Sure looks like winter out there today, but for those of
you dreaming of the open road, the Montreal Motorcycle Show is being presented
Friday through Sunday at the Palais des congrès.
If you’re looking for a new bike, all the major
manufacturers will be there to show off their 2016 models, including (in
alphabetical order) Arctic Cat, Aprilia, BMW Motorrad Canada, Can-Am Spyder
BRP, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian Motorcycle, KTM, Kawasaki, Moto
Guzzi, MV Agusta, Piaggio, Polaris, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, Yamaha and Vespa.
And it’s not just motorcycles, there will be ATVs, scooters and more on display,
plus all the gear to go with them.
If you’re more into custom, check out the five Rolling
Stones tribute motorcycles from Prémont Harley-Davidson, painted by artist Yves
Thibault. Builders from the upcoming documentary Les Vagabonds sur Deux Roues, directed
by Youssef Berrouard, will also be on hand, along with several other Quebec
motorcycle builders. Or check out Torch Motorcycles’ Revv-olution, an
educational program where women design, engineer and craft their first
motorcycles based on their unique needs, body diversity and ride styles.
If you’re looking for someone to ride with, there will be
representatives of various clubs on hand as well.
The show’s organizers say that there’s been a nearly 30%
increase of women bike owners in Quebec since 2009. They’ve brought back their
popular She Rides Nite this year, with half-price admission for women from 5 pm
on Friday evening. It will include activities, and a ladies-only draw for a
2016 Kawasaki Ninja 300, courtesy of Canadian Kawasaki Motors and Excel Moto of
Montreal. There will also be several well-known women riders at the show.
The Yamaha Riding Academy for kids is also back this
year. It gives 6 to 12 year olds a safe place to try out a Yamaha TT-R off-road
minibike (free). Once your kids have had their fun, head over to BMW Motorrad
Canada’s Eye Ride virtual test ride, and Gastown Supply Co.’s Freedom 5000 simulator
for your own.
The show is open Friday from noon to 10 pm, Saturday from
10 am to 9 pm, and Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm. Adults (15 and over) pay $15,
seniors and students $11, juniors (6-14) $10, children under 6 (must be
accompanied by an adult) are free. The family pass at $39 for two adults and
two juniors, looks like a good deal.
For more details, check out the show’s
website.