New generation Defender HD11
The all-new 2026 Can-Am Defender HD11 looks likely to raise the bar in the highly competitive side-by-side category.
The new 850 and 1000R models offer greater horsepower, increased suspension travel and refined handling.
Can-Am is pushing the boundaries of performance in its Outlander line-up of ATVs with the launch of the new 850 and 1000R models, said to offer industry-leading horsepower, increased suspension travel and refined handling.
The 2025 Can-Am Outlander 850 and 1000R are equipped with a new double-overhead camshaft, 999cc V-twin Rotax engine, making the Outlander 1000R the first ATV with triple-digit horsepower, at 101hp.
The Outlander 850 also offers impressive power at 82hp. Both models include Work, Standard and Sport ride modes, optimising power delivery and performance for the task at hand.
Both models feature an all-new continuously variable transmission (CVT) that delivers smooth power to the ground, improves torque and reduces maintenance requirements.
The latest pDrive primary clutch is paired with a new dual-roller-driven pulley, said to offer instant response and excellent reliability.
The Outlander features a new suspension configuration with wide, arched A-arms front and rear, allowing for enhanced vehicle dynamics, including an improved attack angle for smooth obstacle and ditch crossing.
Front suspension travel has increased by 1.6 inches to 10.8 inches, while rear suspension has increased by 2.1 inches to 12 inches of travel, said to offer superior performance and comfort, along with additional ground clearance.
Complementing the updated suspension, the steering geometry is also revised, increasing high-speed stability, steering precision and turning radius, while a high-strength steel frame enhances durability and rigidity, while decreasing weight, with a full-length skid-plate providing protection to the underside of the machine.
The 1000R also features a new four-disc system for improved braking control, using new metallic brake pads and a new front brake lever with optimised ergonomics.
When it comes to work, the Outlander continues to impress with a class-leading towing capacity of 1830 pounds (830kg) and a heavy-duty two-inch hitch receiver.
Meanwhile, restyled components include front and rear LED lights with a four-point design, a centralised exhaust with an aluminium muffler tip, new wheel designs and integrated front and rear bumpers.
A new 10 litre rear LinQ removable storage box and 30 litres of front dropdown storage offer plenty of room for tools and supplies, while some packages feature a cell phone storage compartment with a USB charging port.
Fonterra’s impending exit from the Australian dairy industry is a major event but the story doesn’t change too much for farmers.
Expect greater collaboration between Massey University’s school of Agriculture and Environment and Ireland’s leading agriculture university, the University College of Dublin (UCD), in the future.
A partnership between Torere Macadamias Ltd and the Riddet Institute aims to unlock value from macadamia nuts while growing the next generation of Māori agribusiness researchers.
A new partnership between Dairy Women’s Network (DWN) and NZAgbiz aims to make evidence-based calf rearing practices accessible to all farm teams.
Despite some trying circumstances recently, the cherry season looks set to emerge on top of things.
Changed logos on shirts otherwise it will be business as usual when Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses are expected to change hands next month.

OPINION: Here w go: the election date is set for November 7 and the politicians are out of the gate…
OPINION: ECan data was released a few days ago showing Canterbury farmers have made “giant strides on environmental performance”.