Ultimate Guide to Upgrading Your Can-Am X3 Wheels for Better Performance

Upgrading Your Can-Am X3 Wheels

If you own a Can-Am X3 side-by-side, you know that this machine is built for speed, power, and handling rugged terrain. One of the best ways to enhance your X3's performance and capabilities is by upgrading the wheels and tires. The stock wheels on the X3 are certainly capable, but aftermarket wheels open up a whole new world of possibilities.

Benefits of Aftermarket Wheels

Aftermarket wheels for the Can-Am X3 come in many different styles, sizes, and designs. Here are some of the key benefits you can expect from upgrading your X3's wheels:

• Increased ground clearance - Aftermarket wheels with more offset can provide additional ground clearance for clearing obstacles.
• Better traction - More aggressive tread designs and tire compounds can greatly improve traction in mud, snow, and rocks.
• Larger diameter - Larger diameter wheels and tires effectively gear your X3 lower, increasing torque for rock crawling or mudding.
• Improved handling - Wheels with reinforced construction and optimized offset can improve cornering and reduce steering effort.
• Custom look - Aftermarket wheels allow you to customize the appearance of your X3 to match your style.

Wheel Size Options

When upgrading your Can-Am X3 wheels, you have several size options to consider:

• 27-inch wheels - The stock size, a good all-around choice offering ample ground clearance.
• 28-inch wheels - Provides a bit more ground clearance than stock.
• 30-inch wheels - Significantly more clearance than stock for extreme terrain; may require lift kit.
• 32-inch wheels - Maximum clearance for rock crawling and mudding; requires lift kit.

Larger diameter wheels can provide more ground clearance, but may require fender trimming or aftermarket lift kits to prevent rubbing at full compression. Make sure to consider the terrain you tackle before sizing up your wheels.

Wheel Width Options

Along with diameter, upgrading your Can-Am X3 wheels also means choosing from wider width options. Wider wheels provide increased stability and allow you to run wider tires for more traction. Here are some common X3 wheel widths:

• 8-inch wide wheels - Great for lighter trail riding while maintaining good maneuverability.
• 10-inch wide wheels - The most popular width for blending traction, handling, and clearance.
• 12-inch wide wheels - Maximum width for extreme rock crawling and mudding applications.

Keep in mind that wider wheels and tires will increase steering effort and decrease maneuverability in tight trails. Choose the right balance for your needs.

Wheel Offset & Backspacing

Wheel offset, also called backspacing, determines how the wheels are positioned relative to the wheel wells. Stock Can-Am X3 wheels have a +1 offset. Aftermarket wheels are available in various offsets:

• Low offset wheels - Position the tires outward for wide stance and better cornering.
• Higher offset wheels - Pull the tires inward for increased clearance from wheel wells.
• Zero offset wheels - Position tires straight out for optimal steering and balanced stance.

Choosing the right offset is critical for proper tire clearance and handling. Consult with wheel experts to match the optimal offset for your X3 setup.

Wheel Construction Materials

Aftermarket Can-Am X3 wheels come constructed from different materials, each with their pros and cons:

• Steel wheels - Strong and durable but heavy. Best for extreme rock crawling.
• Aluminum wheels - Lightweight while still strong. Popular all-around choice.
• Plastic wheels - Extremely lightweight but less durable. Best for racing applications.

Consider your needs for strength versus weight savings when selecting wheel construction. Heavier steel wheels provide durability for the roughest terrain, while aluminum and plastic offer lighter weight for racing and high-speed riding.

Popular Aftermarket Can-Am X3 Wheel Brands

Some of the top aftermarket wheel manufacturers for the Can-Am X3 include:

• ITP - Leading brand offering a huge selection of stylish and durable aftermarket wheels.
• Raceline - Produces rugged and reliable wheels for transforming your X3's capabilities.
• Vision - Precision-engineered wheels that deliver stunning looks, strength, and performance.
• Fuel - Innovative designs that are built to handle the toughest conditions and look great doing it.
• Walker Evans - Iconic brand synonymous with race-proven performance wheels.

These top brands offer wheels purpose-built to withstand the demands of side-by-side riding. Consult wheel reviews and ask owners to find the best wheels for your needs and budget.

Tire Considerations for New Wheels

Upgrading your Can-Am X3 wheels also means getting new tires to match. Here are some factors to consider when choosing new rubber:

• Tire size - Needs to match new wheel diameter to prevent speedometer error.
• Tire width - Should match wheel width to maximize traction and avoid bulging.
• Tire construction - Radial tires offer the best ride quality for trail riding.
• Tread pattern - Blocky lug designs provide traction in mud and rocks.
• Ply rating - More plies increase load capacity and puncture resistance.

Consult tire guides or chat with experts to pick the perfect tires that complement your new wheels. With the right wheel and tire package, you can transform your Can-Am X3 into the ultimate off-road machine.

Get the Most Out of Your Can-Am X3 Wheels

Upgrading to aftermarket wheels opens up new possibilities for customizing and pushing your Can-Am X3 to its limits. With the right wheels and tires, you can gain increased clearance, traction, durability, and style. Do your research to pick the ideal setup for your needs and budget. With the proper care and maintenance, a set of high-quality aftermarket X3 wheels will provide you with thousands of miles of off-road fun.

FAQs

What is the stock wheel size on a Can-Am X3?

The stock Can-Am X3 comes equipped with 27-inch diameter wheels from the factory.

What is the largest wheel size I can run on my X3?

With the proper lift kit and fender modifications, you can run up to 32-inch diameter wheels on a Can-Am X3 for maximum ground clearance.

Do I need a lift kit to run larger wheels?

It depends on the wheel size. You can generally fit 28-30 inch wheels without a lift kit. But to run 32 inch or larger wheels, you will need an aftermarket lift kit to allow space and prevent rubbing.

What is the most popular aftermarket wheel width?

10-inch wide wheels are the most common aftermarket choice for Can-Am X3 owners looking to increase traction while maintaining optimal handling and clearance capabilities.

Should I get steel or aluminum wheels?

Aluminum wheels are lighter while still providing good durability for most riders. But hardcore rock crawlers may want the ultimate strength of steel wheels for navigating extreme terrain.