Can-Am Revives an Icon – All-Electric Pulse & Origin Motorcycles Launching Summer 2025

Back in the 1970s, the Can-Am name was synonymous with dirt-bike glory, winning championships and earning a place in motorcycling history. Fast forward to 2025: Can-Am is back on two wheels, but in a very modern way – with all-electric motorcycles. This summer, BRP (Bombardier Recreational Products, Can-Am’s parent company) will launch the Can-Am Pulse and Origin, two innovative electric bikes that revive the legendary brand for a new generation of riders. Rather than petrol-fueled nostalgia, Can-Am is charging into the future, positioning the Pulse and Origin as high-tech yet rider-friendly machines that honor the brand’s adventurous spirit. Here’s an inside look at these two models, which are set to hit North American dealerships in Summer 2025 and have already begun taking pre-orders.

A Dynamic Duo – Pulse and Origin: Can-Am’s approach is to offer two distinct electric models on a common “Rotax E-Power” platform, thereby covering different riding styles:

Can-Am Pulse: A naked electric roadster, the Pulse is designed for urban commuting and spirited weekend rides on twisty roads. It has a sleek, minimalist look – think modern streetfighter meets commuter bike. The ergonomics are upright and comfortable, making it approachable for new riders, but the design is sharp enough to appeal to seasoned motorcyclists as well. Can-Am has emphasized that the Pulse is the go-to for city dwellers and suburban riders who want a quick, agile, and easy-to-ride motorcycle for daily use.
Can-Am Origin: An adventure dual-sport, the Origin channels Can-Am’s off-road heritage. This bike looks like a cross between a dirt bike and a light adventure-tourer. It’s tall, rugged, and ready to tackle both paved and unpaved routes. With its higher suspension and semi-knobby tires, the Origin is aimed at riders who want to explore beyond the city limits – from fire roads to countryside trails – all without emissions or noise concerns. It’s essentially a rebirth of the idea of a Can-Am enduro, brought into the electric era.

Both bikes share the same DNA and electric powertrain, but their equipment (wheels, suspension, riding position) differ to fit their intended purpose.

Electric Powertrain & Performance: At the core of the Pulse and Origin is a Rotax E-Power motor and a sophisticated battery pack. Rotax (a long-time BRP subsidiary known for engines) developed a liquid-cooled electric motor system that gives these bikes peppy performance while keeping weight manageable. Key specs shared by both models:

Power and Torque: The motor delivers a peak power of 47 hp (35 kW) and continuous power around 20 kW (roughly 27 hp). Don’t let the numbers fool you – electric torque is the great equalizer. The Rotax E-Power churns out 53 lb-ft of torque instantly from 0 rpm. In real-world terms, the Pulse/Origin accelerate from 0-60 mph in the low 4-second range. The Pulse is a tad quicker (about 3.8 seconds 0-60), with the Origin just behind (~4.3 seconds) due to its off-road tires and aero. These bikes have performance comparable to a typical 650-700cc twin in acceleration up to highway speeds. However, to preserve battery, top speed is electronically limited to 80 mph. Can-Am figured most urban and dual-sport users rarely need more than that, and capping it extends range. So while you won’t be doing 100 mph blasts, you’ll have plenty of zip for passing and spirited riding up to that 80 mph mark.
Battery and Range: Each bike carries an 8.9 kWh lithium-ion battery pack (nominal capacity) under the faux “tank” area and extending down into the frame. Importantly, it’s liquid-cooled – a big selling point, as many bikes (and even some EV cars) rely on air cooling which can struggle in heat or high loads. Liquid cooling means consistent performance and faster charging without overheating. On a full charge, Can-Am claims the Pulse can travel up to ~100 miles in city riding (stop-and-go, lower speeds) and about 80 miles in mixed riding. The Origin, with its knobbier tires and likely more drag, is rated slightly lower – roughly 90 miles city, 70 miles mixed. Highway range at sustained 70+ mph will be lower (likely around 50-60 miles) due to wind resistance. While these range figures aren’t world-beating, they’re targeted at the bikes’ use cases: daily commuting, short adventures, and fun rides. For perspective, many riders will treat these like they would a 150-300cc bike in terms of range, but with the punch of a bigger machine. The good news is, charging is relatively quick. Both models have an onboard Level 2 charger (Level 1 as well via standard outlets). On a 240V Level 2 charger, expect a 0-80% charge in about 45 minutes, and 0-100% in around 1.5 hours. Level 1 (household plug) will take several hours (overnight). These bikes do not support DC fast-charging (as seen on some larger EV motorcycles), which likely helped keep costs down.
Weight and Chassis: The battery is a stressed member of the chassis, meaning it acts like the frame’s central structure. This helped reduce weight and complexity. The Pulse weighs about 390 lbs, and the Origin around 412 lbs, ready to ride. Those weights are very competitive for electric motorcycles – they’re in the ballpark of equivalent gas bikes (for example, a Kawasaki KLR650 is ~430 lbs, a CB500X ~430 lbs). To keep weight low, Can-Am used aluminum components and a compact motor unit. The bikes also have a neat single-sided swingarm with an enclosed chain drive, a design that keeps maintenance minimal and gives a clean look on the non-sprocket side. Riders will find the handling surprisingly light; the center of gravity is low (battery placement helps here), making slow-speed maneuvers a breeze.

