1976 Can-Am MX-2 Prototype 250cc Vintage / Historic AHRMA CanAm, Penton, KTM, CZ

1976 Can-Am MX-2 Prototype 250cc Vintage / Historic AHRMA

 

This is a fine example of an early Model 250cc Can-Am Motocross Machine.

Remembering the Vintage Can-Am Motocross Racing Machines back in the mid to late 70?ˆ™s when they appeared on the Motocross Tracks ?ˆ“ equipped with Bombardier Engine ?ˆ“ which was known for their Powerful snowmobile Engines using 2-Stroke. Oil Injected. Rotary Valve Technology. The Can-Am Motocross motorcycles certainly made a statement quickly in the motocross scene which made it be recognized as one of the fastest motocross machines on the tracks. The Can-Am Bombardier 250cc Rotary Valve 2-Cycle Engine was rated at 35 horsepower all the while retaining ?ˆ?recreational rider-friendly?ˆ? oil injection.

 

This Can-Am 250cc Motocross Model shown here is stamped with Frame Serial Number:   PE5864003479 and has a Manufacturing Date:  05/1975

 

Based on this information ?ˆ“ referencing the Classic Can-Am Web-site ?ˆ“ such information indicates this machine to be a 1976 MX-2 250cc ?ˆ“ yet there are 2 letters which precede the Production Serial Numbers ?ˆ“ namely ?ˆ?PE?ˆ?.

 

This Serial Number Prefix with the Letters ?ˆ?PE?ˆ? ?ˆ“ indicate either ?ˆ?Prototype Evaluation?ˆ? or ?ˆ?Production Engineering?ˆ? Model. as I have been so informed by some knowledgeable Vintage Can-Am enthusiasts.

 

There are features associated with this machine ?ˆ“ when I purchased it many years ago ?ˆ“ which indicated to me that it was an MX-3. These ?ˆ?features?ˆ? which indicated and lead me to believe it being an MX-3 were that it had laid-down (canted) rear shocks. leading axle Marzocchi forks. high mounted (up) exhaust pipe all installed on this machine ?ˆ“ which were all standard features on the 1977 Can-Am MX-3 Production Model and not the 1975 or 1976 MX-2 Model.

 

The high-mounted exhaust (up) pipe is clearly not a Production MX-3 pipe. as it is ?ˆ?seamed?ˆ? horizontally vs. ?ˆ?vertical?ˆ? seam lines used on the Production MX-3 pipes. It clearly matched something similar to that pipe used on Buck Murphy?ˆ™s 1975 Can-Am 250cc Works Bike. as did the other features of this machine.  

 

I truly thought it was an MX-3 when I dragged it home. Hence. I was not aware that this Can-Am was something ?ˆ?unique?ˆ? until sometime after I had began to dismantle it with the hopes of completing a restoration on this machine. Since I was advised by some well-seasoned vintage Can-Am enthusiasts that what I had purchased was something ?ˆ?unusual?ˆ? and ?ˆ?unique?ˆ? ?ˆ“ as it was stamped with MX-2 numbers. yet contained all of the features used on the MX-3 production machine ?ˆ“ and those 2 letters preceding the production numbers ?ˆ?PE?ˆ? ?ˆ“ indicated that it was a ?ˆ?Prototype Evaluation?ˆ? or ?ˆ?Production Engineering?ˆ? Model.

 

Hence ?ˆ“ based on this information. I since decided to restore it in a similar fashion to Buck Murphy?ˆ™s 1975 Can-Am 250cc Factory Race Bike ?ˆ“ and used red fenders ?ˆ“ like what is shown installed on that machine here:

 

http://classiccanam. com/canam18. htm

 

http://classiccanam. com/canam4. htm

 

http://classiccanam. com/works/mr055. jpg

 

There were many NOS parts which were installed during this restoration ?ˆ“ namely a brand new ?ˆ?NOS?ˆ? seat I have just installed on it ?ˆ“ which has never even been sat on. NOS Magura Levers and NOS Magura Grips just to name a few.

 

The frame was de-greased and painted with some Sherwin Williams Automotive Catalyzed Urethane Paint vs. powder coating ?ˆ“ since powder coating would have ruined to the stem manufacturing stampings and production information. Numerous other parts were powder coated though - such as handlebars. foot pegs. brake pedal and others.

