Can-Am has recently made its foray back into the motorcycle market after a two-year hiatus, this time with two fully electric bikes: the Pulse and the Origin. These bikes closely resemble the concept bikes that were previously unveiled and are positioned to compete with models such as the LiveWire S2 and Zero Motorcycles FX lines.
Both the Pulse and the Origin share similar basic specifications, including a Rotax electric motor that produces 47 horsepower and 53 pound-feet of torque. They have an integrated powertrain that includes an enclosed chain case with oil and an automatic tensioner, reducing the need for chain maintenance. The bikes are single-speed and are capable of reaching 60 mph in 3.8 seconds for the Pulse and 4.3 seconds for the Origin.
The bikes are powered by an 8.9-kWh battery pack located within the frame, supporting Level 1 and Level 2 AC charging. The bikes can be charged from 20% to 80% in just 50 minutes with Level 2 charging. Despite not having an extensive range, they are comparable to the competition, with the Origin claiming a city range of 100 miles and the Pulse achieving 113 miles in the city.
In terms of styling and chassis, the Pulse is more road-oriented with a lower seat height of 30.9 inches and 17-inch wheels. It features an upside-down non-adjustable fork, a single coilover rear shock with adjustable preload, and 5.5 inches of travel. The Origin, on the other hand, is designed as an adventure bike with a higher seat height of 34 inches, 10 inches of suspension travel, adjustable compression and damping settings on the rear shock, and larger wheels with knobbier tires.
Both the Pulse and the Origin come equipped with a 10.25-inch touchscreen for instruments and infotainment, Bluetooth connectivity, Apple CarPlay, a USB charger, ABS, traction control, and various riding modes. The Origin also includes exclusive off-road modes.
In terms of pricing, the Pulse starts at $13,999 for the base model and $15,999 for the ’73 trim, while the Origin starts at $14,499 for the base model and $16,499 for the ’73 trim. This makes the Pulse more affordable than its counterpart. Lastly, Can-Am is currently accepting orders for both bikes, with production scheduled to begin later this year and deliveries expected to start early next year.
Overall, the Can-Am Pulse and Origin offer a promising new entry into the electric motorcycle market, with competitive specifications, technology, and pricing. These bikes are set to appeal to riders looking for environmentally friendly options with modern features and styling.