FLASHBACK FRIDAY: THE CAN-AM MX-2 WAS THE DOMINATE BIKE OF 1974

Break out your old stash of MXA magazines! This is the ad on the back of the August 1976 edition of MXA.

The 1974 Can-Am MX-2.

Motocross had been gaining popularity in the late 1960’s, and by the mid 1970’s manufacturing dirt bikes was a thriving market. While European bikes had dominated the market, Japanese manufacturers were entering the offroad arena and making huge strides while doing it. In 1971 Bombardier Recreational Products entered the market under the Can-Am brand. The engines for the machines were built by another Bombardier subsidy, Rotax (based in Austria). After two years of testing and adjusting with the help of 1964-65 World Champion, Jeff Smith, production started in 1973.

Gary Jones won the 1974 AMA 250 National Championship on a Can-Am MX-2. In 1975 he broke his leg at Daytona and missed the season and he left Can-Am. Gary would win the 250 National Championship in 1971-1972 on a Yamaha, 1973 on a Honda and 1974 on a Can-Am. While recovering from his badly broken leg, the Jones Gang built their own motocross bike—the 1976 Ammex.  He is the only AMA National Champion to start up his own motorcycle brand.1976 Ammex 250.

The Can-Am made its first mark at the International Six Days Trial in 1973. Some of the Canadian team riders earned Gold, Silver and Bronze medals. The following year was another big year as Can-Am swept the AMA 250 Nationals. Gary Jones ended the season in first place with 600 total points. Second place went to Marty Tripes and Jimmy Ellis earned third overall. While they were not able to follow-up with the outdoor success in 1975, Can-Am rider Jimmy Ellis won the 1975 AMA Supercross Championships with the brand—while Gary Jones and Marty Tripes went on to ride other brands.

The mid 1970’s are often considered the golden years of motocross, and for brands like Can-Am they were. While they were initially noticed for their motocross wins, they could not keep up with Japanese manufacturers. By 1985 the motorcycle line and brand name was phased out by the parent company. They came back a few years later as an ATV and watercraft manufacturer.

The 2025 Can-Am Origin Dual-Sport electric bike.

The big news on the motorcycle front is that Can-Am will be releasing two new electric motorcycles early in 2025. The Can-Am Origin is a dual-sport-style bike and the Pulse is a street bike. However, they are not motocross bikes.