Can someone possibly help me identify this bike? Bombardier engine

[VenomRS4]

I found an old dirtbike today. I was wondering if anyone could possibly clue me in to what it might be. The engine is Bombardier. Its a 2 stroke and its BIG. My friend was told its like a 450 but im not sure. Its got drum brakes, dual rear shocks, plastic gas tank, I think the origional color might have been red or orange or something, and the exhaust goes over the top of the engine and out the back instead of the bottom. Ive tried searching around and I think it might be a Can Am but I dont know. I cant find much info.

Anyone else have any clues as to what it could possibly be? Also, if you know of any good online sources of info on them, that would also be great.

Thanks


UPDATE: I uploaded pictures of it.

 

[schmanman]

do you think you could post a picture? :)

 

[VenomRS4]

damn, i looked at it at night so there wasnt much light. I took a picture of the engine with my cell but it didnt come out too good. I'll get pics asap. Its only $100 and it runs and shifts good so im thinking about picking it up.

 

[TimberPig]

Can Am was produced by Bombardier until the early-mid 80's. The engines were actually made by Rotax, although they could have Bombardier badging on them, making one think they were actually produced by Bombardier. For $100 running, you can't go too far wrong, even though Can Am's weren't as highly regarded as the Japanese and European bikes for their performance and ridability.

 

[VenomRS4]

Can Am was produced by Bombardier until the early-mid 80's. The engines were actually made by Rotax, although they could have Bombardier badging on them, making one think they were actually produced by Bombardier. For $100 running, you can't go too far wrong, even though Can Am's weren't as highly regarded as the Japanese and European bikes for their performance and ridability.

How reliable were the engines? Would it be worth restoring or just geting all the main things squared away and riding it?

 

[TimberPig]

Reliability was decent from what I know of them.

They aren't particularly desirable bikes to collectors or racers in post vintage/evo classes.

It certainly isn't going to bring you a return on your money spent to restore it to like new condition. I would have to say clean it up, give it a once over and get it in good shape and ride it would be your best bet.

 

[dirt bike dave]

As well as the smaller sizes, Can Am made 370 and 400 two strokes. Here is a 1980 400 MX6.

 

[pryor]

I had a mid 70s can am 175, dont remember year or model, it was temperamental as hell but when running was blast to ride. Never had any real problems other then the carb was junk and would flood the motor sometimes but that was probably my fault. Ten years ago parts were hard to get and cost a lot, it might be a expensive restoration. I enjoy my bikes that are just fixed up alot more than my restored one.

 

[Britt Boyette]

Yes, it sounds like a Can-Am which was orange in color. There are some heavy duty Can-Am people out there as well as parts for the bike.
Here is a link to get you started.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/Can-AmMotorcycles/?yguid=180140976

 

[dirt bike dave]

Here is a 1980 Qualifier 400.

 

[2 strokes for life]

I have ridden a TNT befor. The left side kick start was different and that right side clutch lever was something else.

 

[2 strokes for life]

The best part about them is that they were made in CANADA!

 

[pryor]

Right side clutch lever?

 

[CommandoRoadster]

Right side clutch lever? :coocoo:

 

[VenomRS4]

Yeah, im pretty sure its a qualifier 400. I'll get better pictures today.

 

[2 strokes for life]

Right side clutch lever? :coocoo:

Thats what the one that i rode had but not sure if it was a quick farm fix.

 

[VenomRS4]

I learned a few more things about it today. The kick start and shifter are on the same shaft. Also, the guy with it thinks its 480cc.


Heres the pictures:

[img=http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/6321/canam480004pb1.th.jpg]

[img=http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8926/canam480001pg5.th.jpg]

[img=http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/3167/canam480002gt4.th.jpg]

[img=http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/9688/canam480005wg0.th.jpg]

[img=http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/8880/canam480006cw3.th.jpg]

[img=http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/33/canam480007lc4.th.jpg]

[img=http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/7321/canam480008zk4.th.jpg]

[img=http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/1248/canam480009um8.th.jpg]

[img=http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/451/canam480010ag6.th.jpg]

[img=http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/2131/canam480011yc0.th.jpg]

[img=http://img261.imageshack.us/img261/8506/canam480013ab5.th.jpg]

[img=http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/6489/canam480014tr1.th.jpg]

[img=http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/7529/canam480015rm4.th.jpg]

 

[VenomRS4]

hopefully those pictures work better

 

[docgonzo]

It looks like a 1977 mx-3. If it has a rotary valve than it would be a 250. I've never ridden one but have heard they were strong.

I think ATK used rotax motors in the 80's and 90's they might be able to help with parts.

 

[dirt bike dave]

http://www.rtrmoto.com/

Check the above link for a list of Can-Am frame numbers and additional photos.

 

[pryor]

Im cold just looking at those pictures. :whoa:

 

[SFO]

rotary valve 250 is a sought after vintage dt motor.

 

[whenfoxforks-ruled]

Isn't rotax and bombardier two different animals? The bombardier motors were strong,frame and suspension was not real bad for the time.

 

[CommandoRoadster]

Yes,Rotax and Bombardier are two separate companies.Rotax is an Austrian firm,that has also built powerplants for ATK,KTM,Harley-Davidson,and a host of limited production machines,such as failed comeback attempts by BSA,Norton,and Velocette,just to name a few.

Am I hallucinating,or is Bombardier now calling its ATVs Can-Ams? :yikes:
:cool:
Cheers
Bruce

 

[SFO]

Sacrilidge.
Only one Geoff Smith.
He should get a royalty :nod: :nod: :nod: