Ask the Editors: 1200cc Can-Am on the Way?
For starters, we’ve seen the same rumors of an alleged 1200cc Maverick good for 121 HP coming to market on various forums (generally in conjunction with other rumors that Polaris is on the cusp of dropping a 1500 triple-cylinder and this being Can-Am’s attempt to compete). That being said, our PR contacts have confirmed absolutely no such thing at present from either company and we’re personally of the opinion that this is all mere speculation and wishful thinking for the time being.
Some argue that it seemed as though the day of 1000cc ATV engines was also a pipe dream and we have them now but the manufacturers are locked in constant legal struggles with lawmakers and various consumer safety groups who literally do they all they can to tarnish the safety reputation of off-highway vehicles. This is why as engine sizes increase, so too do the number of safety restraint systems, warning labels, mandatory vehicle certification and operator safety requirements. This also answers the second part of your question- most stock ATVs are capable of dishing out more performance than many of us mere mortals can properly handle even when naturally aspirated.
Turbo or supercharging a relatively small engine decreases reliability/ durability, adds a plethora of fragile components liable to fail and does so strictly in the name of performance. Remember that ATVs are generally designed to work for the greater number of individuals possible from the factory. Of course, if slipping a turbo on your machine is something you absolutely crave, aftermarket kits exist for the brave.
