Can-Am Motorcycles of 2006

1ST GENERATION (73-77)
1976 MX-2 175

Bob Cole's 1976 MX-2 is truly a thing of beauty. It was extremely difficult to make a decision as to which of the many submissions would be selected. The fact that Bob chose a 175 gave him the edge on "uniqueness." It also didn't hurt that the MX-2 175, is one of my favorite models. We saw a lot of 250's and a number of 125's. But there were less than a handful of 175cc machines submitted regardless of year or model. If any of you hard core CanAm fans have never ridden a 175 MX-2 you've missed quite an experience. I believe it to be the fastest production model 175 CanAm ever made. Although the MX-3 175 engine was similar, the MX-2 downpipe provided a bit more HP that was missed in the later models. Don't forget to read Bob's "builder's notes" on the mainpage.

2ND GENERATION (78 & up)
1979 MX-5 250

We were fortunate to be able to see this motorcycle in person. As you (hopefully) read on the mainpage, this is the work of Daniel Way in Modesto CA. Actually, Daniel has quite a few MX-5 and other models. His large collection of CanAm's are all built to ride, although, I imagine some will eventually end up on display in a museum or showroom somewhere. For those of you who don't know Daniel by reputation, you may have heard of his father, Bond Way. Bond has been building CanAm's for decades and is well known among the "CanAm community." The detail that goes into the Way built CanAms is incredible. You could literally write a book on it. Daniel showed us a couple of the family secret modifications that go into the motors and to say I was "impressed" would be an understatement. Read more about this bike on the mainpage.

1975 GP 250

CRAIG ELLIS

Builders Notes by Craig Ellis:
I purchased the bike from a gentleman from Minnesota. When I got the bike it was in pretty rough shape but was mostly all there. I did a complete restoration on this bike. Everything was either painted, polished, chromed and cad plated. Al Roberts helped me out with the motor, he totally rebuilt it for me. Al also helped me out with some NOS parts that I needed to finish the project.
The bike is equpped with long Betors and long rear suspension. The back end of the bike looks similar to that of the MX3's setup. Someone tig-welded the brackets for the shocks, and what is really neat is that they welded a round sleeve with a bushing on the frame for the swingarm pivot for added strength. Im not sure if this was done at the factory as an upgrade or done by the original owner. The pipe is a custom up-pipe and I have the NOS Trellborg tires mounted to the rims.
You can contact Craig at Canamcraig at aol.com"> Canamcrai at aol.com

1974 MX-1 250

Ernst OTERO

Builder's Notes by Ernst Otero:
This 1974 MX-1 250 was purchased in late '04 after spotting it posted for sale on Traderonline.com. It was listed as an '81 but after having spent so much time on the Classic CanAm site, I knew better. Turned out the gentleman lived ten minutes away and was willing to let it go for a couple hundred dollars - and looking at the before shot, you can understand why.

A full tear down and race restoration shortly followed including: complete motor rebuild with correct pre-mix conversion mod, powder coated frame, refinished tank with MXM Graphics, NOS seat, DC Plastics bodywork, Ohlins shocks, Morgen Machine modified forks and pipe w/ FMF Q-Series silencer, polished triple clamps, stainless spokes/aluminum nipples laced to polished hubs and original rims, Michelin S-12s front and rear, updated Magura controls, new cables and Renthal bars replaced the original units. Cad plating and stainless fasteners throughout.

A tremendous amount of guidance, parts support and stellar machine work were crucial in completing this restoration. Several of those instrumental in this endeavor include: Good friend Darryl Alcorn of D&D Bike Barn fame who supplied many of the necessary NOS and donor parts that went into this rebuild including factory CanAm service manuals and bulletins, an owner's manual and fun CanAm memorabilia courtesy of Darryl's former D&D Bike Barn partner and friend, Don Roufs. Thank you, Don and Darryl!

Racing legend and former Competition Manager for CanAm Motorcycles in '74-'75, Paul Hunt, who provided valuable guidance, tips and a variety of tricks developed by the team during this period. Thank you, Paul!

JP Morgen, whose machine shop wizardry - of which I'm always in constant awe - mechanical expertise, constant support and friendship I couldn't be more appreciative of.

Evan Myklebust of Precision Wheel for the gorgeous wheel work and his dad, Dave Myklebust, for all the hand holding and enthusiastic encouragement he provided me to get this project up and running!

Al Roberts, Tony Murphy, Glen Finnerin, Buck Murphy and, of course, Mike Rydman and the Classic CanAm website, all of whom provided a wealth of info, tips and seemingly unobtainium parts.

And, most importantly, my wife Luci, who tolerated my countless hours of wrenching down in the garage, and even managed to see art amidst the goo that was my gearbox when all I could see was hopeless magnesium rot. I love you, Sweetie. Thank you all!