Can-Am motorcycles

Section 1: Can-Am, a BRP brand

Introduction of Can-Am

Can-Am is a worldwide brand owned by Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP). At first, Can-Am focused solely on producing motocross dirt bikes. These models were designed for competition racing and offered high-speed capacities. Can-Am bikes were the first choice of Motocross champions for competing.

While the company saw great success with their two-wheeled vehicles, they wanted to expand out their product offering. They started making ATVs and applied their innovative mindset to their four-wheeler models as well. In the late 1990s, they created ATV models with TTI rear suspension utilizing two independent pivot points. This had a significant impact on the four wheeler's comfort on rugged terrain, allowing riders to conquer the dirt roads for longer before getting sore and tired.

Can-Am may have started as simply a branch of a larger company producing only one product, but it didn't take long for innovation, determination, and forward thinking to propel the company into new markets and develop a name for itself.

Can-Am today is a worldwide brand, powersports vehicles, in North America, Latin America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.

Introduction of BRP

BRP is a global leader in the world of powersports products, propulsion systems, and boats built on 80 years of ingenuity and intensive consumer focus. BRP products include Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft and pontoons, Can-Am on-road and off-road vehicles, Alumacraft and Quintrex boats, Manitou pontoons and Rotax marine propulsion systems as well as Rotax engines for karts and recreational aircraft. BRP operates production plants and retail outlets in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Finland, and Austria and employs more than 20,000 workers worldwide. Its head office is located in the Canadian town of Valcourt, Québec.

Section 2 : Can-Am History

The original Can-Am headquarters still exists at the Bombardier test facility within the Circuit Yvon Duhamel and is located a few miles south of Valcourt. The right hand side of the barn were the offices for design and engineering, the left side was for fabrication.

Can-Am’s name came as a result of an employee competition in Bombardier, based on the anticipated Canadian vs. American market.

Can-Am was brought to life in 1972 when BRP created Can-Am as a motorcycle brand, designed for high-performance motocross and enduro bikes.  Can-Am motorcycles were iconic, in their first year they were feared on the race tracks: in 1974, Can-Am swept the American Motorcyclist Association 250CC motocross national championship. Can-Am bikes were winning everything and were easily recognizable with their red and yellow livery.

In 1987, BRP stopped production of the bikes and the Can-Am brand went into a 19 year hiatus. The brand was later reintroduced in 2006 offering a range of off-road vehicles and started offering on-road vehicles in 2007.

Can-Am Models

In 1997, BRP began the production of ATV vehicles for the first time. In 1998, the company entered the all-terrain vehicle market by introducing a prototype of the Traxter - a utility based ATV. In 1999, the BRP Traxter all-terrain vehicle was named "ATV of the Year" by ATV Magazine. Later that year, BRP also began working on their second ATV which would be a pure sport ATV called the DS650 that was designed for experienced sports enthusiasts. In 2004, this model won the dakar rally.

BRP added an additional variation of the Traxter all-terrain vehicle in 2000 which was called the Traxter XL. The BRP Traxter XL was the first 4x4 all-terrain vehicle to feature a dumping box-bed.

In 2002, BRP introduced another Traxter all-terrain vehicle called the Traxter MAX which featured two seats. The Traxter MAX was the first and only ATV with the manufacturer’s approval to accommodate two riders.

In 2006, it was announced that Bombardier ATV would become Can-Am ATV. Starting in 2007, BRP launched its all-terrain vehicle line-up and rebranded its ATV segment to Can-Am.

Just one year after announcing the re-branding, BRP inaugurated its new plant in Juarez, Mexico. The new plant would oversee manufacturing and assembly of the Can-Am Outlander and Renegade ATV model lineup including the Rotax engines that power these two all-terrain vehicles.

In 2007, Can-Am introduced its first on-road vehicle with The Spyder. With the unique Y-architecture, it was described as part motorcycle and part convertible sports car. The Guinness World Record for the “Largest Parade of Can-Am Spyder Roadsters” is broken. 438 Can-Am Spyders paraded in Magog, Québec, during Spyderfest.

