Can-Am, the motorcycle subsidiary of the Canadian
Bombardier Corporation traced its roots back in 1973 when Gary Robinson, an
American engineer and Jeff Smith, former motocross World Championship began
producing motocross and enduro bikes. The machines, dressed up with Rotax
engines, were well received by riders because theymanaged to win a lot of
medals at the International races.
Specially equipped, these bikes had been used by the British Army in the early
'70's. The Belgian Army still use them. Even if those bikes were a real success,
the Bombardier Corporation chose to reduce the investments. In 1983 there was an
intention to relaunch the bikes with no success, so the 1987 year was the last
when Can-Am motorcycles were produced. In February 1997, the company enters the
ALL TERRAIN VEHICLE segment, by introducing a prototype, the Traxter, which one
year later was named " The ATV of the year".
Last year, the Can-Am brand was put again on the list. It arrived with the
Spyder Roadster, the first different vehicle of the company. I say different
because till now Can-Am produced snowmobiles, ATVs, karts, etc. The Spyder
beast, manufactured by BRP-Rotax subsidiary company, is powered by a V-Twin
990cc engine, which feeds 106hp. Having an Y design, meaning 3 wheels, the
Spyder can be described as a motorcycle-convertible car hybrid.
Bombardier is a Canadian conglomerate whose history began thanks to Joseph
Armand Bombardier, in 1942, in Quebec. It was a manufacturer of business jets,
mass transportation and recreational equipment. Bombardier Recreational Products
has also become well known for the Sea-Doo personal watercraft division. in 2006, the ATV line changed the name, in the certificate being
written CAN-AM, the name the dirt bikes wore in the '80s.
Any corrections or more information on these motorcycles will be kindly appreciated.