If you haven’t heard the news already, Canadian-based manufacturer Can-Am is returning to the two-wheel industry after a 37-year hiatus with two new electric-powered models, the ‘Pulse’ naked bike and ‘Origin,’ dual sport, paving the way for a new generation of motorcycles that will join the company’s extensive lineup of powersport vehicles. We’ve been following the development of the dirt-friendly bike closely since it was announced two years ago and now, we’re finally receiving full details on this eagerly-awaited model.

According to Can-Am, the new Origin offers smooth, instant torque on demand thanks to the latest Rotax E-Power unit which is housed in the swingarm for optimal weight balance and power delivery. Output for the motor with its 8.9 kWh battery pack is 47 horsepower and 53 ft-lbs of torque. With its compact 412-pound chassis, it’s capable of a 0-60 acceleration time of 4.3 seconds — in range with the latest twin-cylinder middleweight adventure bikes. There’s also a reverse gear that could prove useful for getting out of sticky situations. 

The Can-Am Origin offers six riding modes (Normal, Sport, ECO, Rain, Off-Road, and Off-Road+) that allow you to adjust the power characteristics for both new and seasoned riders or different terrain. The electronics are controlled through a set of left-hand thumb switches and a large 10.25-inch touchscreen display equipped with Apple CarPlay, allowing riders to navigate with ease using on-screen maps and stay connected with all the major cell phone apps.

A standout feature of parent company BRP’s proprietary electric technology is its advanced liquid-cooling system, encompassing the battery, charger, inverter, and motor. This system not only minimizes battery degradation over time but also optimizes range and charging efficiency in extreme hot or cold environments. It works very similar to the cooling system on traditional gas-powered motorcycles with a pair of front radiators and a water pump cycling coolant through the major components. Although, with internal battery temperatures never running higher than 125° F, fluid changes are much less frequent.

Riders can expect charging times from 20% to 80% in 50 minutes, using Level 2 charging at home or at charging stations. And with the liquid-cooled system, riders can begin charging immediately after a long ride, without the typical wait time for batteries to cool down. The battery is also maintained at optimal temperatures when stored in a frigid garage, so that the bike is ready to go immediately upon startup on cold mornings.

The electric powerplant features both an Active (aggressive) and Passive (standard) ReGen system that recharges the battery under deceleration. You can adjust the level of ReGen in the settings to your taste, or turn it off, for more control over the ‘engine braking’ feel. This system powers the Can-Am Origin to an estimated city range of up to 145 km (90 miles). Expect the trail riding range to be closer to the city range, but this will depend on the terrain (e.g. mud, sand, etc.). 

To handle rugged terrain, the Origin rolls on 21” front and 18” rear tube-type spoked wheels shod with Dunlop D605 50/50 dual sport tires, along with a generous 10 inches of suspension travel and 10.8 inches of ground clearance. Suspension is made by KYB with a non-adjustable fork and fully-adjustable rear shock. Braking is accomplished by a J.Juan 2-piston floating caliper on a 320mm disc in front along with a single-piston caliper on a 240mm disc in the rear, aided by a switchable rear-off ABS. 

Notably, the Origin features a ‘Silent Drive’ enclosed chaincase that drives the rear wheel. Like a shaft drive, it’s low maintenance but it’s lighter and offers less power drag. The system encases the chain to protect it from dirt and debris, while bathing it in oil and keeping it taught with an automatic tensioner. According to Can-Am, the result is an efficient, low-maintenance drive system that lets you enjoy the unique experience of trail riding with minimal machine noise.

While the bike’s range definitely limits its use for touring, and Can-Am makes clear this is not intended to be an Adventure Bike, the Origin is touted as a city bike you can take to the woods, with a range adequate for typical dual sport day rides. It also brings a new level of approachability with an electric powerplant that doesn’t require learning how to use a clutch or understand power curves and switching gears. A near-silent, vibration-free experience and the smooth, precise power delivery, even in tricky, low-speed situations may also be appreciated by both experienced and new riders alike.

The Can-Am Origin will also comes in a separate trim package called the ‘73 model, which is a tribute to the championship-winning dirt bikes the company introduced in 1973. The optional “Origin 73” trim includes LED lighting that wraps the headlight offering a unique look, along with additional side lighting. A LinQ windscreen is a quick-removal design that lets you easily take it off before hitting the trails. The bike also comes with a matching motorcycle cover to keep the bike protected from the elements. And to round out it, the package comes with Acid Yellow wheel stripes and an exclusive Sterling Silver Satin paint job with ‘73 badging.

Pricing and Availability

Pre-orders for the Can-Am Origin are now available at select BRP dealerships in France, Germany, Spain, UK, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Austria, the United States, and Canada, with production starting in Q4 of 2024 and global deliveries starting in early 2025. 

Starting MSRP for the Can-Am Origin in Bright white is $14,499 USD (18,999 $ CAD / € 17,599 EUR) with the Carbon Black model priced at $14,999 USD (19,699 $ CAD / € 18,199 EUR) and ‘73 model in Sterling Silver coming in at $16,499 USD (21,699 $ CAD / € 19,499 EUR). An extensive range of accessories will be made available including hand guards, adjustable windscreen, heated grips, lockable soft luggage, auxiliary lights, crash bars, tank bag, top box, and more.

Stay tuned for more details as we get our first chance to try out the new machine next month at the press launch in Austin, Texas.

Can-Am Origin Specs

Author: Rob Dabney

Rob Dabney started a lifelong obsession with motorcycles at the age of 15 when he purchased his first bike – a 1982 Honda MB5. Through his 20’s and 30’s he competed in off-road desert races, including the Baja 250, 500 and 1000. Eventually, his proclivity for exploration led him to dual sport and adventure riding. Rob’s never-ending quest to discover what’s around the next bend has taken him on Adventures in Latin America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and throughout the American West. As a moto journalist, he enjoys inspiring others to seek adventure across horizons both near and far.