The Toronto Motorcycle Show is Ontario’s biggest motorcycle manufacturer’s event and it’s happening from February 21 to February 23. With more than 500+ motorcycles from Aprilia, BMW Motorrad, Can-Am, Harley-Davidson, Ducati, Honda, Indian, Kawasaki, KTM, Moto Guzzi, Piaggio, Royal Enfield, Suzuki, Triumph, Vespa,Yamaha, along with vintage brand and custom motorcycles, there’s always something for everyone. But the Motorcycle Show is more than just a trip to the dealership, here are 8 things not to miss at the show:
1. She Rides Night
Friday February 21st – Women are now one in five motorcycle riders and make up the fastest growing segment of motorcycling. To celebrate this and remind us that it’s only sexist if it favors men, women get in half-price today. *Chuckles*
2. Yamaha Riding Academy for Kids
A program that introduces children between the ages of 6 to 12 to the world of motorcycle riding, giving them a free 15 minute riding session on a Yamaha off-road motorcycle with a certified instructor. It’s so damn cute it hurts.
3. Stunt shows
Some of us still remember seeing Cesar Constantini stunting outside of a Boston Pizza sometime around 2010. When he gets on a motorcycle, he becomes the man time has forgotten. Paired up with Craig Latimer, expect these two to put on a top notch show, as they always do.
4. They’re giving away a Kawasaki Z400
Saturday February 22nd – On Saturday afternoon show attendees can enter a free draw to win a Kawasaki Z400. Keep your eyes open for Kawasaki’s “Own The Street” contest. And if you’re thinking “it makes half the power of my bike.” Save it. Everyone could use one more motorcycle if it’s free.
5. The OPP’s Precision Motorcycle Riding Team
Likely the only time in your life you’ll get to experience motorcyclists excited to see so many cops, these OPP riders handle their Harley-Davidson as if they were wee little 250cc things. You should definitely check this out, your tax dollars already paid for their training anyway.
6. Clinton Smout’s Yamaha’s “How-To” Demos
Clinton Smout will be out there demonstrating how to ride over obstacles, on gravel roads, proper procedure for picking up a fallen motorcycle and more. Clinton is a blessing to motorcyclists, has probably saved a few of our lives, and our community is lucky to have this guy.
7. Vintage motorcycles
One of my favorite parts of the show is seeing the stark contrast between the aged, weathered, but still beautiful vintage motorcycles, and the latest and greatest we have going into the 2020s. Love vintage motorcycles. 11/10. Strongly recommend checking them out.
8. Clutch Society
Here’s a thing I’ve come to learn about Dan Lim: He does things right, or not at all. This year Dan Lim (alias Moto Foto) has put together a lifestyle feature called Clutch Society. It elebrates the best of the custom indie motorcycle culture and some of the GTA’s most reputed custom builders and lifestyle brands. I have no idea what that means but based on everything else Dan’s done, it’ll be kick-ass.
Update: If you use the code “CLUTCH” when checking out, you’ll get $3 off your general admission ticket.
What are you looking to check out at the show this year? Leave me a comment and share this with your friends!
