Can-Am Pulse & Origin Electric Motorcycle Test

BRP stands for Bombardier Recreational Products. The Canadian corporation brings together a variety of brands and vehicles under its umbrella, including boats, jet skis, and snowmobiles. Within this corporation is the Can-Am brand, which is primarily known for its off-road vehicles such as quads, trikes, and side-by-side vehicles. Now, after more than 40 years, Can-Am is returning to the motorcycle market. This comeback is particularly exciting because Can-Am not only features modern drive technology but also brings some interesting and innovative ideas. The Pulse and Origin models offer unique solutions that have so far been absent from established motorcycle manufacturers or other electric two-wheelers.

The company's headquarters is located in Valcourt, Quebec, Canada. However, the production of Can-Am motorcycles mostly takes place in Mexico. The battery pack itself is fully automated and manufactured in Canada, but it is planned to be moved to Mexico later. At the heart of the new electric two-wheelers from Can-Am is Austrian technology: the software and electric motor are provided by Rotax.

The Rotax electric motor in the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse can deliver either 11 kW or 35 kW, which corresponds to 15 or 47 horsepower, respectively, thus catering to the A1 and A2 license classes. However, the unique aspect of the drivetrain technology in the Can-Am electric motorcycles is not the motor itself, but rather the connection between the motor and the battery pack: both components are liquid-cooled. While such cooling is common in the automotive sector due to the lower air circulation for large batteries, in motorcycles, it is usually only the electric motor that is liquid-cooled. The batteries, on the other hand, typically have to rely solely on air supply.

Can-Am was able to leverage existing technology originally developed for the BRP group's electric snowmobile. In that application, a pump circulates fluid throughout the entire drive unit – including the battery pack, its peripherals, and the motor. However, this is not for cooling but as a heating system to ensure the battery remains efficient even at sub-zero temperatures. For Can-Am's electric motorcycles, the comprehensive liquid cooling offers significant advantages. Just like with a chain, the weakest link in a battery determines the performance of the entire system. On hot days, when air cooling is insufficient, individual cells in conventional batteries of electric bikes can locally overheat, leading to significantly faster aging. This not only shortens the lifespan of these cells but also affects the performance of the entire battery. With Can-Am's liquid cooling, the battery consistently stays within the optimal temperature range. This also has the advantage that on particularly hot days, the power output does not need to be reduced – a problem familiar from smartphones (camera not usable in heat) and one that can also occur with electric bikes.

Another technological innovation and a true stroke of genius is the swingarm design of the Can-Am electric motorcycles. It features a single-sided swingarm that integrates both the motor and the chain driving the rear wheel. This design offers several advantages. Firstly, it is very compact and quiet, which is particularly important for electric motorcycles. Since electric motors only hum quietly, a conventional chain would be disruptive. Therefore, Can-Am has put a lot of thought into a quiet solution and found it in the sealed version of the swingarm design. The technology is extremely robust and durable, with its origins once again in the snowmobile segment.

A major advantage in terms of riding dynamics: Since the swingarm, chain, and engine are integrated into a compact package directly within the swingarm, there is no typical rear-end squat during acceleration. This allows the bike to accelerate smoothly and without any self-induced movements. By design, the rear wheel is virtually pressed into the ground, providing additional traction, which offers significant benefits in off-road conditions for the Origin as an adventure bike.

Moreover, this enclosed swingarm and chain construction is extremely low-maintenance. Inside the chain case, there is oil, which continuously lubricates the chain, eliminating the need for additional maintenance or manual oiling, as would be required with conventional bikes. An oil change is necessary after the first 5,000 kilometers, and then only every 10,000 km thereafter. The chain itself, which always maintains optimal tension thanks to an automatic chain tensioner inside, only needs to be checked every 25,000 kilometers.

In the Can-Am motorcycle models, the battery has a capacity of 8.9 kWh. Included in the package is a 6.6 kW Type 2 charging cable, which is compatible with both Mode 2 and Mode 3 charging. Can-Am specifies a charging time of 50 minutes to charge the battery from 20 to 80 percent at an optimal power source voltage of 240 volts. A full charge from 0 to 100 percent takes about 90 minutes at this voltage. If the power source voltage is lower, for example, 120 volts, the charging time increases significantly—approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes for a charge from 20 to 80 percent. Thanks to the liquid cooling of the battery, the charging times remain more reliable and precise, as the temperature and condition of the battery are more consistent. Additionally, the Can-Am models offer a practical feature for regions where electricity prices are higher at certain times of the day: the user can set a maximum charge level or schedule specific charging times to manage the charging phases accordingly.

