Can-Am Motorcycles

About Can-Am

Can-Am is a motorcycle producing subsidiary of the Bombardier Recreational Products, a Canadian corporation.

In 1973, under the direction and leadership of an American Engineer named Gary Robinson and former motocross World Champion, Jeff Smith working with a team of California desert racers, Can-Am began producing motocross and enduro bikes using engines provided by the Austrian Rotax company, another Bombardier subsidiary.

The machines made an immediate impact with riders winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals at the International Six Days Trial, a form of off-road motorcycle Olympics. The following year, the company swept the 1974 AMA 250 cc motocross national championship with Can-Am riders Gary Jones, Marty Tripes and Jimmy Ellis, finishing first, second and third.

The Rotax motors used a slightly unusual style of intake. A rotary disc system was employed and this plate was altered repeatedly between T'n'T (track and trail) and MX models. This plate is accredited with the horsepower gain over conventional piston port motors used on Japanese motorcycles. The MX3, produced in 1977, was the pinnacle of Can Am. Its 36 horsepower (27 kW) was 6 more than the closest competitor.

However, soon Bombardier changed its priorities, so at first investment in Can-Am was reduced, later motorcycle production was outsourced to Armstrong-CCM Motorcycles (England). 1987 was the final year Can-Am motorcycles were produced.

Though in 2006, Bombardier Recreational Products reintroduced the Can-Am brand with its all-terrain vehicles (ATV). In 2007, the Can-Am brand was also used to introduce the Can-Am Spyder a new three-wheeled roadster.

Moto blog

Q3 2013 US Motorcycle Sales Results

Motorcycle and scooter sales in the U.S. in 2013 remain consistent with last year’s figures, according to data released by the Motorcycle Industry Council. Several manufacturers blamed poor weather for the poor start this year, and the rebounding sales in the third quarter helped to negate the slow sales from earlier in the year.

2013 AIMExpo: Vee Rubber Tires – Video

Vee Rubber had two interesting tires options on display at the 2013 American International Motorcycle Expo in Orlando, Fla. First up is a tire line designed specifically for the Can-Am Sypder. Vee Rubber prides itself on targeting niche markets, and it doesn’t get more niche than this.

2013 Can-Am Spyder RT and ST Models Recalled for Fire Risk

Transport Canada announced a recall for all 2013 Can-Am Spyder RT and ST series roadsters because of a risk of a vehicle fire. At the moment, a recall has only been announced for Canada but a representative from Bombardier Recreational Products says agencies in other countries such as the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are also preparing for a recall.

Will The Bombardier Trailtrike Make Trikes Cool?

Charles Bombardier, creator of the highly controversial Can-Am Spyder and grandson of the man who invented the snowmobile, thinks he has an idea to make trikes cool. It’s a tall order, considering most motorcycling circles banish three-wheelers as some kind of second class device, not worthy of mingling with true two wheelers. While Bombardier’s Trailtrike still has two wheels in front and one in back, he tells Popular Science the difference is that the Trailtrike can be ridden both on- and off-road.

BRP to Raise CN$262.3 Million with Initial Public Offering

Bombardier Recreational Products announced an initial public offering price of CN$21.50 per share when the company goes public. At that price ($20.83 in U.S. dollars) for 12,200,000 shares, the IPO would generate proceeds of CN$262.4 million (US$254.8 million) for BRP, the company behind Ski-Doo and Lynx snowmobiles, Sea-Doo watercraft, Evinrude & Johnson outboard engines, and Can-Am‘s ATVs, side-by-sides and Spyder three-wheeled roadsters.

BRP to go Public with IPO

Bombardier Recreational Products has filed a preliminary prospectus with the necessary securities regulatory bodies in Canada for a proposed initial public offering of subordinate voting shares. Should things go according to plan, non-controlling shares of the company will be available on the Toronto Stock Exchange. The Financial Post reports BRP hopes to raise CN$250 million (US$243 million).

2012 US Motorcycle Sales Results – Industry Reports 2.6% Increase

The Motorcycle Industry Council reported a 2.6% increase in motorcycle sales in the U.S. market for 2012. According to the industry group’s figures, American consumers purchased 452,386 motorcycles in 2012 compared to 440,899 motorcycles in 2011.

2008-2012 Can-Am Spyder Fuel Vapor Leak Recalls Expands to US

A pair of recalls for fuel vapor leaks on Can-Am Spyder roadsters has expanded to the U.S. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, one recall affects 9,600 units from model years 2008-2010 while the second, larger recall affects 33,700 from model years 2008-2012. An earlier recalls from Transport Canada affects 9400 units for the a fuel cap issue and 2,431 units for a fuel vapor canister vent hose issue.

2008-2012 Can-Am Spyders Recalled for Fire Risk

Bombardier Recreational Products has initiated two recalls in Canada on Can-Am Spyder Roadsters for a risk of fire due to a leaky gas cap. One recall covers certain units from model years 2008-2012, which covers all prior model years since the three-wheeler was first introduced in 2008. The second recall applies to model years 2008-2010.

BRP Recalls 2010 Can-Am Spyder RT for Brake Pedal Flaw

Bombardier Recreational Products is issuing a recall campaign on 2010 Can-Am Spyder RT roadsters because of a risk of brake failure. According to documents released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a pin used to secure the brake pedal connecting rod may disengage and fall off, resulting in a total loss of brake function. BRP received three reports of a loss of braking ability.