Can-Am x SHARP
It’s been quite the year for Can-Am, as their Pulse and Origin electric motorcycles have entered the market and have been finding their way into driveways across Canada and the rest of the world. We’ve had our share of time with them — putting down miles at the global launch in Austin, Texas last fall, and tearing up the streets of Toronto on the Pulse this past spring — and we’ve remained impressed by the adoption of electrification in the motorcycle scene thus far. But what really makes the Pulse and Origin tick? While Can-Am isn’t the first brand to enter the electric motorcycle space, there’s something about how these bikes come together that just clicks where others have fallen flat.
Intuitive and Familiar Design
Throwing a leg over either the street-focused Pulse or the adventure-driven Origin, the first thing that strikes a chord is how comfortable and familiar each of these motorcycles feel. Looking at the execution of each machine’s controls, ergonomics, and overall fit and feel perspective, everything follows the modern motorcycling ethos. Aside from learning how to use regenerative braking with forward rotation of the throttle, there’s no real learning curve to Can-Am’s electric motorcycles. This is equally true of its brilliant touchscreen display interface — anyone who has used a tablet or any in-car touchscreen tech will figure out its overall functionality in no time.
Ample work also went into the overall design of both machines to maintain a familiar yet original aesthetic. Drawing on design cues of Can-Am’s motorcycles of the ‘70s and ‘80s, a mix of aggressive muscularity and flair comes together in a package that is distinctly identifiable as Can-Am to those familiar with the brand. On the flip side, those without the historical knowledge will still be drawn in by its rugged angular forms and refined silhouette.
Purpose-Built Performance
Aesthetics and the like are lovely, but most riders know that falling in love with a motorcycle is about far more than looks alone. Performance and handling is key, and the smooth power delivery and low-slung weight of the Can-Am Pulse and Origin make both of these bikes an absolute joy to ride, whether around the city, on your favourite twisty roads, or off the beaten path. Built on a dedicated Rotax E-Power platform, a peak of 47 horsepower and a peak torque of 53 lb-ft gives both bikes all the grunt you need, and as is the case with any EV, that off-the-line and lag-free power output will consistently put a smile on any rider’s face.
Peace of Mind
Because EV adoption still seems daunting for some, this is where Can-Am stands alone in the electric motorcycle space. Leveraging the brand’s significant existing dealer network, Pulse and Origin buyers can trust that they have access to service and repair resources across the country, which can’t be said for other EV motorcycle upstarts that have appeared in the market. Can-Am is also a much larger enterprise — being part of the Bombardier/BRP umbrella — which ensures that no market hardship will lead to the company disappearing in a few years and leaving owners high and dry.
In addition, Canada’s EV charging network is constantly growing, and in many areas (especially across the country’s urban centres), a plethora of charging points exist to ensure that riders have nearly as easy access to a charging station as they would to conventional fueling options. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, there are easily more charging points than there are gas stations in the downtown core, and with the ability to charge the Pulse or Origin from 20% to 80% battery life in less than an hour, the convenience factor is further amplified.
At the end of the day, we’re looking at a new form of two-wheeled freedom taking hold; this new technology and ability to ride in near silence is bringing with it a new wave of riders to the hobby, and I for one welcome them with open arms. There’s been plenty of buzz floating around these bikes since that first ride last year, and the road ahead for Can-Am is bright (and smoothly paved).
Learn more about the Can-Am Pulse and Origin here.
