In my previous article, I discussed the creation process behind Can-Am’s new electric motorcycles, the Pulse and the Origin. I encourage you to read about the effort and creativity that went into their conception. Now, following the design phase, comes the testing. As you’ll read in this second part, the test results were more than promising. Enjoy!
Testing Context for Can-Am’s Electric Motorcycles in Austin
Our time in Austin was both productive and insightful. Every detail was arranged so we could fully immerse ourselves in the Can-Am brand and test their electric motorcycles in ALL conditions. This BRP subsidiary’s marketing team had us riding through cities and villages. We tested on straight lines and curves along highways, country roads, gravel and sandy paths, as well as on bumpy roads. But the highlight was the sandy, forested terrain—where I fully enjoyed riding the Origin! It was my favourite part of all the testing zones.
Testing the Can-Am Pulse on the Road
As a former owner of a CB 650F, I’m a fan of sport-touring bikes. I love their lightness, fluid handling, and above all, the power they deliver. I wasn’t disappointed with the Pulse. At 5 feet and 9 inches, I’m relatively tall, yet I found the bike comfortable. With its approximate seat height of 30 inches, I’d even say it’s a great fit for shorter riders who may struggle to find a suitable option with other brands.
Impressive Stability at Low Speeds with the Pulse
The first thing that struck me during my road test was the precision of the ride. The Can-Am Pulse is incredibly stable—it’s wild! At low speeds, it stays glued to the ground without wobbling. As I slowed to approach red lights, it felt as though I could coast for miles without having to put my feet down.
The Pulse in Curves: Power and Manoeuvrability
The Pulse handles curves well, though I did find it a bit harder to lean into compared to other sports bikes I’ve ridden over my career. That said, this electric motorcycle still offers an enjoyable experience in turns, especially with its incredible power coming out of a curve, which left me thoroughly impressed. What power!
As for acceleration, it is sharp and direct, especially in Sport+ mode. This is the clear advantage of electric motors, and you can really feel it.
Comfort and Ergonomics: What the Pulse Could Improve
Personally, I would have liked a more effective windshield. A cruise control feature would also have been handy, though the Pulse simply isn’t built for long-distance, nonstop riding. I understand the decision to leave it out.
Adapting to Regenerative Braking on a Can-Am Electric Motorcycle
Whether you’re riding the Pulse or the Origin, the braking may take a bit of getting used to. You can adjust the deceleration from regenerative braking (Active ReGen) to suit your riding style. To slow down, you simply reverse the throttle, a motion that quickly becomes second nature—something I came to appreciate.
This new electric bike from Can-Am offers good ergonomics. We had several riders of different builds testing it, and everyone seemed to find a comfortable fit.
Riding the Pulse: A Smooth and Silent Experience
The ride quality of the Pulse is what charmed me the most. The smoothness, flexibility, and lack of vibration won me over. Yes, I know, it’s surprising for an engine enthusiast to enjoy the silent floating sensation of an electric motorcycle. But, I swear, it’s honestly what I loved the most. Let me tell you, when I got back and hopped onto my gas bike, I missed that vibration-free calm and reassuring glide. (Did I really just say that? Scandalous!)
Testing the Can-Am Origin: Dual-Purpose Performance
Alright, enough about the Pulse! Let’s move on to the Origin, the second electric motorcycle introduced by Can-Am. First off, the two models share some similarities, including silence, manoeuvrability, and ease of handling at low speeds. On the road, I noticed a slight vibration, but it didn’t surprise me—this is to be expected, given the different tires and suspension compared to its sibling. The Origin handles curves smoothly, though its performance doesn’t quite match that of its gas-powered counterparts. Is it the weight of the battery, the design, or the ergonomics? I can’t say for sure.
The Origin Off-Road: Surprisingly Agile
What sets the Origin apart from the Pulse is its lightness and easy handling in off-road zones. When I say “easy”, I’m barely exaggerating. During my sand tests, I completely forgot I was on a motorcycle! I felt so comfortable that I let myself go, as if riding a supercharged mountain bike. Plus, it’s comfortable for riding in a standing position.
The Advantage of the Can-Am Electric Motor on Rough Terrain
The electric nature of this motorcycle eliminates gear shifting, a huge advantage on rough terrain. Need to take a sharp turn or cross a series of bumps at ultra-low speed? Easy! There’s no need to constantly use the rear brake with your foot, as the electric motor provides deceleration while channelling energy back to the battery through the inverter. Nothing goes to waste! You can even adjust the intensity, as I mentioned earlier. This keeps your feet firmly on the pegs, allowing you to focus on your technique and the path ahead.
I’m not a professional motocross rider by any means, but during this test, I felt confident and comfortable in my ride. I really enjoyed it! I could already picture myself exploring the woods near my home, refining my skills through rocks, stumps, and mud pits.
In the end, are these electric motorcycles perfect? No. There’s always room for improvement. But in terms of innovation and used in the right context, these pioneering vehicles deliver. I had an absolute blast discovering them.
