2025 Can Am Pulse and Origin Review

Can-Am re-enters the motorcycle scene for the first time since 1987 in a bold move with two new electric bikes: the Can-Am Origin dual-sport and Can-Am Pulse roadster. Both are powered by a 11-kW Rotax E-Power motor with an 8.9-kWh battery, producing a claimed 47 hp and 53 lb-ft of torque. Interesting features include liquid cooling to extend battery life, the enclosed chain case that reduces maintenance and sound, and the 10.25-inch TFT touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay.

Curious to find out how these electric motorcycles perform, we accepted Can-Am’s invitation to Austin, Texas, where we put the Pulse and Origin through their paces, flicking the Pulse through tight city streets and ripping the Origin around a 400-acre off-road ranch. Although all electric bikes today suffer from limited range, we were impressed by the bikes’ build quality, performance, design, and tech.

2025 Can-Am Pulse / Origin Specs
Base Price: $13,999 / $14,499
ENGINE
Type: Liquid-cooled Rotax E-power electric motor
Power: 47 hp peak, 27 hp continuous
Torque: 53 lb-ft from 0 to 4,600 rpm
Maximum Speed: 80 mph
Claimed Range: 80 miles (combined), 100 miles (city) / 71 mi. (combined), 90 mi. (city)
Battery: Lithium-ion 8.9 kWh
Charging Type: On-board charger, 6.6 kW (Level 1 & Level 2 compatible)
Charge Time, Level 1: 5 hr. 15 min. (0–100%), 3 hr. 10 min. (20–80%)
Level 2: 1 hr. 30 min. (0–100%), 50 min. (20–80%)
Transmission: Single speed
Final Drive: Enclosed chain
CHASSIS
Wheelbase: 55.6 in. / 59.0 in.
Rake/Trail: 27.2 degrees/4.0 in. / 30.0 degrees/4.6 in.
Seat Height: 30.9 in. / 34.0 in.
Ground Clearance: 5.7 in. / 10.2 in.
Suspension, Front: 41mm fork, no adj., 5.5 in. travel / 43mm fork, no adj., 10.0 in. travel
Rear: Single shock, adj. spring preload, 5.5 in. travel / Single shock, fully adj., 10.0 in. travel
Brakes, Front: Single 320mm disc w/ 2-piston floating caliper & ABS
Rear: Single 240mm disc w/ 1-piston floating caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Cast aluminum, 17 x 3.50 in. / Spoked, tube-type, 21 x 1.85 in.
Rear: Cast aluminum, 17 x 4.50 in. / Spoked, tube-type; 18 x 2.50 in.
Tires, Front: 110/70-17 / 90/90-21
Rear: 150/60-17 / 120/80-18
Curb Weight: 390 lb / 412 lb (factory claim)

GEAR UP:

[charlesolrich]

I think EV’s have a place in the market but not for use as a primary means of transportation. What I mean by that is, in the city, it is great for short trips in and around town; but when it’s time to get out of town, you better have something that runs on gas! This is especially true if you are evacuating in an emergency situation. Personally I believe it will always be a niche market.

[XV]

I like the idea... but with dealer prep and such this is a $15, 000 US motorcycle. With only 80 miles range and a lengthy charge time, this is really only a commuter or a local rides bike, and 15 grand for a commuter bike is a lot to ask. My little 250 cost a third of that, has more range, and a 'recharge time' of 5 minutes at any gas station.

[exothermal.sprocket]

The trouble with modern EV's:
No one will pull one of these out of a barn 30-40 years from now and get it running.
Batteries deteriorate performance constantly, become obsolete in technology, and cost a fortune to replace.
Ev's are heavy, take an eternity to refuel (compared to petrol), have limited range, and penalize aggressive riding.
Depreciation on EV's (besides the above issues) makes them one of the most abysmal products to buy and own.
So how does a corporation build an EV and profit? BY GOVERNMENT 'GREEN' TAX SUBSIDIES. If and when this government issue changes, bye-bye EV market.