Project Can-Am

Tim Britton of Classic Dirt Bike is taking on the conversion of military Can-Am for use in vintage enduro events.

It started as one of those conversations that you often have with mate at an event; “I was thinking of buying a DT125” you say, “No! exclaim your mates, you really need a Kramer 500 fitted with lights”, without you noticing the evil gleam in their eyes.

Tim called me (and Jeff Smith) and asked if we thought he could buy and rebuild a Can-Am for a £1,000?. Obviously both Jeff and I had the same evil gleam in our eye and encouraged Tim to undertake the project. So I provided Tim with rolling chassis, an engine and all the bits to form a complete bike.

But Tim has had the last laugh, throwing himself into the project and doing everything the proper way. From acid cleaning the oil tank to fully rebuilt wheels with stainless spokes and alloy rims, Tim is doing a super job of the project.

Tim now has plans to show how versatile the bikes can be and has lined up Steve Saunders and Mick Andrews to do some other competitions, including an enduro and trials event.

You can follow the full story in Classic Dirt Bike and Old Bike Mart, of which Tim is the editor of both. The project was announced at the February Off Road Show at Telford and outlined in issue 19. The full story is continuing in the current issues and will hopefully be completed by the February show 2012. Check it out at www.classicdirtbike.co.uk