THE BATTERY in Can-Am Electric Motorcycles: Range and Performance
Yes, I put this title in all caps because it’s the first question everyone asks me. Maybe you didn’t even read the previous sections, looking for this information in particular! Of course, I still encourage you to read them, as they contain interesting insights that help you understand the product fully.
A Robust, Custom-Designed Battery
As I mentioned earlier, the battery in both the Pulse and the Origin is custom-designed. Can-Am developed it 100%, just like the motor, and built the bike around these components with a focus on rider experience. This explains its unique shape, setting it apart from others. That said, beyond the design, it’s the same battery used in their snowmobiles—a solid battery tested under a wide range of extreme conditions.
Bold Battery Design for the Pulse and the Origin
To make it stand out, Can-Am chose to paint it yellow—they didn’t want to hide it! By integrating it with the motor structure, engineers also achieved weight savings. The Pulse weighs in at 390 lb, while the Origin is 412 lb, comparable to a gas-powered bike of the same type.
I know some models—no names here—boast a longer range. But in the competitive landscape, weight and charging speed are the critical factors. At 399 lb, the Pulse is generally about 100 lb lighter than competing electric motorcycles. You sacrifice a bit of range for a reasonable weight and a decent recharge time.
Liquid Cooling: A Key Advantage for Can-Am Electric Motorcycles
Another interesting fact: the battery is liquid-cooled to optimize range, charging, motor, and inverter performance. This technology ensures uniform cooling, which helps extend battery life. You can push it harder than an air-cooled battery since you don’t need to stop for cooldowns under intense use. Liquid cooling for both the battery and motor is, for now, exclusive to Can-Am.
Performance of the Can-Am Electric Motor
It’s worth noting that the motor powering both Can-Am’s electric motorcycles shares these same characteristics. Powered by an 8.9 kWh battery, it delivers 47 hp (35 kW), equivalent to a gas engine of roughly 600 cc to 700 cc.
Can-Am Motorcycle Range: What to Expect
Range and Speed of the Can-Am Pulse
The Pulse offers a general range of 130 km, achievable when riding at high speed or with mixed power and steady cruising. In urban settings, at reduced speeds and with regenerative braking (see below), you can get up to 160 km. Its top speed of 129 km/h seems well suited for its intended purpose.
Range and Speed of the Can-Am Origin
As for the Origin, it has a general range of about 115 km with high-speed or variable use. In the city, considering regenerative braking, the range can reach 145 km. Its top speed is also 129 km/h.
Charging Times for Can-Am Electric Motorcycles
Charging stats are interesting. With a level 1 or 2 charger, the battery can go from 20% to 80% in just about 50 minutes. Take a sandwich or coffee break, and you’re good to go. For a full charge from empty, expect around an hour and a half. This is quite realistic for urban or suburban users, the primary target market for these bikes.
A Notable Advantage of Liquid Cooling
Additionally, liquid cooling provides an advantage when it comes to charging. Since the bike’s temperature remains low even after intense use, you can start charging as soon as you reach a station. There’s no need to wait for it to cool down, saving valuable time on recharging.
Innovative Technologies in Can-Am Electric Motorcycles
Can-Am introduces some exciting innovations with its new electric motorcycles. In this section, I’ll share the ones that stood out to me.
A Silent Chain and Innovative Enclosed Chain Case
I was particularly impressed with the enclosed chain case featuring a silent chain. This setup offers the perfect balance between the lightweight benefits of a chain system and the cleanliness of a driving shaft, thanks to the enclosed chain case. The chain is quiet and remains clean and efficient, protected by its casing.
This enclosed chain case system is also used on all Ski-Doo snowmobile models. Can-Am’s electric motorcycles feature the same chain found in the 850 E-TEC Turbo and 900 ACE Turbo R engines. It requires minimal maintenance while keeping a good tension. Ultimately, it saves time, reduces noise, and cuts down on upkeep! Can-Am recommends a first service at 5,000 km to change the oil, with a general visual inspection at 25,000 km.
The motor itself is integrated into the swingarm, with a self-lubricating system.
Three Regeneration Modes: An Adaptive System to Maximize Range
Generating energy in a sustainable way? Why not! So, what is regeneration? The Active ReGen system provides smoother deceleration and improved vehicle control, allowing energy to flow back to the battery. Can-Am’s electric motorcycles offer three regeneration modes:
- Passive Regeneration: When the motorcycle decelerates, it automatically regenerates and recovers energy.
- Active Regeneration: Greater energy recovery occurs by reversing the throttle motion.
- Adjustable Regeneration: Both passive and active regeneration functions are adjustable. You can optimize it depending on the type of road to maximize efficiency for specific riding conditions.
Onboard Technology: Accessories and Connectivity
Let’s talk about the accessories, technical specs, and technologies of the Pulse and the Origin.
Charge Your Phone with Ease
To start, both of Can-Am’s new electric motorcycles come with a storage compartment featuring a dedicated phone charging space, complete with an integrated outlet!
Mobile Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and BRP Go!
For connectivity, Can-Am chose Apple CarPlay as its platform, which should appeal to consumers already familiar with this technology. Why not use what we already know? Of course, you’ll also have access to BRP Go!, BRP’s exclusive mobile app.
