Vancouver Motorcycle Show blasts into town

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      Hard to believe, perhaps, but it’s that time again. The Vancouver Motorcycle Show is just around the corner, with a full roster of motorcycles, scooters, ATVs, and activities at the Tradex Centre in Abbotsford later this month. Here are some highlights.

      Honda, which has to this point manufactured over 300 million two-wheeled conveyances worldwide, will show off a 40th-anniversary edition of its Gold Wing tourer. Regarded by some as the finest touring bike ever made, the Wing debuted in 1975 and has gone from being a lopsided, clunky cruiser to a silky-smooth long-distance easy chair on wheels that can now be had with an onboard airbag and a navi system. Also look for a new 50 cc Giorno scooter from the world’s largest motorcycle manufacturer.

      Over at Harley-Davidson, the Milwaukee company is making the rounds with its first fully electric-powered bike, the LiveWire. Wheeled out earlier this year, the LiveWire is, in Harley’s own words, more like an electric guitar than an electric car. Still, it will offer “tire-shredding” performance and, apparently, a sound similar to a fighter jet on an aircraft carrier. You may even be able to take a short demo ride on this one. It joins the new-for-2015 Street lineup of city cruisers. You can still hop aboard the usual Softails, Sportsters, Road Glides, and so on, but clearly this company is in the midst of some pretty serious changes. The traditional market for its legendary cruisers and touring bikes is, well, dying off and it has to attract some new blood. The LiveWire and recently introduced Street models may accomplish this.

      Speaking of firsts, Kawasaki is unleashing its Ninja H2R, which is the world’s only production supercharged street bike. Borrowing technology from the company’s aerospace division, the H2R will blast out a purported 300 horsepower (!), which should end any arguments about which is the fastest motorcycle on the road. But before all you hard-core shredders get too worked up, you should know that this bike is officially meant for “closed course” riding and may not be legally ridden on public roads.

      Ducati, meanwhile, brings its new, resurrected Scrambler to the party. With retro styling reminiscent of the old dirt-track racers, the Scrambler will come in a variety of models, all powered by an 800 cc twin that has Ducati’s renowned Desmo valve system, and will deliver some 75 horsepower. The Italian company is describing the Scrambler as “post heritage” and would like buyers to think of it as “how the legendary motorcycle would be today if Ducati had never stopped building it”.

      My favourite Italian bike-maker, Moto Guzzi, should be showing its new California Touring SE. An underrated long-distance machine, the California is powered by Guzzi’s distinctive transverse V-twin, and in this version it comes with hard bags, a full-size windscreen, a passenger backrest, and running lights. Moto Guzzi is describing this model as “a change of clothes”.

      Still with Italian manufacturers, Vespa has a new Primavera scooter for your inspection and approval. Offered in two engine sizes—50 cc and 150 cc—the Primavera is one of this company’s most durable models, having debuted in 1968. For 2015, it re-emerges with a new styling job, redesigned controls, and an improved riding position. Parent company Piaggio also continues on with its 150 cc Fly scooter, which is, in the company’s own words, “ideal for short trips and running errands”.

      Although it’s not technically a motorcycle, Polaris will be displaying its new Slingshot at this year’s show. The Slingshot is actually a three-wheeler, with two wheels up front and a single in the back. It seats two, but driver and passenger ride side by side, automobile-style. Power is amply delivered by a 173-horsepower four-cylinder, and it features a five-speed manual transmission. Polaris is the parent company for Victory motorcycles, and it keeps bringing out one surprise after another.

      There are other things to do at this year’s bike show besides gawp at motorcycles. Yamaha is bringing along its Riding Academy for the little ones, stunt riders will be performing throughout the show, there will be a vintage-bike display courtesy of the West Coast British Motorcycle Owners Club, and land-speed record holder Valerie Thompson will be on hand to meet and greet. There will also be a prize draw for a new Triumph Bonneville Newchurch special edition, and for female riders, there’s a giveaway of a new Kawasaki Ninja EX300.

      The show starts Friday, January 23, and runs till Sunday, January 25. Admission is $14 for adults and $10 for kids 14 and under. Ladies get in for half price on Friday night after 5 p.m.

      Comments

      2 Comments

      bikefan

      Jan 7, 2015 at 11:15am

      To clarify, the Kawi H2R is indeed 'track only', but the H2 is the street version, and it will be available at the same time with virtually the same specs.

      source: http://www.kawasaki.ca/page/ninja-h2

      Indian Fan

      Jan 9, 2015 at 8:39pm

      Polaris is also the parent company for Indian Motorcycles, and they keep bringing out very exciting motorcycles like the new 2015 Indian Scout. Looks like the company will not be at the show again this year despite displaying their bikes at all the other shows in Canada except the Vancouver show.
      To take a look at the bikes check out www.indianmotorcycles.com