoid full throttle operation, pressing the gas pedal more than ¾ of the stroke, prolonged cruising speeds, and sustained accelerations during these first ten hours.
You should also avoid hauling or towing any heavy loads during this break-in period, as well.
It’s also important for owners to check the engine oil and coolant levels upon bringing the vehicle home, to ensure they are filled to the proper levels before driving.
Check these levels throughout the break-in period as well, and then change the oil and air filter upon finishing up with the break-in period.
Failure to properly break in the Defender can have negative long-term effects on the engine’s ability to reach peak performance.
Conclusion
While there are various different Defender models and engine sizes, the Can Am Defender top speed is a consistent 66 mph for every one of them except for the slower Defender HD5 models.
An electronic speed limiter keeps each model’s top speed in check, but owners do have the option to delete this speed limiter by modifying their ECU.
There are also several other modifications that can be made to increase the top speed of the Can Am Defender to around 75 mph.
