Once a pioneer in the history of motocross, the legendary Canadian brand Can-Am Motorcycles is paving the way for the future with electrification as part of the BRP group. At this year’s Reload Land event in Berlin, Can-Am showcased their electric motorcycles, the Pulse and the Origin.
THE PACK received an invitation from Can-Am to explore their two models in Berlin, including a test ride, and we left impressed by Can-Am’s innovative approach and the high performance of these electric motorbikes. We had a conversation with Can-Am Motorcycles’ European management to discuss the vision behind their return, the technology driving their electric launch, and what riders can anticipate from this thrilling new era. Introducing the Can-Am Pulse and Can-Am Origin, two fully electric motorcycles developed on the same smart platform but crafted for distinctly different riding experiences.
Rotax E-Power with serious punch
The Pulse and Origin are powered by Can-Am’s exclusive Rotax E-Power drivetrain, featuring an 11 kW / 8.9 kWh liquid-cooled battery system that provides:
- 47 hp
- 53 lb-ft of torque
- 0–60 mph (0–100 km/h) in under 4 seconds (Pulse slightly quicker than Origin)
- Level 2 charging: 20–80% in around 50 minutes
- Regenerative braking: both passive and active
Protected from the elements
The Can-Am high-performance silent chain minimizes vibration and noise compared to a standard chain. Additionally, it is shielded from environmental factors and consistently lubricated due to an oil-filled chaincase encasing it. An automatic tensioner within ensures the chain remains at the ideal tension without requiring frequent adjustments.
A connected experience
Utilize apps to locate nearby charging stations, access music, podcasts, and more for a completely connected experience. Stay updated with the most current information about your vehicle, including range, charge status, and location, using BRP GO!
Both models come equipped with a large 10.25″ TFT screen that supports Apple CarPlay and the capability for over-the-air (OTA) software updates. These shared features ensures modern connectivity, even though the bikes are aimed at two very different groups of riders.
Can-Am Pulse – A silent urban bike
Crafted for urban roads and sharp turns, the Pulse represents Can-Am’s interpretation of the electric naked motorbike. Weighing 390 pounds (176,9 kg), it features a low seat and agile design, making it perfect for city navigation. In Sport + mode with traction controls disabled, its immediate torque offers an exhilarating experience. With a 100-mile range in the city and 50-60 miles on the highway, it is well-suited for daily commutes, though not for lengthy journeys.
Specifications:
Motor
- Type: ROTAX® E-POWER, liquid-cooled
- Power: 47 hp peak (35 kW) / 27 hp continuous (20 kW)
- Torque Motor Peak: 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) from 0 to 4600 RPM
- Top Speed/Sustained 80 mph (129 km/h)
- Acceleration 3.8 seconds: 0-60 mph (0–100 km/h)
Battery
- Type: Integrated, lithium-ion
- Capacity: 8.9 kWh
- Cooling System Liquid-cooled: battery, inverter and on-board charger
- Estimated Range (when fully charged): City: 100 miles (160 km) / Combined (WMTC): 80 miles (130 km) / Sustained 50 mph (80 km/h): 55 miles (89 km)
- Function: Active Regen, Passive Regen
- Charger: On-board charger: 6.6 kW (Level 1 & Level 2 compatible)
- Connector: Type 1 J1772
- Charging Time Level 2 (240 V): 50 min. (20–80%) / 1 hour 30 min. (0–100%)
- Charging Time Level 1 (120 V): 3 hours 10 min. (20–80%) / 5 hours 15 min. (0–100%)
Download full specifications (PDF) >
Can-Am Origin – Off-road capability meets commuter cool
While the Pulse is crafted for urban environments, the Origin is meant to occasionally venture off the beaten path. Featuring Adventure Motorcycle (ADV) aesthetics, rugged 21″/18″ tires, an elevated 34″ seat height, and extended-travel suspension, this dual-sport vehicle carries Can-Am’s renowned off-road legacy into the electric age.
