While interest in Ski-Doos cools off markedly in the course of the 1970s, Bombardier rediscovers the motorcycling sector. The Canadian owner’s Can-Am motorcycles soon enjoy many successes in the leisure and sports sectors thanks to state-of-the-art Rotax engines. The two stroke engines with rotary valve control are very slim and therefore particularly suited to both offroad and road racing. In 1973, Robert Barker, a technician with Bombardier, barrels to the world speed record on the Can-Am 125 MX-1 thanks to its 125cc Rotax engine. Its popularity and US sales also increase demand on the European markets. Producers such as SWM, KTM, Matchless, JAWA and Harley Davidson quickly become aware of Rotax engines, and this compensates for the slump in snowmobile sales.