RIDING THE CAN-AM ELECTRIC DUAL-SPORT: THE WRAP

MotoFactory · 23 августа, 2025

We got our first ride on the Can-Am Origin electric dual-sport bike last week. The entire Dirt Bike staff has had a crack at it. I rode it briefly, then shot photos with Mark Tilley in the saddle. After that, Jean Turner took over, and she is diligently testing it for a feature in the November print issue of Dirt Bike.

Mark Tilley on the Can-Am Origin.

If you don’t already know, this is Can-Am’s first two-wheeler in about 40 years. The company was all about dirt bikes in the early years of motocross. The MX-2 125 and 250 were produced in massive quantities back in 1974. Those bikes used rotary valve Rotax two-stroke motors and were reputed to be very fast and not-so-great handling. Nonetheless, Gary Jones led a sweep of the top three places in the 1974 AMA 250 National MX Championship. The next year, Jimmy Ellis captured the AMA Super Series for Can-Am–soon to be renamed the Supercross Series.

The very bike that Gary Jones used to capture the 1974 250 National MX Championship.

For Can-Am’s Canadian parent company Bombardier, sales never matched expectations and the company soon lost its enthusiasm for motorcycles. By the mid ‘80s, British manufacturer Armstrong was contracted to produce a handful of two-wheelers under the Can-Am name. Before long, Can-Am motorcycles were a footnote in history.

Can-Am went 1-2-3 in the ’74 championship with Gary Jones, Marty Tripes and Jimmy Ellis. The man in the tie is former motocross world champion Jeff Smith

Today’s rise of electric motorcycles prompted Bombardier (now BRP) to look at motorcycles again. The company purchased the remains of EV motorcycle pioneer Alta and produced two bikes: the street-oriented Pulse and the Origin dual-sport.

First of all, you have to understand what this is and isn’t. The Origin was never intended for hard core trail riding. It’s a street bike with suspension and wheels that allow mild excursions into the dirt. The most limiting factor is weight. We put it on our digital scale and it maxed out. That means it’s over 400 pounds–412 according to its specs. That’s okay. We routinely ride adventure bikes that weigh as much as 600 pounds. The bike is actually quite a thrill ride because it’s wicked fast and weirdly quiet. On dirt roads you just hear wind noise. Can-Am has given the bike six riding modes: Sport, ECO, Normal, Rain, Off-Road and Off-Road+. They offer different levels of traction control, power output and antilock. Even in its most off-road settings it still seems to have a certain level of traction control. That’s understandable because the biggest criticism of EV dirt bikes is that they spin wildly because of the instantaneous delivery of torque.

The Origin has certain clever features that we haven’t seen on any other electric bikes. One is manually engaged regen. Other bikes allow you to adjust regeneration in the form of preselected levels of engine braking. The Can-Am throttle twist grip rotates backwards to give you engine braking and regeneration on the fly. You can do an entire ride without touching the rear brake.

Range might be an issue. Jean ran it alarmingly low on power during a short freeway ride. High speeds and long range don’t go well together. Luckily, she was able to charge the bike at an Electrify America station with a class two charger, just like an electric car. We will have more accurately measured range figures in the November issue with a full report.

CHAD TUCKER

We lost a good friend last week. Chad Tucker was a key player in the success of Glen Helen Raceway and an important supporter of Dirt Bike Magazine. He was in apparently good health until being rushed to the hospital with an apparent blood clot. He was underwent emergency surgery but didn’t survive the ordeal. Here’s what the staff at Glen Helen posted:

It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our chief administrative officer, Chad Tucker.

Chad was not only a leader at Glen Helen Raceway, but a true friend, mentor, and constant source of support to everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. His vision, dedication, and passion for motocross played a vital role in shaping Glen Helen into what it is today, and his presence can be felt in every corner of our raceway.

Chad enjoyed racing himself, and that love for motorsports was at the heart of everything he did. He understood the thrill, the challenges, and the community that racing creates because he had lived it personally. That passion gave him a unique perspective because he didn’t just see racing as an event to manage, but as an experience to nurture and protect for riders and fans alike.

He was never afraid to get dirty, whether it was shoveling dirt, setting up, or stepping in wherever needed, Chad was always there. He had a way of being everywhere at once, lending a hand, offering guidance, and making sure the job got done. His tireless energy and commitment inspired all of us to give our best, no matter what the task.

While we are heartbroken by this loss, we are also grateful for the time we were able to share with him. His impact will remain forever woven into the legacy of Glen Helen, and his memory will continue to inspire us every day.

We extend our deepest condolences to Chad’s family and loved ones during this difficult time. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers as we honor his life and contributions.

Godspeed, Chad