What’s New Technical Info

Can-Am Dual Mode Power Steering (DPS) - How It Works

For 2010 Model year Can-Am is introducing the industries only rider selectable dual mode power steering.

It gives you the option to select minimum or maximum assist.

The DPS offers the following features:

-          Variable assistance based on vehicle speed and steering torque

-          Model-specific calibration

-          Direct link magnetic field sensors for quicker response to steering input than competitors

-          Less kickback, more feedback because of higher final gear ratio than competitors

-          High capacity fade-resistant 50-amp motor

-          3^rd mode available as accessory for track kit

The Can-Am system is 5 times more rigid in the center (5 to 10 degrees) than competitive systems.  Instead of using steering shaft sensor systems to measure the twisting of the steering post the Can-Am system uses magnetic sensors that can pick up precise input for feedback and peak impacts to control kickback.

There is a solid connection from the handlebars, thru the DPS unit to the tie rods, to steering post to the wheels. Magnetic sensors pick up deflections in the magnetic field incorporated in the ridged steering shaft. With no torque load applied by rider, the magnetic field is stable. When a torque load appears the magnetic field deflects and induces a current in the sensors proportional to the torque applied. The control module uses the torque load and compares it to vehicle speed to determine how much current to apply to the assist motor.  The motor does not use a gear reduction mechanism; instead it rotates from full left to full right in less than 3 turns. The motor only assists the rider who has solid control even when no assist occurs.

The Dual-mode adjustment can be done one the fly and gives the rider the ability to increase or decrease the effort required to steer.

Maximum Assist for low speed, rough or muddy conditions.

Minimum Assist for aggressive trail riding, high speed touring, or racing.

The Reverse Over-Ride button doubles as the control for the DPS.

Visco-Lok QE

The addition of Power Steering on XT models has allowed quicker engagement of the Visco-Lok front differential. It can engage quicker because DPS assists the steering effort required when both front wheels are locked. Visco-Lok progressively locks both front wheels and is activated by difference in wheel speed from one side to the other. The previous version would start to apply torque to the other wheel at a difference of 5 rpm.   Visco-Lok QE starts to apply torque to the other wheel instantly.  It is important to remember that it is progressive so that both wheels do not lock together instantly; rather it increases the torque to the second wheel over a few turns until fully locked.  When wheel speeds are equal the torque applied to the second wheel decreases over time to 0.This is a safe, true all wheel drive system and requires no rider input to operate (no switches or levers to think about or operate). The advantage to locking the wheel quicker will be appreciated the most when climbing at very low speeds over rocks and technical rough terrain. It should be noted that Can-Am Visco-Lok is the only full-locking front differential in the industry that has no speed-limiting drawback.