Enough of the technical details – how do the Can-Am electric motorcycles ride? As expected, the electric drive in these lower power classes of motorized bikes brings many advantages and only a few disadvantages. The electric motor offers significantly more thrust, more torque, and stronger acceleration from a standstill compared to a comparable internal combustion engine. At the same time, the potentially lower performance at high speeds and higher RPMs is hardly noticeable with these bikes.

As soon as you twist the throttle, you shoot off like being fired from a cannon. It's a true joy to instantly tap into this immense power from low speeds. Thanks to the low position of the heavy components, such as the battery pack and the electric motor, the center of gravity is particularly favorable, giving the bike exceptional nimbleness. The Pulse weighs in at 177 kg and the Origin at 187 kg, yet both feel lighter both in motion and at a standstill.

Both models, including their respective 11 kW versions, reach a top speed of 129 km/h, making them theoretically suitable for highway use. However, prolonged use at such speeds would significantly reduce their range. Additionally, the bikes feel noticeably more comfortable at slower to medium speeds. Their strengths truly shine on twisty roads: firstly, the agile handling impresses, and secondly, the installed KYB suspension, which is well-sized. The shock absorber is fully adjustable, while the upside-down fork at the front is not adjustable. The sturdy suspension elements offer sufficient comfort, but more importantly, good stability and are not easily disturbed by bumps even when leaning. This allows you to fully utilize the power of the electric motor in the twisties and go full throttle. A particular advantage is the harmonious interaction with the aforementioned anti-squat physics of the motor-chain swingarm, which provides additional stability and traction in corners.

The ergonomics on both bikes are exceptionally well executed. The Pulse offers a comfortable spot even for smaller riders, as the seat height is relatively low at 784 mm, and the bike's narrow waist further aids this. The Origin, on the other hand, is significantly higher at 865 mm, but also features a narrow waist and well-balanced ergonomics, making it suitable for standing riding. The standing position is neither too touring-oriented nor too aggressive. With no wide tank in the way, there is plenty of freedom to shift weight forward or backward and play with traction—something that perfectly complements the grunty electric motor. Letting the rear wheel slide out is not a challenge but a great pleasure on the Can-Am Origin.

If there's anything to criticize about riding the Can-Am Origin or Can-Am Pulse, it might be the brakes. When entering the braking zone and wanting to take a corner more aggressively, especially on asphalt, it becomes apparent that the torque-rich electric motor makes the braking system seem somewhat weak. The front brake lever provides a rather spongy feel and requires quite a bit of hand strength for stronger deceleration, while the rear brake grips abruptly, making modulation difficult. However, this issue is mitigated by another technological innovation from Can-Am: active regeneration. In addition to passive regeneration or recuperation—similar to engine braking, which feeds energy back into the battery when the throttle is closed—the Can-Am Origin and Can-Am Pulse feature a unique active regeneration. To utilize this, you twist the throttle forward, similar to deactivating cruise control on a motorcycle, which enhances the braking effect and feeds up to three times more energy back into the battery than passive regeneration.

This delay is not only noticeably felt during riding, but when using active regeneration, the brake light also illuminates and provides significant benefits. You quickly learn to make the smooth gliding ride on the electric motorcycle even more fluid by completely forgoing the mechanical brakes before gentler curves and relying on active regeneration. This requires some adjustment, but it optimizes the riding experience and is also essential to maximize range, as our return trip demonstrates.

The range is an extremely important topic for vehicles with electric drive, which unfortunately, like many other electric motorcycles on the market, also significantly affects the Can-Am models. For the Can-Am Pulse, the manufacturer specifies a range of 160 kilometers in the city and a combined range of 130 kilometers. The Can-Am Origin achieves slightly lower values due to its standard, knobby Dunlop D605 tires, its higher weight, and its less aerodynamic front. It is supposed to reach up to 145 kilometers in the city and about 115 km combined. This is significantly less than comparable combustion engines and is particularly a problem for the Origin, which is designed as an adventure bike.