2010 was another milestone for Can-Am when they first introduced the Can-Am Commander - their first side-by-side vehicle. The 2011 Can-Am Commander model line up featured a total of six models with two different engine sizes to choose from. The Can-Am Commander 1000 features an 85-hp Rotax 1000 V-Twin engine, an industry exclusive dual-level cargo box.

Shortly after its introduction, the Can-Am Commander 1000 received the "Best of the Best" Award in the Side-by-Side vehicle category by Field & Stream magazine.

Two years later, Can-Am announced another side-by-side vehicle, the 2013 Can-Am Maverick. The Can-Am Maverick 1000R was designed to be a pure sport side-by-side and would compete against the Polaris RZR XP 1000 and the Arctic Cat Wildcat 1000 H.O. The Can-Am Maverick featured the highest horsepower from a manufacturer at the time of 101 horsepower with its 976cc Rotax V-Twin engine.

In 2014, Can-Am introduced the industry's first side-by-side vehicle to come with a turbo straight from the manufacturer. The Can-Am Maverick X ds Turbo features a 121-hp Rotax 1000R turbocharged option - which is currently the highest horsepower side-by-side vehicle on the market. Along with the introduction of the 2015 Can-Am Maverick X ds, Can-Am also expanded their line of recreational side-by-side vehicles by adding the Can-Am Commander MAX Limited Model.

In 2016, Can-Am introduced the Defender in North America, its first utility side-by-side vehicle, created specifically for farmers and hunters. In 2018, Can-Am Ryker was launched, opening new horizons for Can-Am On Road. This model is all about accessibility, fun times and exploring new playgrounds.

2022 marked another milestone for Can-Am and BRP. The brand announced the return of Can-Am motorcycles with a product line-up that will be completely electric. Can-Am electric motorcycles will be designed for everyday commuting for on- and off-road riding.

Racing

With the work of bike designer Gary Robison , skilled draftsman Bob Fisher,and  engineering manager Camille Picard,  BRP has secured the skills of one of the leading motorcycle engineers and Jeff Smith, a two times world motocross champion. The bikes were designed from scratch, the concept was to be based on the Bultaco design principle of a standard sized frame that could accommodate a range of different sized engines. They created  innovative steering head bearing cups that can be adjusted for different steering head angles, and were mainly driven by simplified production on the assembly line.

In 1983, Can-Am sought another string to its racing bow by releasing a 250c road racing bike. Using two 125cc Rotax motors with a conjoined crankshaft, the bike featured a bespoke frame with aluminum swing arm.

Can-Am motorcycles immediately reigned over motocross and endurance racing. This instant success had enhanced the brand’s image. Years later, new products have been created for adventure lovers and seekers of open road thrills.

Section 3: Can-Am On-Road

First Models

First Model Spyder

Debuted in 2007, the three-wheeled Spyder roadster has been a massive hit ever since, carried by Can-Am’s reputation for innovation and quality when it comes to producing recreational vehicles. Within seven months of the Spyder’s release date, Can-Am sold 2,500 units. By May 2009, Can-Am had already manufactured 12,500. In 2015, during the annual “Spyderfest” gathering in Springfield, Missouri, Can-Am delivered its 100,000th Can-Am Spyder.

Initially, Can-Am Spyder was powered by a liquid-cooled 900cc Rotax twin-cylinder V-Twin engine specifically modified for the vehicle to develop more low-end torque while meeting emissions standards. This engine developed 106 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 77 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.The Spyder uses an electronically-controlled power steering system that assists drivers, resulting in an optimized and easy ride with a high-performance Brembo Braking System.Today, Can-Am Spyder is powered by the Rotax 1330cc.

First Model Ryker

Can-Am Ryker is specifically designed for a fun ride. Can-Am Ryker launched in 2018 was known for its affordability, stability, balance, accessibility, versatility, customizability,and adjustability. With 600 and 900cc Rotax liquid cool engines, the Ryker is lighter than the Spyder by nearly 300 pounds. The Ryker uses an intuitive CVT transmission and no-gear shifting, which results in easy handling and improved fuel efficiency. The optimized center-of-gravity and power-to-weight ratio leads to a smooth ride.

