Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126794
A rotary-valved 173.6cc motor supplies power (above). Single-shoe brakes (below) do the stopping. but require some effort to work. . - The Can-Am's frame design and control layout a/low both normal-sized and ta/l riders to ride comfortably. even after a long day on the trail. S pacifications Engine the woods usually requires constant shifLing; not so with the Can-Am. With all of the torque available at a twist of the wri t. you can motor through or around most obstacles without ever touching the shifter. And when you' have co. you'lI find the shifting to be crisp and smooth. - In the open sections. the bile' has plenty of speed and keeps on pulling. but there are a few other maceaines that can do the job there a bit 6etter. Oneofthem is the Husqvarna l75XC (which was last built in 1983). but after spending time on both bikes we'd have to opt for the Can-Am's engine; its overall performance is hard to fault. and is the hands-down winner over the Husky ih the deep woods., Minor or major direction changes on the trail are a snap. but for best results you have to stay on the gas and use a bil o£ advice from Jphn Manirr; get as far forward on the seat as possibe. The bike then £lows quickly from tree to tree. The suspension is also more in tune to the woods than it is for the rougher high-speed sections. but with a little time, you can dial it in to sUlt your riding area/style. The owner's manual is quite helpful in that department. One of the nicest things about the Can-Am is it works - right outof the crate. You really don't have to change anything for serious competition. And that helps to justify the high purchase price. At $2,860. the ASE is priced slightly below the Cagiva WRX200, bUl $661 more than the Kawasaki KDX200. Is the Can-Am worth all of the extra money? We think so. because once you lay down the extra bucks for the ASE you'lI be ready to go through the woods -qui£kandeasy. ,. - . t • • • •• Type Displacement Bore x stroke Transmission Carburetor Intake system Ignition Starting system Clutch ; Air cooled. single cylinder. two-stroke 173.6cc 62mm x 57.5mm Six speed _ Mikuni VM34 34mm Rotary valve . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Bosch external rotor COl Primary kick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Five plate. oil bathed Chassis Frame design Dual downtube Frame material Chrome-moly steel Front fork . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. Marzocchi Piffero 40mm Rear suspension ' Quad Link. White Power shock Suspension travel 11.8 in. front. 12.6 in. rear Front tire Metzeler Motocross 3.00 x 21 Rear tire Metzeler Motocross 4.50 x 18 Dimensions Wheelbase Seat height Ground clearance Fuel capacity Dry weight Suggested retail price .~"":..& ~l;»(ll. ~lJJ _ _ , Jill 59.3 in. 39 in. 14.8 in. 2.3 gal. 223 Ibs. $2.360