CCM was founded in 1971 by Alan Clews and gained notability for producing specialised BSA powered motocross machines.

He wanted a lighter, more nimble and modern motocross bike, like the custom-built 500 cc motorcycles used by the BSA factory racing team.

In the mid-1970s, the CCM racing team achieved respectable results in the 500 cc Motocross World Championship, with rider John Banks placing in the top five several times.

[4] In 1984, the firm secured a contract to produce the Rotax-engined Armstrong MT500 bikes for the British Army,[5] and through overseas sales won a Queen's Export Award.

[citation needed] In 2013 CCM announced plans for a GP450 machine to meet a market demand for a road legal middleweight adventure bike.

The CCM has received very favourable comments on its lightness, the engine's responsiveness, and the excellent handling both on- and off-road.