The motor design with its anti-squat swingarm guarantees steady chain tension and great grip on uneven surfaces. The Origin offers two additional modes not found in the Pulse: Off-Road and Off-Road+. In these modes, you have the option to deactivate TC, which is typically desirable when driving off-road. Disabling TC also turns off the rear ABS, a feature that most off-road enthusiasts will likely prefer.
Specifications:
Motor
- Type: ROTAX® E-POWER, liquid-cooled
- Power: 47 hp peak (35 kW) / 27 hp continuous (20 kW)
- Torque Motor Peak: 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) from 0 to 4600 RPM
- Top Speed/Sustained 80 mph (129 km/h)
- Acceleration 4.3 seconds: 0-60 mph (0-100 km/h)
Battery
- Type: Integrated, lithium-ion
- Capacity: 8.9 kWh
- Cooling System Liquid-cooled: battery, inverter and on-board charger
- Estimated Range (when fully charged): City: 90 miles (145 km) / Combined (WMTC): 71 miles (115 km) / Sustained 50 mph (80 km/h): 52 miles ( 84 km)
- Function: Active Regen, Passive Regen
- Charger: On-board charger: 6.6 kW (Level 1 & Level 2 compatible)
- Connector: Type 1 J1772
- Charging Time Level 2 (240 V): 50 min. (20–80%) / 1 hour 30 min. (0–100%)
- Charging Time Level 1 (120 V): 3 hours 10 min. (20–80%) / 5 hours 15 min. (0–100%)
Download full specifications (PDF) >
Prices (in Belgium)
- Can-Am Pulse: from 16 199 €
- Can-Am Origin: from 16 799 €
Smart, clean, and ready to ride
Seeing a traditional powersports brand like Can-Am dive directly into the electric market with such a well-conceived platform is uncommon. They’ve not only caught up but surged ahead with motorcycles that feel fully developed and uncompromised.
Both the Pulse and Origin models exhibit remarkable attention to detail, from the regenerative braking system to the seamless smartphone connectivity and enclosed chain case. Although the current range limitations and absence of DC fast charging might restrict long-distance travel, these bikes are perfect for the majority of daily riders.
Can-Am’s comeback to motorcycles isn’t about revisiting the past; it’s about creating a new, electric-first future. With the Pulse and Origin, that future promises to be immensely enjoyable.
THE PACK
Guy Salens – THE PACK: “Last year at EICMA, I saw these motorbikes up close for the first time. Now, I had the chance to actually ride both the Pulse and Origin models around Berlin.
The Pulse ‘naked bike’ offers an exhilarating experience, particularly in sport+ mode without Traction Control. In other riding modes, it provides a smooth and notably quiet experience. There’s no rattling chain or bothersome noises, just a unique high-pitched ‘swoosh’ that deserves its own term. The chain remains silent and is shielded from the elements, constantly lubricated by an oil-filled chaincase. This design translates to low maintenance, making it perfect for commuters.
This motorbike has the perfect rider’s triangle dimensions for someone who is 1.82 meters tall, like me. It’s impressive to see so much technology integrated into such a sleek and compact design.
I personally favor the Origin due to my experience in light off-road activities, having been an amateur motorcycle trial rider for several years. I appreciated the upright seating position and the bike’s size. Though I mostly rode on Berlin’s asphalt roads, the bike’s dual-sport nature allowed for a refined entry into wooded areas. It also featured serious knobby tires on its 18 and 21-inch wheels. I felt that the front suspension on the Origin was smoother compared to the Pulse.
I should also note that I rode both motorcycles in poor weather conditions, including heavy rain. Despite the knobby tires, the Origin handled very well in ‘Normal’ mode, with no unexpected slip or loss of control at the rear. A few times, I observed that setting the brake regeneration to a high level resulted in a sudden engine slowdown when turning at low speeds. This could catch you off guard, but it can be adjusted according to your personal settings.”