A Durable and Easy-to-Use Touchscreen
Can-Am has integrated a 10.25-inch touchscreen in all its vehicles. It’s user-friendly, efficient, and, most importantly, rugged. Tested on water and snow, it’s proven to withstand the elements. System updates are available via WiFi, affecting only connectivity and the mobile app, not the motorcycle itself.
The main interface displays speed, battery charge, estimated range based on real-time usage, location, and approximate recharge time.
Reverse Gear: Handy for Maneuvering
To my surprise, Can-Am added a reverse function to its new electric motorcycles. I was skeptical at first, but it turned out to be genuinely useful!
Tackling Range Anxiety: Can-Am’s Approach
Have you heard of the phenomenon known as “EV range anxiety”? It’s the fear that an electric vehicle (EV) won’t have enough charge to complete its journey—a concept defined by Canadian telematics company Geotab as follows:
“EV range anxiety is the fear that an EV won’t have enough charge to accomplish its task.”—Geotab Team.
Well, Can-Am wanted to address this modern-day worry. To help combat range anxiety, the estimated remaining range in kilometres is displayed on the motorcycle’s touchscreen, based on your driving habits to provide a more realistic approximation.
If your driving habits change between rides, a percentage reliability index appears alongside the estimate. This index indicates that your riding style varied significantly from previous rides. Essentially, the more your habits change, the higher the margin of error, and the less reliable the range estimate becomes. This adjusts in real time throughout your ride, allowing you to see how driving habits affect range and make adjustments as needed.
Unique and Powerful Front and Rear Lighting
The headlight illuminates not only the front but also the sides—something I’ve never seen on a motorcycle. It’s both stylish and functional. Meanwhile, the taillight features a unique 3D design.
Driving Modes and Specific Features of the Pulse
Now, let’s look at some features unique to the Pulse. It has four driving modes you can switch between at any time on the touchscreen: Sport, Normal, Rain, and Eco, each detailed in the table below. If you’re riding, use the button on the left handlebar for safer switching. These driving modes impact engine response as well as ABS and traction control systems. You can also adjust the rear suspension, though not the front. The Pulse rides on 17-inch Dunlop Sportmax GPR 300 tires, which promise sporty handling with excellent grip. Finally, the seat height is 30.86 in., and the front KYB suspension has a 140 mm travel.
The Origin Off-Road: Outstanding Performance with Extra Modes
The Origin comes with the same four driving modes as the Pulse, plus two additional configurations: Off-Road and Off-Road+. Including adjustable features (see grey boxes in the table below), you get a truly customized riding experience. Naturally, this bike is also equipped with ABS brakes and full traction control. The complete KYB front suspension provides 255 mm of travel, and the rear shock is adjustable for preload, compression, and rebound. Outfitted with Dunlop D605 tires with tubes (21 inches in the front and 18 inches in the rear), it’s ready to tackle all terrains. This model’s seat height is 34 inches.
Customize Your Can-Am Motorcycle with a Full Range of Accessories
Lastly, there are nearly 25 accessories and parts to personalize your new Can-Am electric motorcycle. You’ll also have access to the popular LINQ system, with various storage boxes and accessories. While these can affect battery range, you can add a comfort seat and passenger seat if needed. However, keep in mind that these bikes are not designed for two-up riding. From heated grips and fog lights to protective bars, there’s something for every riding style!
Protect Your Investment with Can-Am’s Warranty
So, you’ve bought your new electric motorcycle and customized it to your liking. Now it’s time to protect it. Can-Am offers a two-year (50,000 km) vehicle warranty and a five-year battery warranty. The B.E.S.T. service also provides an extended warranty of 12 to 36 months for the vehicle, though it does not cover the battery.
My Impressions of the New Can-Am Electric Motorcycles
What I Love:
- ZERO vibration; it feels like floating on the road, which is extraordinary.
- Low-speed handling is easy and precise. You can even cruise at 1 km/h for stable low-speed maneuvers.
- The throttle function that reduces speed is really interesting, and being able to personalize it is a great feature.
- The quietness of electric power means you can have conversations at traffic lights! You can fully enjoy the environment without the often-deafening noise of gas engines.
What I’d Like:
- Adding a hill brake for stops on slopes would be useful.
- I understand the balance of weight and recharge efficiency, but a range of 250 km would be perfect.
My Take After Testing the Can-Am Pulse and Origin
I have to admit I had high expectations for these electric motorcycles and was somewhat skeptical. As a fan of gas engines, I value performance and efficiency. After spending two days with the Can-Am professionals behind the design, I found myself genuinely interested in this type of product.
I’m not at the point of replacing my gas motorcycle. In any case, that’s not Can-Am’s goal with these new electric motorcycles. But I would be thrilled to add the Origin to my vehicle lineup. Off-road riding without worrying about the clutch, slowing down by simply rolling the throttle forward, and the ease of low-speed maneuvers won me over. And, honestly, you quickly get used to the silence… What great products! I had a smile on my face throughout all my tests!
In the end, credit where credit’s due: Can-Am has made a strong debut with its new lineup, and from what I heard over these two days, this is just the beginning!
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