Latest Models

Can-Am Spyders and Rykers were designed from the ground up as three-wheelers. The “Y” in the names refers to two-wheels-in-front, one-wheel-out-back configuration. With this design of two wheels in front and three automotive-size wheels, they are strongly stable.

Spyder F3

With four models powered by a 1,330cc in-line Triple, Spyder F3, F3-S Special Series, F3-T with saddlebags, and F3 Limited full-dress tourer are the ultimate cruiser for two to bring performance, comfort and style. Can-Am Spyder F3-S Special Series maintains great performance and muscular looks with the new Manta Green color that makes riders stand out in the crowd. Can-Am Spyder F3 Limited Special Series delivers great comfort, convenience, and a distinctive muscular design. It features an upgraded seat, rider backrest, and new handlebars, all of which contribute to greater comfort for longer rides.

The Rotax 1330 ACE engine has an in-line triple-cylinder configuration for maximum torque. With the ability to ride up to 252 miles (406 km) on a single tank.

Spyder RT

Can-Am Spyder RT, Spyder RT Sea to sky, and Spyder RT limited are the ultimate vehicles for long-distance riding comfort. Can-Am 2022 Spyder RT comes with new rider backrest and adjustable wind deflectors, along with head-turning new trims, wheels, and coloration.

Ryker

In 2018, Can-Am began producing an easy-to-ride, lower-cost and customizable three-wheeler line named the Ryker, intended for a younger entry-level demographic. The Ryker serves as a bare-bones, less expensive “recreational” version of the Spyder. It features feet-forward upright seating, a low ground-to-seat height, direct steering, and a smaller 600 or 900cc engine. The Ryker also makes use of continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), which gives it twist-and-go functionality.  The Rally edition of Ryker is powered by 900cc Rotax engine is fitted for light off-road use with reinforced rims, more aggressive-looking tires, a reinforced grille, a skid plate, enhanced rider protection with hand guards and rally handlebar, and a Max Mount tail section for attaching cargo. Compared to the base Ryker 900, the Rally Edition has longer travel (6.38 inches vs. 5.39 inches) KYB suspension and an additional 0.4 inches of ground clearance. 

3.3 Technologies & Innovation    

All Can-Am Spyder models are featured with a powerful Rotax engine with high performance and proven reliability. The  engine used is Rotax 1330 cc with semi-automatic transmission and higher-performance Brembo brakes specifically designed for the Can-Am Spyder to ensure excellent stopping power and consistent performance.

For Ryker models engines used are 600 & 900 ACE engines. Ryker Rally’s engine is a 900cc Rotax ACE triple. This puts out 82 horsepower and 58.3 lb-ft torque through a CVT to the solitary rear wheel with drive mode possibility to change from Eco to Sport, which reduces the traction control on the rear wheel and tunes the Vehicle Stability System (stability control) to allow for more slip angle.

3.5 Community Engagement

As part of BRP’s initiative in community engagement, Can-Am is moving the needle around social issues and playing a great role in the lives of employees, dealers, and consumers.

International Female Ride Day

Yearly on the first Saturday of May, Can-Am participates in the annual International Female Ride Day. In 2022, as part of the 16th edition, Can-Am female employees, ambassadors, dealers, and vehicle owners around the world rode together to celebrate the importance of female riders and their positive contributions to the industry.

Women of On-Road Program

The Women of On-Roadwas created to help overcome the barriers that prevent women from experiencing the power of riding through inclusivity and education. To date, more than 12 500 people have joined the Women of On-Road community.

Responsible Rider

BRP’s Responsible Rider Program stands to empower all riders to ride responsibly and build a more caring community and generate positive experiences. The Responsible Rider Program is about being an attentive rider and always considering safety, etiquette, and the environment, from the highway to city streets and everywhere in between.

Road Warrior Foundation

On Veterans Day, Can-Am On-Road and the Road Warrior Foundation (RWF) give groups of veterans an adventure therapy experience of a lifetime during the RWF’s annual Road Warrior Ride. The event started in 2014, to provide veterans with an opportunity to really feel the healing power that comes from escaping the ordinary and riding the open road on board Can-Am Spyder 3-Wheel Vehicles.