The growing list of electric motorcycle contenders just grew by two from one famous name. Can-Am is back on two wheels, at least in electric form. Two all-new electric motorcycles are said to be coming in mid-2024: the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse.
Although light on details, they’ll be powered by the all-new proprietary Rotax E-Power, a system using an onboard charger to allow standard home charging or Level 2 charging. This new powerplant will eventually power all BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products) electric models, including snowmobiles, watercraft, side-by-sides, and four-wheelers.
The Can-Am Origin looks to fit in the commuter/naked category. The press release uses words like “balanced and agile” and “daily commute,” so draw your own conclusions. Otherwise, it looks sharp, with size and ergonomics similar to the Zero S.
Meanwhile, the Can-Am Pulse is billed as a “dual-purpose” bike and touted as “a tribute to Can-Am’s Track ‘n’ Trail heritage.” The front end is tall, with bodywork seemingly designed to take on an ADV-type windshield. In that vein, wheels look to be spoked 21 inches in front, 18 inches in back, pretty standard for trail/ADV duty.
Most intriguing, neither seems to have a belt drive, begging the question of motor placement and drivetrain. Both feature single-sided swingarms, but a shaft drive, as previewed in BMW’s 2021 patent, seems unlikely. It’s certainly not a hub-mounted motor. Official photos aren’t particularly forthcoming.
Despite the showroom pics and other nicely directed images, nothing shows either model in motion or being ridden, so we’ll have to wait for specs and specifics, said to be coming in August 2023. Not coincidentally, this would occur during Can-Am’s 50th anniversary celebration.
Ladies and gentlemen, start your speculation. Feel free to weigh in with comments below.
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com