There was something both eerie and mesmerizing about riding the 2025 Can-Am Pulse and Origin electric motorcycles at their launch in Austin, Texas. The Pulse roadster and Origin dual-sport are eerily silent thanks to their electric drivetrains and enclosed chains attached to single-sided swingarms, eliminating any residual noise you’d expect from a traditional motorcycle.  

As a result, you’re hyper-aware of the sensation of speed, the sounds of road surfaces beneath you, and the rushing wind. You also notice other annoying noises like squeaky brake pads, suspension components, and even jacket zippers. 

Electric motorcycles are here to stay, and although more technology is needed to match the auto sector from brands like Tesla and Rivian, Can-Am has made significant strides without compromising aesthetics or road-going feel. Going electric is a bold move for Can-Am, which last produced motorcycles in 1987. Known for its off-road prowess, Can-Am’s 125 and 250cc dirtbikes won races like the International Six Days Enduro and swept the AMA 250 Motocross National Championship in 1974. 

Rather than returning with a motocross bike, Can-Am is looking ahead, aiming to establish a new baseline in the electric motorcycle market dominated by brands like Zero, Energica, and LiveWire. First unveiled with minimal details in 2022, the Pulse and Origin now join Can-Am’s on-road lineup alongside the Spyder and Ryker three-wheelers. 

Related: Can-Am Ryker Rally Review 

Shared Tech | Can-Am Pulse and Origin 

The Can-Am Pulse and Origin both use the same 11-kW Rotax E-Power motor with an 8.9-kWh battery, producing a claimed 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque. While these figures may seem modest, the bikes’ instantaneous power delivery makes them comparable to a midweight 700cc ICE bike, though the top speed is electronically limited to 80 mph to preserve battery life. The Pulse accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, the Origin in 4.3 seconds. Twist the throttle, and there’s no delay – just a seamless surge forward. 

After more than five years of development, engineers built a 8.9-kWh lithium-ion battery pack. A larger battery would compromise handling, aesthetics, and the impressively low weights of 399 lb for the Pulse and 413 lb for the Origin. The battery also serves as a structural part of the frame, contributing to weight savings and a design inspired by Canadian night owls.

Related: Can-Am Motorcycles Docuseries: Creating the All-Electric Origin and Pulse

A liquid-cooling system manages heat for the battery, inverter, onboard charger, and motor, helping to extend battery life and optimize both range and charging times compared to air-cooled systems. Even after hours of riding in intense Austin heat, these new platforms remained cool. 

The regenerative braking system on the Can-Am Pulse and Origin offers two modes: Passive and Active. Passive regenerative braking operates automatically whenever you release the throttle or apply the brakes, seamlessly funneling energy back to the battery through the ECU without requiring rider input. This mode offers mild energy recovery and mimics the natural engine braking of a traditional gas-powered motorcycle, providing smooth and predictable deceleration – ideal for everyday city or highway riding. 

For riders seeking more control over energy recovery or braking, Active regen steps in. You can fine-tune the regenerative settings – Off, Min, or Max – to tailor the bike’s performance to specific riding conditions. Initially, I thought I’d dislike this feature and often kept it off, but outside of dirt riding, I found myself preferring it set to Max. Active regen delivers up to four times more energy back to the battery compared to Passive mode and is engaged by twisting the throttle in reverse, much like rolling on engine braking. This setting applies a stronger braking force, making it invaluable when riding aggressively, navigating steep descents, or slowing down quickly. 

Can-Am claims the Origin has a range up to 90 miles in the city and 71 miles in mixed riding, while the Pulse offers a city range of around 100 miles and 80 in mixed conditions. I rode each bike for about 45 miles. The above claims are accurate if you’re not pushing the bike hard or running at sustained high speeds – longer highway rides drain batteries fast. Even using the Pulse’s maximum regen settings, I had about 7 miles remaining after 45 miles. 

The bikes come with 6.6-kW chargers that support Level 1 and Level 2 charging, lacking the faster Level 3 DC charging available on bikes like the LiveWire One. With Level 2 charging, the estimated time to charge from 20-80% is about 50 minutes, and 0-100% is about 1.5 hours. For Level 1 charging, 20-80% takes 3 hours and 10 minutes, and 0-100% takes 5 hours and 15 minutes. 

One standout feature is the enclosed chain case, which keeps the chain quiet and protected with an oil bath and an automatic tensioning system. This design reduces noise and requires minimal maintenance – you change the oil in the chain case after 5,000 miles and then every 10,000 miles afterward. The enclosed chain is protected from debris and is expected to last more than 100,000 miles. 

