Can-Am returns to two wheels in 2024 By Ben Purvis
Bombardier Recreational Products ( BRP ) is finally bringing its storied Can-Am brand back into the motorcycle market in mid-2024 with the launch of a whole range of electric motorcycles that will rival the next-generation LiveWire machines from rival Harley-Davidson . The LiveWire ' Arrow ' platform , due to form the basis of the upcoming LiveWire S2 ' Del Mar ', shows how the adoption of a modular electric platform means multiple different styles of bike can be made around a single , shared core section . BRP ' s new Can-Am bikes will follow the same thinking with its own patent-applied-for construction system . José Boisjoli , President and CEO of BRP , has confirmed the Can-Am motorcycle plans , releasing a statement alongside a teaser video that shows glimpses of some of the upcoming models . He said : " With the motorcycle industry shifting to electric , we saw an opportunity to reclaim our motorcycle heritage and to re-enter the market . This new product category is extremely important to us , and we are thrilled that Can-Am motorcycles are the first EV models in BRP ' s electric line-up to be confirmed to consumers . The bikes will reach dealers in mid-2024 , but we can expect a full unveiling of the machines in 2023 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Can-Am brand , launched by BRP in 1973 . Can-Am ran as BRP ' s motorcycle arm until 1987 when the last Can-Am branded machines , by then made by CCM in the UK , were discontinued . Can-Am came back in 2006 , focused on ATVs and three-wheelers , but the new electric models will be the first production motorcycles to wear the badge since the 80s . The LiveWire Arrow modular platform includes a battery case that doubles as the structural part of the chassis , with bolt-on subframes to alter the bike ' s steering geometry and rear structure , as well as a variety of different motors , forks and swingarms . BRP ' s design follows similar thinking , but with a slightly different approach , using a tubular steel frame to hold the battery and control electronics , as well as the steering head , while the motor is mounted in the swingarm . That means the front frame section , battery and electronics can be shared across all models , with different motor / swingarm units , forks , seat subframes , footpegs and bars to change the geometry and riding position to suit each model . The angle of the whole
frame / battery is altered to adjust the rake , where the LiveWire Arrow has bolt-on steering head subframes to achieve the same goal . BRP ' s combined motor / swingarm is also innovative . It positions the motor near the pivot , so while it moves with the suspension there ' s relatively little inertia . The motor drives a main reduction gear in the front of the swingarm that ' s attached the front sprocket , with a chain final drive to the rear sprocket . Unusually , the whole chain is enclosed , protecting it from dirt and allowing it to run in an oil bath to vastly reduce wear , with an automatic tensioner to keep it taut . Enclosing the chain also reduces its noise .