Differences – Street vs. Dual-Sport: Where the Pulse and Origin diverge is in their running gear:

Wheels & Tires: The Pulse comes with sporty 17-inch cast alloy wheels front and rear, shod in street rubber (Dunlop Sportmax GPR-300 tires). This setup is all about nimble pavement handling and confident grip on asphalt. The Origin on the other hand is equipped with spoked wheels – a 21-inch front and 18-inch rear, true to off-road form. They even have tube-type dual-sport tires (Dunlop D605) for durability and flex when airing down off-road. This combo gives the Origin better rollover ability on obstacles and a larger contact patch in dirt. Naturally, the off-road tires hum a bit on pavement and don’t corner as hard as the Pulse’s, but the Origin is built for versatility.
Suspension: The Pulse has slightly shorter, road-tuned suspension: a 41mm KYB fork up front and a Sachs monoshock at the rear. Travel is around 5.5 inches at both ends – enough to handle potholes and rough city streets comfortably. The fork is non-adjustable (keeps cost down and simplicity up), while the shock offers preload adjustment to accommodate a passenger. The ride is described as compliant yet planted on the road. In contrast, the Origin boasts around 10 inches of travel front and rear – truly soaking up rocks and ruts. Can-Am likely used larger-diameter forks (or at least different internals) and a longer shock for the Origin. Despite the big travel, early test riders say the Origin remains well-controlled, with damping on par with middleweight ADV bikes. The Origin’s seat height is taller – roughly 34-35 inches (thanks to that extra suspension and big wheels) – whereas the Pulse’s seat is around 31-32 inches, very approachable for most riders. Ground clearance on the Origin is a healthy 10+ inches, and the bike includes a skid plate and hand guards, underscoring its off-road intentions.
Brakes & ABS: Both models feature single disc brakes front and rear, with 4-piston calipers up front (by Brembo’s axial brand or possibly BYBRE) and standard ABS. The Pulse gets a slightly larger front rotor (for aggressive street braking) whereas the Origin’s ABS is tuned for off-road – notably, it has an Off-Road ABS mode that allows some rear wheel lock-up on loose terrain. Can-Am has not included switchable traction control or multiple engine maps – instead, the bikes rely on the natural smoothness of electric power and a simple “Eco / Sport / Sport+” ride mode setup on the dash that primarily affects throttle response. Riders have noted that Sport+ mode gives instant throttle and maximum regenerative braking, great for spirited riding, while Eco softens acceleration and extends range. It’s a straightforward approach that fits these models.

Styling and Technology: In terms of looks, Can-Am struck a nice balance between futuristic and functional. The Pulse has a modern, almost Euro-style design with a geometric LED headlight, sharp lines on the “tank” area, and exposed trellis subframe. The Origin looks more utilitarian, with a higher front fender, small windscreen, and a hint of retro rally bike in its silhouette. Both bikes come with full LED lighting (headlights, tail, turn signals) and a fully digital display. The display is a bright TFT screen that connects to a smartphone app for additional features. Through this system, riders can see navigation prompts, music controls, and even bike telemetry on the screen. Can-Am has also integrated their rideshare and maintenance connectivity – via an app you can check battery status, remaining range, and even the bike’s location (handy for security or sharing ride data).

One standout feature is the dual-mode regenerative braking. The Pulse and Origin allow riders to toggle regen level (essentially how much the bike slows down when you roll off the throttle, sending charge back to the battery). There’s a “coast” mode with lighter regen for a more freewheeling feel (useful on highway), and an “active” regen that adds significant engine braking (great for city stop-and-go or off-road downhill control). Many riders might end up using regen to slow down most of the time, preserving brake pads and recapturing energy – it’s a different but satisfying way to ride, and you can often do one-pedal (one-throttle) riding in city traffic.

Price and Target Riders: Perhaps most impressive is that Can-Am has managed to price these bikes competitively for the technology on offer. The Pulse’s MSRP starts around $13,999 and the Origin around $14,499 in the U.S. (before any EV incentives). That’s in the same ballpark as some gas-powered middleweight bikes and notably less than premium electric bikes which often exceed $20k. Can-Am is clearly targeting younger riders, commuters, and environmentally conscious enthusiasts who might have been hesitant due to price. With financing deals (BRP is even advertising promotional financing and potential tax credits), they are making the leap to electric as inviting as possible.

The Pulse is ideal for urban riders who want a zippy, zero-emission motorcycle that’s easy to handle. No clutch, no shifting, low maintenance (no oil changes, just keep the chain lubed and battery charged) – it’s an attractive proposition for those who might otherwise consider a scooter or small ICE bike. Meanwhile, the Origin appeals to riders who love the idea of exploring nature quietly. Imagine trail riding or camping without engine noise, or commuting Monday to Friday and hitting the trail on Saturday on the same bike. The Origin offers that versatility and taps into a unique niche: an electric dual-sport that can be ridden in areas where noise or emissions are a concern (some trails or eco-sensitive areas might actually welcome such bikes).

Looking Ahead: Can-Am bringing these to market revives more than a brand name – it revives the idea that North American manufacturers can innovate in motorcycling. It’s been decades since an “American” (Canadian-owned, in this case) company launched a motorcycle in mass production. By going electric, Can-Am leapfrogs into a forward-looking space. The Pulse and Origin are just the start; BRP has hinted at expanding the lineup (perhaps smaller S3 models or larger touring S4 models in the future). But for now, these two are carrying the flag. Early adopters who have test ridden pre-production units praise the bikes for their smooth ride, intuitive controls, and solid build quality. They note that while range is a limitation for long trips, the bikes excel in their intended environment: daily rides and short adventures. And importantly, they’re fun – delivering instant torque thrill and easy handling, which is what motorcycling is all about.

So, as Summer 2025 approaches, we’re witnessing the rebirth of Can-Am on two wheels. From the quiet hum of the Pulse at a stoplight to the silent rooster tails of the Origin on a dirt trail, Can-Am’s legacy of performance and fun lives on – just in a cleaner, quieter package. The icon is revived, and it’s fully electric.