 

The 250cc engine was completely rebuilt by a well-known Can-Am engine builder and is presently bored and has a 1st over size bore 2-ring Bombardier piston fitted. The original Bing Carburetor was re-built using a re-build kit containing new gaskets. float. seals. and such. The Air filter is a new UNI Filter.

 

Rims have all new NOS spokes on glass beaded and urethane clear coated rims. Tires are new Maxxis tires with new tubes installed.

 

Plastic fenders were originally black molded plastic fenders which were painted with catalyzed urethane paint and look beautiful. This was done before the new fenders ?ˆ“ which are available today were available. Gas tank was painted using a similar process defined on the Classic Can-Am web-site. yet contains NO tank decals. A tank ?ˆ?stencil?ˆ? was used in place of decals. All paints were Sherwin Williams Catalyzed Automotive Urethanes and a catalyzed urethane clear coat applied as a final top-coat for additional durability.

http://classiccanam. com/canam35. htm

The inside of the tank was sealed with a fuel tank sealer used in commercial aircraft applications. Petcock was glass beaded and re-built with new gaskets and seals. New fuel lines. fuel filter. oil filter. and vent lines installed.

 

Number plates are fiberglass reproductions painted again with a catalyzed urethane automotive finish.

Exhaust Pipe was painted using 1800*F Exhaust Manifold Restoration Paint. and is PERFECT.

 

Shocks are new Progressive. Also installed are new sprockets and chain. in addition to new upgraded brake shoes with special friction material bonded to the shoes.

 

Machine was restored ~ 10 years ago. and ridded a few times. This motocross bike is a real pleasure to ride. It is VERY powerful and VERY fast. Everything works perfectly on this machine. After a few rides. it was parked and stored ?ˆ“ simply due to it becoming harder and harder to find a place to ride a MX bike in my geographic area here. Certainly not like years ago. when I was a youngster with my 1976 Can-Am 175cc MX-2 where I would simply push my Can-Am to the end of the street and start it up and ride all day long without any complaints whatsoever.

 

Hence due to lack of places to ride. and continued problems with my knee ?ˆ“ I have decided to sell this fine Vintage / Historic Can-Am motocross machine.

 

All photographs are new and reflect present as-is condition. There are a couple of spots on the frame that had to be ?ˆ?touched-up?ˆ? and on the engine side cover. and the only issue which. remembering seemed to always be present. was an oil leak through the kick-starter shaft. If memory serves me correctly. I changed this side-cover seal with an NOS one and it still leaks. I also added a rubber o-ring to the shaft between the shifter and kick-starter ?ˆ“ which seems to help. yet you should be aware of this if you plan to race / ride this machine.

 

Everything else associated with this machine is as close to ?ˆ?perfect?ˆ? as can be. and this is quite possibly one of the cleanest and most sought-after Can-Am MX Machines available today.

 

I would prefer buyer to pick-up. and am willing to help deliver along the West Coast of Florida. If buyer decides shipping is the best option. I will certainly assist. yet please understand that I work a full time job and I do not have a crate to ship motorcycles ?ˆ“ yet I am willing to ?ˆ?assist?ˆ? if this is the last option available to the buyer and will during my free time. yet my work and family take precedence. I am also willing to store this machine FOC for a ?ˆ?reasonable?ˆ? time frame to allow buyer to organize delivery.  

 

This Can-Am is also being advertised locally. so I reserve the right to end this Auction ?ˆ“ at any time. Like the manufacturer. this motocross machine contains no warranty and will be issued a ?ˆ?Bill of Sale?ˆ? at the time of delivery.

 

I will also include the ?ˆ?custom?ˆ? Center Stand and the ?ˆ?removable?ˆ? Kick Stand. in addition to an MX-2 Owner?ˆ™s Manual.

 

If you wish to speak on the telephone ?ˆ“ send message via this site with your location and number and I will be try to answer any questions you may have.

 

More pictures can be found here:

 

http://s277. photobucket. com/user/Spooling_photos/slideshow/Can-Am

 

Good Luck !!!

Also published at eBay.com