To optimize energy consumption while riding, the power output can be adjusted through various riding modes. The Pulse offers four riding modes: Eco, Rain, Normal, and Sport+. The Origin additionally features two off-road modes, Offroad and Offroad+, which specifically adjust traction control and ABS for unpaved paths. These modes are clearly displayed on the large TFT display. Furthermore, both active and passive regeneration can be adjusted separately at any time.

Our test ride begins in Nice on the Côte d'Azur and takes us north into the mountains. The decidedly sporty ride demands a lot from the battery and quickly reduces the range. At the highest point of our tour, the displays of the test machines show remaining ranges of only 27 to 35 km. However, it's still 68 kilometers back to the hotel! We are informed that we can only make it back by using the correct riding modes and active regeneration. And indeed – the active regeneration works excellently. Thanks to the significant downhill portion on the return trip, we can recover a substantial amount of energy and, after the 68 kilometers, not only arrive safely at the hotel but, according to the TFT display, even have more remaining range than when we set off.

A word on the previously mentioned electronics and the large TFT display: The 10.25-inch touchscreen TFT display also comes from well-known BRP products, such as the Can-Am three-wheelers, and offers numerous customization and connectivity options. Apple CarPlay is on board. Unfortunately, currently only Apple CarPlay and not yet Android Auto, but Can-Am is already working on a solution for that. Since the system was adopted from the automotive sector, Apple CarPlay is only available when a headset is connected via Bluetooth. The touchscreen itself can only be operated while stationary for safety reasons. Overall, however, the huge display is very legible and provides useful information that can also be configured by the user. The switch units are easy to operate, although the button-laden controls certainly do not belong to the most accessible or intuitive operating concepts on the market.

The traction control can be deactivated in certain riding modes. On the Origin, the ABS on the rear wheel is turned off in off-road modes. Like some other electric bikes, the Can-Am also features a reverse gear. This is activated by holding the start button for about a second. To then move backwards, you turn the throttle forward – in the opposite direction.

Time to talk about the price of the new Can-Am motorcycles. Electric vehicles are generally still significantly more expensive than comparable combustion models, and the price of the Pulse and Origin is no exception. The base variant of the Pulse is available in Austria starting at €16,999. Additionally, Can-Am offers the Pulse 73’, a tribute to the original motocross bike from 1973, featuring an exclusive silver design, LED daytime running lights, 73’ stickers, and wind deflectors. The Pulse 73’ costs €19,299. For the Origin model, you have to shell out at least €17,599, and for the Origin 73’, a hefty €19,799. When I inquired about what leads to such exorbitant prices, the following reasons were given: They didn't want to sabotage the re-entry into the motorcycle market by compromising the performance of the Origin and Pulse for cost reasons. Both bikes are indeed intended as premium products. At the same time, modern electric drive technology is quite expensive in manufacturing and acquisition, especially given the not-so-large production volumes that Can-Am currently has. In the future, as supply chains are optimized and model lines are expanded, the price might decrease.

For those who want to upgrade both models, original accessories from LinQ are available. With the LinQ system, accessories can be attached to existing mounting points without tools by a quarter turn of the specialized anchors. The final production of the Can-Am models is currently underway, and both the Origin and Pulse are expected to be available at the start of the 2025 season, likely in March/April.

As is often the case with electric motorcycles, the Can-Am Origin and Pulse leave little to be desired in terms of riding performance. Compared to their combustion-engine competitors in the A2 segment, they are even superior in terms of riding dynamics. However, like all electrically powered vehicles, the Canadian e-bikes struggle with the limitations of electric drive. The Origin rides excellently, but as an adventure bike in the true sense, it is hardly usable due to its range, unless the adventure begins right at your doorstep. The Pulse does not have this problem and would certainly make a good impression as an everyday vehicle in urban areas or as a machine for evening rides. For these areas of use, however, one must be very enthusiastic about the Pulse and its admittedly very advanced technology, considering the purchase price. The Origin and Pulse are certainly not for everyone, as Can-Am also states. Should laws change in the future or the energy density of battery technology increase, the two bikes could appeal to a larger customer base. Until then, they remain interesting, highly modern, yet also very expensive niche products.