Published: February 19, 2018, 1:35 PM
Updated: November 21, 2021, 3:03 PM
The Toronto Motorcycle Show
It’s winter. It’s cold, it’s snowy and there's still plenty of winter left. What better time to whet your appetite for the riding season to come at the annual Toronto Motorcycle Show.
By Allie Marsh
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New models on display
With so much to see and do, it could take the entire three days of the show to see it all – stunt shows, giveaways, riding gear, kids’ riding academies, rider training courses, insurance companies and travel/touring opportunities – not to mention all the new bikes to ogle. Here’s a look at some of the new models on display.
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Yamaha YZ65
First up, we have Yamaha, beginning with their smallest, newest release, the all-new YZ65. For $4,599, the Yamaha YZ65 has a new 65cc, two-stroke engine, a new steel frame with adjustable rear and front suspension, offering its riders the tuning capability of a full-size bike of this style.
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Yamaha YZ450F
Moving up in size, this year's Yamaha YZ450F is all new, including an electric start, a new engine, a new frame, slimmer styling and revised suspension settings. The kicker - an exclusive smartphone app power tuner. Yup, an app. This bike will run you $9,199.
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Yamaha XSR700
Out of the dirt and onto the street, for those looking for a little of that retro-style, naked look, Yamaha is offering the XSR700 for 2018. Incorporating most of the FZ-07's features, the natural riding position offers solid riding comfort, but maintains a lightweight design. Equipped with the FZ-07's ABS brakes, and a short swing arm, the XSR700 shows off a sportier side of Yamaha for $9,599.
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Yamaha Tracer 900
Taking it one step further on the sport side of two wheels, the new Tracer 900 takes Yamaha's popular FJ-09 through many updates and upgrades. Incorporating the same sport touring platform but updating styling and adding a new swingarm, Yamaha created a bike that can still tackle the twisties, keep the rider comfortable with more relaxed ergonomics and keep the sport-minded rider happy. The Tracer 900 costs $9,599.
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Yamaha Star Venture
If you are looking for a bigger, touring bike from Yamaha, it is introducing two versions for 2018 - the Star Venture and the Star Eluder. These all-new top of the line touring bikes combines V-Twin performance with comfort and technology. The Yamaha Star Venture lists for $24,999.
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Yamaha Star Eluder
From sport to touring, we introduce Yamaha's "bagger" series. With a state of the art infotainment system, comfort and styling to keep you on the seat longer, this V-Twin touring bagger, maintains great power and handling for those long road trips. Cost for the 2018 Yamaha Star Eluder will set you back $22,499.
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Electric + Bikes = ZERO Motorcycles
As the world of personal transportation shifts to alternative power methods, its no surprise that motorcycles would soon become electric. The Zero motorcycle is one on the market today. You plug this bike into a regular wall outlet at home for an overnight charge, and you have 223 miles (358 km) at your fingertips overnight.
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All the Gear
Helmets, Helmets and more Helmets. And they are becoming more and more colouful, functional and easy to size. There really is individuality in helmets now and you can even customize them further, so no two are the same. They are bright, breathable and becoming works of art. Now to find a bike that matches these bright colours.
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Historical Motorcycles
Another great part of the Toronto Motorcycle Show is seeing the older models on display, largely due to enthusiasts who what to show off their restored or original motorcycles. Often they are for sale too. It's interesting to see how the design of the new motorcycles for 2018 matches the look - and in some cases the feel - of the earlier production bikes.
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Kawasaki KLX250
What's new for Kawasaki? Let's start off-road. Returning with improved performance and updated styling, Kawasaki's KLX250 carries on the KX line of racing heritage for the green bikes in 2018. This on- and off-road riding machine provides versatile dual-purpose performance for riders who navigate both city streets and the off-road trails with. The KLX250 will cost you $5,349.
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Kawasaki Ninja400 KRT Edition
Out of the dirt and onto the street (or track) Kawasaki's Ninja 400 is new this year. With an engine and chassis more powerful and lighter than its predecessor, the Ninja 300, the all new Ninja 400 provides class-leading power and performance, with sharp new styling. With a relaxed, sporty riding position, light predictable handling and stronger engine performance this Ninja is easy and fun to ride, for a range of riders. The KRT Edition shown features the Kawasaki Racing Team colours and graphics. Cost $5,499.
