Whether I was riding in the rain in Austria or the blazing heat of the Texas sun (115° F/46° C), Rotax’s focus on thermal management kept the two Can-Am bikes ready to deliver the expected power at any speed. It’s not only a tremendous feat of engineering, but on the road, it can mean the difference between life and death.

The Can-Am Pulse is the other Can-Am motorbike to use Rotax’s electric powertrain.

Motorcycle riders are keenly aware—because we are routinely reminded—that our method of transportation is inherently dangerous. We straddle a motor connected to two wheels with a metal frame holding it all together. While astride these machines, it’s important that everything works as expected. More so than inside a car, counting on the brakes and powertrain to perform as anticipated is extremely important. Thermal fade in a car isn’t great. Thermal fade in a motorcycle could lead to a life-threatening situation.

For a company that has been building motors for itself and other bike makers, the importance of creating a vehicle that performs as expected is likely not lost on Rotax.

The company is also aware that the rest of the motorcycle industry is likely keeping an eye of the Can-Am bike sales. “They know what we did in the power sports industry, that we are a serious company with design, development, manufacturing capabilities, an international footprint, an international global supply base, and we have the knowledge to do great products. If I [were] them, I would be watching us,” Gebetshuber said.