The Motorcycle Show Toronto 2016 ft. Bikes from Top Manufacturers

The 2016 Motorcycle Show Toronto kicked off on February 19th at the Enercare Centre, Exhibition Place with a bang! Showcasing this year’s newest rides included all the biggest manufacturers: Aprilia, BMW Motorrad, Can-Am BRP, Honda, Husqvarna, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Indian, KTM, Kawasaki, Moto Guzzi, Polaris, Piaggio, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, Vespa, and Yamaha.

Harley Davidson girls

“The Motorcycle Show in Toronto is the only show in Ontario to feature the official corporate displays and the latest models from all of the world’s top manufacturers,” said show manager, Neil Fardy. “We have something for everyone who is passionate about the sport, and that is a big reason why the show is one of the most anticipated weekends on the biker community’s calendar.” Fardy also expressed his excitement about the two contests featured at the 2016 Motorcycle Show, the She Rides Nite and Grand Prize Draw.

She Rides Nite was a celebration for women riders and those considering taking up the sport. One lucky lady in attendance won a 2016 Kawasaki Ninja 300. The Ninja 300’s superb handling and balanced suspension make it a great bike for novice and experienced riders who are looking for an easy, fun ride.

The prize of the Grand Prize Draw was an all-new 2016 Triumph Bonneville 900 Street Twin. The Street Twin has a classic look with some great new features, including an eight-valve, liquid cooled twin engine, ABS, slip-assist clutch and traction control. It is Triumph’s most contemporary, fun and accessible new Bonneville yet!

I was looking to get a bike this year and coming to this show made my decision even tougher! All the bikes were impressive and I could not even narrow them down to a top three! I guess I will be kicking around some tires this summer.

Some highlights from the show included the Harley-Davidson lineup, I loved the look of the Forty-Eight, with the old army green paint job and old retro look. The bike comes with improved suspension, lightweight mag wheels, and a speedometer with a gear shift indicator. I think gear shift indicators are a great plus on any bike! The Forty-Eight starts at around $13K, depending on what additional upgrades you want on it.

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson

Harley Davidson

The Polaris Slingshot is a multi-wheeler that looks like a cross between a Batmobile and a dune buggy, sort of. It starts off at $26K and would be a lot of fun for a summer cruise.

Polaris Slingshot

Polaris Slingshot

Polaris Slingshot

The new Triumph Thruxton looks immaculate, keeping the old retro look with updated features: new 1200 cc engine, ABS and different Rider Modes for rain, road and sport. It’s about time they updated this bike!

Triumph Thruxton

Triumph Thruxton

Yamaha also showcased some great bikes. I liked what the brand was doing, bringing back the classic black and yellow retro paint jobs. But what caught my eye was the XSR900 with a scrambler look, different from the usual Yamaha line. Yamaha took the power plant engine from the Fz-09, and gave it two looks, one in the old black and yellow and one in silver, both options look fantastic. Those who are looking for the SR400 are out of luck! Yamaha will not be introducing the SR400 to Canada anytime soon as they have other bikes in the same class with a better value. Too bad!

Yamaha

Yamaha

Yamaha XSR900

Yamaha XSR900

Yamaha

Yamaha

Can’t wait for spring to get here so I can ride one of these bikes!

(photos by Phil – The Motorcycle Show Toronto 2016)