Although these bikes are light, Can-Am provides a reverse function. You simultaneously hold the starter button with the regen engaged until an “R” shows on the display. Then, you use the reverse throttle function to back up. This was useful while riding dirt tracks on the Origin but likely won’t be used much on the street. 

Both bikes come with four riding modes: Normal, Eco, Rain, and Sport+. The Origin adds two additional modes: Off-Road and Off-Road+. I experimented with all modes, and Sport+ is ideal on the street. When venturing off-road on the Origin, Off-Road and Off-Road+ are the way to go. 

Both feature a 10.25-inch touchscreen interface with Apple CarPlay and support for over-the-air software updates. Through the Can-Am app, riders can check essential data like battery levels, remaining range, vehicle location, and estimated charging time – keeping them fully in control and connected. Android compatibility is in the works. 

Both bikes come with KYB and Sachs suspension components and brakes by J.Juan, featuring a 320mm disc and a 2-piston floating caliper up front and a 240mm disc and a 1-piston floating caliper in the rear. ABS and traction control are standard. In terms of build quality, both bikes feel premium. There’s texture built into everything, from the seat that looks like a hard plastic unit to the actual paint. 

Can-Am Pulse: Smart City Bike 

The Pulse is one of the best urban commuters available – especially for those working and residing in larger cities like Austin, Los Angeles, and New York City. I logged around 45 miles through congested traffic, wide-open highways, and tight city streets, seeing ambient temperatures as high as 109 degrees F on the display. If this were a gas-powered bike, things would have been much stickier. This commuter runs super cool, making those stop-and-go situations downtown more comfortable. 

GEAR UP | Can-Am Pulse and Origin

• Helmet: Touratech Aventuro Carbon Pro 

• Jacket: Klim Baja S4 

• Gloves: Racer Rally 2 

• Pants: Pando Moto Karldo Slim 

• Boots: Rev-It Ginza 2 

At first glance, the Pulse looks small, but don’t be fooled – its proportions are well-suited for taller riders. As someone close to 6 feet, the rider triangle (seat, pegs, and handlebars) felt perfect for me. The low 30.9-inch seat height kept my posture upright and relaxed, and the lightweight build made it easy to thread through traffic. The riding position is on par with many naked sportbikes. 

The most noticeable distinction between the road-focused Pulse and the dual-sport Origin lies in the wheels, tires, and suspension. The Pulse is equipped with 17-inch cast wheels wrapped in street-proven Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 rubber. The suspension setup features a 41mm KYB fork that’s non-adjustable up front paired with a preload-adjustable Sachs shock at the rear, both offering 5.5 inches of travel. With that travel and a ground clearance of 5.7 inches, the Pulse handled Austin’s imperfect streets effortlessly without sacrificing comfort. 

While the Pulse might look like a small commuter, its 47-hp motor offers more than enough punch to get you up to highway speeds. Out of the four modes available, I spent nearly all my time in Sport+. The difference among the modes is throttle response; power remains the same, as does battery usage. 

When battery levels drop below 10%, the bike will gradually restrict power until you’re basically in Eco mode, which feels like there is no throttle response – almost as if you could go faster doing the Fred Flintstone. Not too safe, but at least you have enough warning to get off major highways and reach a charging station. Braking is powerful, with just a one-finger pull needed on the front lever or a tap of the foot (especially when using max regen), and the nonswitchable ABS never allowed the wheels to lock during emergency braking tests. 

A hundred miles is plenty for daily commuting, but for longer rides that deplete the charge during extended high-speed sections, planning your charging stops is necessary. 

Can-Am Origin: The Smartest Dual-Sport 

After my 45-mile urban run on the Pulse, I switched over to the Can-Am Origin and headed to a private 400-acre off-road ranch just outside Austin. The Origin showed how great EV bikes can be off-road. It’s what I’ve dubbed the “smartest dual-sport” bike, offering a blend of advanced electric technology and rugged off-road performance. 

Like on the Pulse, I used Sport+ on road sections with regen at Max, providing instant throttle response and quick regen braking. While riding off-road, Off-Road+ mode was best, automatically adjusting settings for optimal performance. The Rotax E-Power motor delivered the same 47 hp but is tuned for off-road conditions. Combined with the bike’s 10 inches of front and rear suspension travel, the Origin handled off-road tracks of both loose and packed sand without issue. It’s no motocross bike, but it felt as easy to ride as a Suzuki DR-Z400 or similar dual-sport. 

