Can-Am will produce a line of electric motorcycles in 2024
Bombardier Recreational Products announcement Can Am returns to the motorcycle market with a new range of electric two-wheelers. A teaser video suggests at least four different models are in the works, with BRP planning to reveal the full lineup in mid-2024.
The teaser offered several glimpses of a model, a naked motorcycle with vertical bars, a large digital screen, and a single-sided swingarm. At the end of the video, the roadster is joined by three other models. Although shrouded in darkness, we see enough of their silhouettes to infer that the lineup will include an adventure bike, a bobber, and a touring or sport-touring model. In a press release (included in full below), BRP states that “Riders can expect these new, state-of-the-art Can-Am electric motorcycles to be perfect for the daily commute and stay true to to the brand’s trail and track heritage, recreational on-road and off-road riding.
The press release is a bit short on specifics though, but we can make some educated guesses on what to expect.
We expect the electric powertrains and batteries to be built on Alta Motors technology. BRP acquired the rights to certain assets, including intellectual property and patents from Alta in early 2019 after the new electric brand ceased operations. At the time, BRP said it had no interest in restarting Alta, but wanted the assets to “complement its ongoing research and development.”
In 2020, BRP filed a patent application for a “method for assembling motorcycles from a family of motorcycles and corresponding motorcycles”. The patent describes a modular construction that would allow for a number of different configurations for different types of motorcycles.
The patent describes how these different models can share a common core consisting of a frame, a battery and a swingarm-mounted electric motor. Different suspension sets, wheels and ergonomic sets can be attached to its common core to produce multiple models.
The patent also included illustrations of a naked bike which shares some similarities with the motorcycle in the teaser video. The bodywork on the pseudo-tank and tail, single-sided swingarm and split-eight-spoke wheel design all look very similar to the previews we got from the video.
There are a few changes though, including a tail-mounted plate holder (the video shows a plate holder that hugs the tires), mirrors and a much smaller instrument cluster. The original patent was filed on August 31, 2020, approximately 19 months before today’s announcement, and it’s not unusual to expect changes during that time, or by target launch of mid-2024.
Here is the entire common core presented in a dual-sport configuration:
The teaser video shows four very different motorcycles, but the patent shows at least five different configurations: street, trail, cruiser, heritage and supersport. They are shown in the drawing below (we added the three horizontal red lines ourselves to better illustrate the differences in wheel sizes and ergonomics).
Most of these descriptions are simple, with the exception of the “heritage” type. Based on the patent illustrations and descriptions, BRP describes the heritage model as having knobby tires and an upright riding position. Its wheelbase is longer than the street model but shorter than the trail bike and cruiser. Saddle height, cut angle and trail are described as “approximately equal” to the dimensions of the street bike, so it’s probably more of a retro roadster or maybe a scrambler.
Zoom on the “legacy” configuration.
The patent doesn’t provide many details about the battery or motor beyond their layout. These details will likely emerge closer to the target launch date of mid-2024.
Start the press release:
BRP ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF THE CAN-AM MOTORCYCLE WITH AN ALL-ELECTRIC RANGE
Riders can expect these new, state-of-the-art Can-Am electric motorcycles to be perfect for daily commuting and, to stay true to the brand’s track and trail heritage, recreational riding. on and off road.
BRP Inc. (TSX:DOO; NASDAQ:DOOO) today announced that the iconic Can-Am brand is returning to its motorcycle roots with a line of all-electric products. To mark the 50and anniversary of the beloved Can-Am brand, the company will launch a family of 2-wheel electric motorcycles.
“With the motorcycle industry shifting to electric, we saw an opportunity to reclaim our motorcycle heritage and re-enter the market. This new product category is extremely important to us, and we are delighted that motorcycles Can-Am be the first electric vehicle models in BRP’s electric lineup to be confirmed to consumers.Many of us have very fond memories of riding the first model dirt bikes, and now we can’t wait to shoot leveraged the rich history of the Can-Am brand to inspire and impress a new generation of motorcyclists and electric vehicle enthusiasts,” said José Boisjoli, President and CEO of BRP.
The first Can-Am motorcycle was introduced in 1973 and immediately ruled motocross and endurance racing. The instant success elevated the brand to iconic status right from the start. Half a century later, the new products have been developed with many different riders in mind, more specifically for those who crave adventure, seek the thrill of the open road, yearn for a leisurely ride in the countryside or want to animate the streets of the city. . Riders can expect these new, state-of-the-art Can-Am electric motorcycles to be perfect for daily commutes and, to stay true to the track and track brand heritage, recreational driving on and off the road.
Such a product category was highly anticipated and expected by BRP’s customers and dealer network. The Company is therefore eager to bring this new line of electrical products to the showrooms of its dealers, further strengthening their financial strength and reach in key markets. The first models of the full range should be available in mid-2024.
Existing BRP dealers interested in offering this new product line should contact their Regional Sales Manager. Those interested in becoming a BRP dealer of electric motorcycles are invited to Submit a request on the Company’s website.
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