Canadian automaker Can-Am is well-popular for its exemplary side-by-side vehicles and ATVs. But did you know the company first started off with two-wheelers? Yes, that’s right; Can-Am specialized in motocross/enduro bikes at first and even beat popular names to take home a few trophies.
50-odd years later, the company is attempting to replicate the same success, albeit in the EV segment. It has two new electric motorcycles - Can-Am Pulse and Origin - for the job, both ready to enter production soon. While the details are scarce, the bikes look quite promising, and we think they could worry big names like Harley-Davidson and Kawasaki.
The Can-Am Pulse And Origin Look Premium And Distinctive
The Can-Am Pulse and Origin take two different approaches. The Pulse serves duty as a naked roadster, ideal for commutes and freeway rides. Whereas, the Origin is an ode to the company’s MX roots, focusing strictly on all things off-road. And regardless of what you’re inclined to, you’d be happy to know both look premium (at least in the images).
The fascia comprises vertically stacked projectors and LED DRLs, with muscular body panels behind them. A brawny faux fuel tank and sleek rear end add extra pizazz, as the latter looks squeaky clean with its minimalistic LED and single-sided swingarm. All this is brought to a close by two liveries–white with neon green inserts or black with gray graphics.
Together, these elements give the two Can-Am their own distinctive identity. Not flashy or in your face, yet stand out enough to turn heads. The swingarm, in particular, is a rather pleasant touch since it’s not even present on the LiveWire One, let alone the new S2 Del Mar.
The Can-Am Pulse And Origin Will Promise Likable Technology
Like the design, the two ADVs check the right boxes in terms of features. We’ve already told you about the all-LED illumination, and you also get a big TFT instrument cluster. A close look at the switchgear reveals dedicated buttons for volume, voice commands, and next/previous song, so smartphone connectivity and navigation are a given here. Also, the faux tank opens up to reveal a storage space for your essentials. It’s expected to come with a USB port too.
As for rider aids, basic traction control, ride modes, and dual-channel ABS (look at the disc brakes) are all expected. After all, these bits are much easier to program on EVs and it’s become somewhat of a norm now. If so, this will bring it on par with the S2 Del Mar and Zero S.
The Can-Am Pulse And Origin Could Feature Game-Changing Range
Under the skin, both motorcycles feature a unique swingarm-integrated electric motor, sourced from Rotax. It’s paired with what looks like a massive mid-mounted battery pack, and again, there are no specs to point out for now. But our buddies at CycleWorld have a hunch.
According to them, some images of the two EVs include ‘35kWh’ in their official titles. This hints at an industry-leading 35 kWh battery capacity, a whopping 25 kWh more than the S2 Del Mar. Heck, it’s even 10 more than the Energica Experia. However, such a battery size would have huge challenges (size, weight, heating), which is exactly why it’s just a hunch.
Alternatively, the ‘35kWh’ figure could be a misspelled ‘35kW’. That would make a lot more sense since a 35kW (or 47 horsepower) output is ideal for the first EV effort by a brand. Not to mention, Rotax’s electric motors currently peak out at 24kW, so a 35kW motor custom-made for Can-Am is highly likely.
What about underpinnings, you ask? Well, both motorcycles ride on upside-down forks and a monoshock. The nitty-gritty is different, though, as the Origin has long-travel suspension and spoke wheels (probably a 19/17-inch combo) while the Pulse flaunts 17-inch cast alloy wheels.
This will also result in different saddle heights, weights, and ground clearance for the two.
The Can-Am Pulse And Origin Are Destined For Next Year
Finally, Can-Am suggests the two motorcycles will reach dealerships by the end of 2024. It means the production would start in the next couple of months (early 2024), followed by extensive real-world tests and a price announcement by mid-2024. Once out, we expect the Pulse to rival the S2 Del Mar and the soon-to-arrive Kawasaki Z e-1. It’s worth noting Harley-Davidson (read LiveWire) is also yet to commence deliveries of the Del Mar, even though the price is out.
More details on the Can-Am duo will keep coming in, and if you like what you see, stay tuned to TopSpeed.com!