This Nimble Naked Motorcycle Just Took Home a Serious Accolade

The 2025 Red Dot Awards, some of the most coveted design awards in the world, were just announced. Only one motorcycle was included in the “Best of the Best” category this year — an electric one. While that’s a pretty surprising achievement, the bike itself (and the brand that made it) are perhaps more surprising.

Of the myriad releases this year, the 2025 Can-Am Pulse —yes, made by the brand that trades primarily in four-wheeled off-roaders — would probably not have topped my list of candidates for the honor. That said, I’d be lying if I said I thought it was undeserving, even if it is a bit of a dark horse.

Can-Am

Naked as the day it was born

As the Red Dot Award is design-focused, it behooves me to talk about how stunning this bike is. First, I have to point out that this is an electric motorcycle. While that might irk some purists, it means the bike is future-facing, reflected in its technology and appearance.

The bike has an angular body, but since it’s a naked bike, the Pulse is unmarred by any bulky fairings. While I’d stray from calling it minimalist, there is a certain allure to its stripped-down exterior and exposed bits.

Obviously, its naked nature doesn’t mean it’s without character. In fact, the bike was inspired by the shape and form of a Canadian snowy owl. This can be seen especially in the headlight housing, indicators and even the tail, which all have a certain avian flair.

This styling is managed while still maintaining proper ergonomics and some of the hallmarks of classic motorcycles, like a gas tank. Granted, this bike doesn’t need a gas tank, so that part of the bike is sneakily a storage bin, into which you can put your pocketable gear that might fall out (it also has internal outlets for tech charging).

Can-Am

An EV homage to the petrol past

Obviously, this is a highly modern bike. Its electric, liquid-cooled powerplant produces 47 horsepower and 53 ft-lb of torque, making it an excellent urban commuter motorcycle. However, it owes its existence to Can-Am’s long, storied history.

As contemporary as this bike and its design seem, they were inspired by the brand’s first motorcycle, which dates back to 1973. While the inspiration is not as direct as you might think — the MX-1 was a 125cc trial bike that looks … not like this one — it can be seen in the smaller details, like the Pulse’s stylized pentagonal logo.

Can-Am

There’s also a special edition of the Pulse, called the Pulse ’73, which furthers that connection with additional details, like specialty badging. This edition also gets a LinQ gauge spoiler and “signature” LED lights.

Whatever the case, this electric moto is a surprising contender for the best all-around EV two-wheeler of the year, and it clearly is getting recognition that speaks to that potential. It might not be everyone’s jam, least of all petrol purists, but it’s a pretty stellar achievement for a surprising brand.

Can-Am

Available now

The 2025 Can-Am Pulse electric motorcycle is now available starting at $13,999.

Can-Am

2025 Can-Am Pulse

• Starts at $13,999

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