New bikes at Toronto motorcycle show

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Yamaha will show its all-new R1 at the Toronto Motorcycle Show.

Steve Bond

SPECIAL TO THE STAR

Where can you find an electric-powered scooter, an $80,000 motorcycle and two guys riding around inside a steel ball?

At the Toronto Motorcycle Show, of course, which starts Friday at the Metro Convention Centre. Manufacturers will be showcasing their full range of 2009 motorcycles, scooters and ATVs.

Recognizing the growing number of women riders, Friday night is once again designated as "She Rides Nite." Not only are all women admitted free after 5 p.m., but there should also be an entertaining evening of information sessions, tips on riding gear, celebrity interviews, music and seminars about women's unique riding needs.

But the real reason everyone goes is to get up close and personal with the brand new hardware. There will be more than 150 exhibitors, but here's what the major players are scheduled to display:

BMW Motorrad Canada will have the new K1300S, R and GT along with the F800GS that's finally at dealers. You'll also get a peek at the S1000RR, BMW's World Superbike entry that's still under development but will hit the racetrack in 2009. Dirt riders will finally be able to see the G450X Enduro.

Honda's website lists as available for sale in Canada in 2009 the futuristically styled DN01, a $17,499 tourer with a "real" automatic transmission – not a CVT type. And, in a first for the knee-dragging set, both the CBR600 and CBR1000 sportbikes are sporting optional anti-lock brakes.

Ducati will show the new 1198S Superbike, the Monster M1100S and there's a chance of seeing the D16 (also known as the Desmosedici), the Moto GP replica streetbike that sells for a cool 80 grand.

Kawasaki has confirmed the new Vulcan 1700 series, along with the new ZX-6R 600 sportbike that claims to be 10 kg lighter than last year's model. Canadian Superbike and Pro 600 Champion Jordan Szoke and new teammate Alex Welsh will be at autograph sessions.

KTM has confirmed the much-anticipated 1190 RC8 Superbike as well as the most powerful single-cylinder motorcycle ever put into production – the 690 Enduro.

Deeley Harley-Davidson will have the 2009 touring models and Tri-Glide trike that I rode in California last summer, along with the long-awaited XR1200 Sportster that was introduced in Europe in 2008. I'll be in California riding this model soon, so look for a full report in Wheels.

Deeley's also plans to unveil the Buell Ulysses Police model as well as support She Rides Nite with giveaways and spokespersons.

Suzuki's dominating litre bike GSX-R1000 is all new, and a new Boulevard M90 joins the cruiser ranks with a strong family resemblance to the successful M109. Also brand new is the SFV650 (called the "Gladius" in some markets), which is a modern-styled naked bike powered by the wonderful 650 V twin engine. Suzuki is also offering a few Canada-only models including a 650 and 1000 V-Strom that come with locking hard bags and topbox as standard equipment.

Yamaha's centrepiece will be the new V Max, the 200-horsepower monster that catapulted me around the mountains east of San Diego last August.

An all-new R1 will take its place as the company's sportbike leader, while the FZ6R joins the lineup as a sport standard with a budget-minded price. I'm scheduled to ride both of these motorcycles in January in a warmer climate than ours, so stay tuned.

Yamaha Canada is also sponsoring the Riding School for Kids: a free opportunity for kids aged 6 to 12 (certain conditions apply) to take a ride on the latest Yamaha TT-R off-road motorcycles. Over the last six years, almost 12,000 young'uns have learned to ride through the efforts of the Yamaha Riding Academy.

New this year is "Scooter Central," a special area catering to the unique world of scooters, including the Canadian debut of the Lambretta marque.

For those interested in "green" transportation, National Motorsports is introducing the new E-Moto G300LX, a near-silent running, all-electric scooter.

GP Bikes in Ajax recently added the Vespa line to its repertoire and will have the complete lineup at its display.

And, for something a little different, check out the "Extreme Globe," where you'll see the aforementioned two guys riding around inside a steel ball, as well as Jason Britton, host of the TV stunt show, Superbikes!

If you need a break from acres of shiny new motorcycles, check out the usual crop of riding clubs and organizations, some retailers, custom motorcycles and more.

The Toronto Motorcycle Show is the chance to sit on all the new bikes, talk to industry reps and meet up with friends under one roof.

What else are you gonna do in Toronto in mid-December anyway?

More videos from Wheels.ca and our partners