2008 Can-Am DS 450 / DS 450 X ATV Operator's Guide (P/N 708 200 098)

This BRP Operator’s Guide, document 708 200 098, covers the 2008 Can-Am DS 450 and DS 450 X, including standard and X Package equipment. It explains vehicle operation, routine maintenance and owner-level troubleshooting. The foreword directs readers to a separate Shop Manual for complete service and repair information.

• Controls and operation: Pre-ride checks, break-in guidance, starting and shifting procedures, control-layout illustrations, and riding precautions for hills and uneven terrain.

• Engine maintenance: Oil and filter replacement, oil-tank strainer cleaning, coolant replacement, air-filter care, radiator cleaning and exhaust spark-arrester maintenance.

• Clutch and throttle: Clutch-lever and clutch-cover adjustments, X Package cable-adjuster differences, throttle-cable lubrication and throttle-lever free-play adjustment.

• Suspension and drive train: HPG shock adjustments and factory settings, eccentric-axle chain adjustment, sprocket inspection, front A-arm lubrication and rear-axle checks.

• Electrical and troubleshooting: Spark-plug and battery service, fuse and lamp replacement, headlamp aiming, and symptom-based checks for starting, running and shifting problems.

• Brakes and wheels: Hydraulic-disc inspection criteria, tire-pressure guidance, wheel removal and bearing checks, with brake-system repairs assigned to an authorized dealer.

Written for vehicle owners and operators, the guide distinguishes customer maintenance from dealer work and calls for familiarity with safe service practices.

Engine, Cooling and Routine Maintenance

The Periodic Maintenance Chart identifies inspection, cleaning, lubrication and replacement tasks, including the initial inspection and additional attention required in dusty or muddy conditions. It separates owner tasks from dealer checks such as valve adjustment, fuel-pressure testing and EMS fault-code reading.

For the Rotax DOHC engine, the maintenance section includes oil-tank strainer removal and cleaning, illustrated by an Oil Outlet Assembly view. Oil-dipstick illustrations clarify level checking. The oil guidance specifies XP-S 5W-40 synthetic oil for the shared engine and transmission lubrication system.

Cooling coverage includes coolant replacement and radiator care. Air-filter instructions address housing drainage, foam-element cleaning and re-oiling; the exhaust section describes spark-arrester removal and carbon cleaning. Fuel-system specifications identify electronic injection with a 46 mm throttle body and a Bosch in-tank fuel pump.

Clutch, Chain and Suspension Adjustments

Clutch coverage distinguishes lever adjustment from adjustment at the clutch release cover. The X Package uses a quick cable adjuster without the standard adjuster’s locknut. The cover procedure identifies special tool P/N 529 035 081, supplied in the vehicle tool kit.

The guide warns that an overly tight release adjustment can cause premature clutch-disc wear. It also recommends dealer inspection of the clutch plates when adjustment at the cover becomes necessary.

Throttle-cable lubrication identifies cable-luber tool P/N 529 035 738 or an equivalent. Drive-chain maintenance covers the O-ring chain, sprockets and eccentric axle housing; gasoline or pressure washing can damage the chain’s seals and accelerate wear.

The independent double A-arm front suspension and rigid rear swing arm have separate adjustment instructions. Suspension Factory Settings illustrations distinguish standard and X Package front damping settings, including the X Package’s high-speed compression adjustment. These references help owners identify the correct adjuster and restore the appropriate baseline before changing the setup.

Electrical Checks, Troubleshooting and Service Limits

Electrical instructions cover spark-plug removal and installation, battery connections, fuse identification and lighting service. Fuse-location views support component identification, while troubleshooting entries distinguish a no-crank condition from cranking without starting, poor acceleration, overheating and rough shifting.

The check-engine lamp section explains steady illumination and flashing protection-mode indications. These are symptom-based owner checks with dealer referrals, rather than workshop-level electronic diagnostic procedures.

Brake coverage includes inspection criteria and wear limits. Wheel-installation guidance addresses disc protectors and the specified wheel nuts and washers. Follow the guide’s engine-off and cool-down precautions before service, particularly around the exhaust and cooling system, unless the individual procedure specifies otherwise.

A Preview of Fluid and Chassis Specifications

The coolant replacement section specifies a 1.8 L (1.9 U.S. quarts) fill of the recommended coolant. The fluid guidance calls for an ethylene-glycol mixture suitable for aluminum engines.

Wheel installation specifies a final wheel-nut torque of 61 N·m (45 lbf·ft), together with the required nut and washer types.

For front suspension setup, the factory spring-length reference is 282 mm (11 in), measured with the front wheels unloaded. Separate illustrations provide the damping settings for standard and X Package equipment.

Searchable Text, Bookmarks and PDF Contents

Text search and section access: The main text is searchable, and embedded PDF bookmarks provide access to safety, operation, troubleshooting and maintenance sections. Cover text and some lettering within illustrations and forms are not searchable.

One printable 148-page PDF in English contains 144 numbered pages plus the front cover, inside-front warning page, unnumbered vehicle-record page and back cover. Warranty information, ownership forms and blank pages are already included in that total.