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Kawasaki Z900RS Cafe
For $13,599 you can ride a bike rich in history, character, coloured in vintage lime green and only available in Canada. The fun to ride Kawasaki Z900 of last year has been upgraded for this year, with retro styling, one cafe-style (seen here) and two new colour schemes, all with today's cutting-edge technology and high-quality components.
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Kawasaki Z900RS
Kawasaki's newest edition - a legend reborn - for 2018 is the Z900RS. A retro-styled update to last year's sporty and fun naked-styled Z900, with two new colour schemes to choose from - a retro brown and orange and a black on black version. For $12,999, Kawasaki has built tradition and modernization into this bike, offering riders character and history, on two-wheels.
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Kawasaki H2 SX SE
From a stylish, slower tour on a cafe-styled bike to bringing the sensory experience of a supercharged engine to the sport touring category, the Kawasaki H2 SX SE will supercharge your journey. This is the third generation of Kawasaki's supercharged H2, and it is in no way lacking in performance, style or power but also offers fuel economy and tuning for the everyday street rider. For $25,299, this powerful machine will give you an exhilarating ride.
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Three-Wheels
Can-Am did not have a booth at this year's event, but a few of their machines were still found scattered around the show floor. This Spyder RT Limited sells for $27,499, comes in a couple colours and, while many "bikers" don't see them as motorcycles, they provide the same experience as motorcycling to those who may not be comfortable balancing on two wheels.
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Branded Gear
You can buy all kinds of clothing, riding gear and even motorcycle parts at the show.
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Indian Motorcycles: BAGGER
A direct competitor to Harley-Davidson, Indian has a couple of its baggers on display. For $24,999 you can have this sky blue over pearl white Indian Chief Vintage.
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Slingshot
You didn't think there was only one 3-wheeler out there did you? Ranging from $24,499 to $37,499, these 3-wheeled rides don't require a motorcycle license in Ontario.
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Honda CRF250R
On the dirt for Honda, we start with the CRF250R. Although last year's model was the all-new version, the 2018 CRF250R, features a dual overhead cam (DOHC) engine, moving Honda away from its norm of a single overhead cam (SOHC) engine. This year's model also comes with an electric start, so no more kicking. The CRF250R will set you back $7,999.
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Honda Africa Twin AS
Continuing in the off-road (and now on-road) department, meet The King of Adventure, Honda's Africa Twin. With its durable construction, distinct styling and colour scheme, ergonomic seating, increasing fuel range, enhanced stability and comfort (with its true adventure design), this bike invites exploration. Get ready to spend a pretty penny on this version, starting at $15,099 (last year's base price as prices for the 2018 are not yet released).
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Honda CB300R
Off the dirt on on to the road, Honda's new naked sport bike - with a side of cafe-racer styling - is the new for 2019 Honda CB300R. Its lightweight, features a liquid cooled engine, six speed transmission, and provides a great "next step" for the new rider. Inspiring confidence, easy maintenance and comfort for new riders, price has yet to be determined.
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Honda CB1000R
Fully on the road now, the CB1000R has been reborn for 2018. This naked sports bike has been given a modern cafe racer styling new for this year. With the engine sitting in a new frame, high suspension and radial mount front brakes, this much loved machine also gains peak power to its four-cylinder engine, controlled by Throttle By Wire. With more riding modes, including Power, Engine Brake and Torque Control, you can also purchase a special CB1000R version, with pre-fit accessories straight from the factory. Price coming soon.
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Honda Gold Wing Tour
The long-awaited Gold Wing. Completely redone for 2018, with a redesigned touring styling, all new frame, new engine and powertrain, new wheel design, advanced LED lighting, electric windscreen, Apple Car Play, Bluetooth connectivity, 7-inch navigation screen, smart key fob, riding technology and 6-speed transmission - what doesn't come with this bike? For (starting at) $26,999 you could be travelling the open road - connected to everything you left behind.
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Honda Gold Wing Tour
The long-awaited Gold Wing. Completely redone for 2018, with a redesigned touring styling, all new frame, new engine and powertrain, new wheel design, advanced LED lighting, electric windscreen, Apple Car Play, Bluetooth connectivity, 7-inch navigation screen, smart key fob, riding technology and 6-speed transmission - what doesn't come with this bike? For (starting at) $26,999 you could be travelling the open road - connected to everything you left behind.
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