While I didn’t max out the Origin’s range off-road, I estimate it would comfortably handle about 60 miles in mixed conditions. Like the Pulse, the Origin’s range is its only real limitation. The suspension, build quality, and overall performance exceed expectations, but for long days on the trails, you’ll need to plan for recharging time. 

The 34.5-inch seat height might intimidate shorter riders, but once you’re moving, the bike’s lightness and balance make it easy to control. The 10.2 inches of ground clearance ensured nothing scraped, even on rugged trails, and the 43mm KYB front fork handled jumps and uneven terrain without any feeling of losing control. And of course, the 21/18-inch wheel setup helped. And wisely, Can-Am chose tube-type tires for the Origin: Dunlop D605 rubber. 

One of my favorite aspects of the Origin is its innovative design that significantly reduces squat due to the engine being integrated into the rear swingarm. Squat refers to the rear suspension compressing under acceleration, which can improve traction but may negatively affect handling. By housing the motor within the swingarm, the Origin maintains constant chain tension, eliminating the chain slack that typically contributes to squat in conventional motorcycles.  

This design simplifies drivetrain dynamics and ensures more efficient power transfer, resulting in up to 95% less squat. The bike remains stable during acceleration because the rear suspension doesn’t compress excessively, enhancing handling and control, especially on mixed terrain. This innovative approach addresses a key challenge in motorcycle dynamics, and I’m sure we’ll see more designs like this in the future. 

Range is the Only Drawback | Can-Am Pulse and Origin 

If Can-Am can crack the range issue, these bikes would be unstoppable. Everything else – build quality, performance, design, and tech – is simply outstanding, especially my two favorite elements, the active regen and anti-squatting due to the motor being placed in the swingarm. 

For now, the 71- to 100-mile range may limit their appeal to certain riders. But for those looking to get ahead of the curve in the electric motorcycle world – especially city dwellers who may want some limited off-road action – the 2025 Can-Am Pulse and Origin are setting a new standard.

Check out more new bikes in Rider’s 2025 Motorcycle Buyers Guide 

2025 Can-Am Pulse / Origin Specs 

• Base Price: $13,999 / $14,499 
• Website: can-am.brp.com 

ENGINE

• Type: Liquid-cooled Rotax E-power electric motor 

• Power: 47 hp peak, 27 hp continuous 

• Torque: 53 lb-ft from 0 to 4,600 rpm 

• Maximum Speed: 80 mph 

• Claimed Range: 80 miles (combined), 100 miles (city) / 71 mi. (combined), 90 mi. (city) 

• Battery: Lithium-ion 8.9 kWh 

• Charging Type: On-board charger, 6.6 kW (Level 1 & Level 2 compatible) 

• Charge Time, Level 1: 5 hr. 15 min. (0–100%), 3 hr. 10 min. (20–80%) 

• Level 2: 1 hr. 30 min. (0–100%), 50 min. (20–80%) 

• Transmission: Single speed 

• Final Drive: Enclosed chain 

CHASSIS

• Wheelbase: 55.6 in. / 59.0 in. 

• Rake/Trail: 27.2 degrees/4.0 in. / 30.0 degrees/4.6 in. 

• Seat Height: 30.9 in. / 34.0 in. 

• Ground Clearance: 5.7 in. / 10.2 in. 

• Suspension, Front: 41mm fork, no adj., 5.5 in. travel / 43mm fork, no adj., 10.0 in. travel 

• Rear: Single shock, adj. spring preload, 5.5 in. travel / Single shock, fully adj., 10.0 in. travel 

• Brakes, Front: Single 320mm disc w/ 2-piston floating caliper & ABS 

• Rear: Single 240mm disc w/ 1-piston floating caliper & ABS 

• Wheels, Front: Cast aluminum, 17 x 3.50 in. / Spoked, tube-type, 21 x 1.85 in. 

• Rear: Cast aluminum, 17 x 4.50 in. / Spoked, tube-type; 18 x 2.50 in. 

• Tires, Front: 110/70-17 / 90/90-21 

• Rear: 150/60-17 / 120/80-18 

• Curb Weight: 390 lb / 412 lb (factory claim) 

The post 2025 Can-Am Pulse and Origin Review appeared first on Rider Magazine.

Source: RiderMagazine.com