WHETHER YOU’RE A TECHNOLOGY FAN OR A VINTAGE ENTHUSIAST, YOU’LL FIND IT ALL AT THE MONTREAL MOTORCYCLE SHOW!
Whether you’re a technology fan or a vintage enthusiast,
you’ll find it all at the Montreal Motorcycle Show!
The season starts here
Montreal, February 12, 2018 – Some riders love the comfort and ease that technology brings to their touring excursions, while for others there’s nothing like riding a custom bike built from the ground up for (or by) them. Regardless of preference, the Montreal Motorcycle Show, presented by La Capitale Financial Group, guarantees riders a healthy dose of adrenaline to get their season started.
For the minimalists
As Dominic Lalande of First Line Motorcycles sees it, a vintage bike is much more than a way to get around; it’s a way of life. “I don’t go wild over the latest technology,” he says. “Instead, I love to do what no one else is doing, with the least intervention. I’ll never forget the feeling when I climbed onto the very first motorcycle I built, piece by piece, one winter in my living room. When spring arrived, all I had to do was open my patio doors and ride out!”
Samuel Guertin, owner of custom bike shop Clockwork Motorcycles, agrees that this type of bike may come with its challenges, but the payoff is totally worth it. “When you ride a bike that’s 40 or 50 years old, you have to expect the odd problem, and sometimes you’ll need to pack your toolkit for longer rides. But you develop such a bond with your bike. You get to know it inside-out, and it brings you back to basics. You’re the one in control; there’s no anti-skid system or other high-tech add-ons.”
For the techies
When it comes to technology, the biking world has it in abundance! For many riders, technology is the only way to go, and connectivity is critical to the future of riding. “First and foremost, our customers buy Can-Am Spyder models because they’re stable, easy to handle and a pleasure to drive,” states Josée Perreault, Senior Vice President, Can-Am Spyder. What’s more, most Can-Am Spyder models now come with a new fully-digital instrument panel that provides access to smartphone applications via BRP ConnectTM. Bluetooth technology also allows riders to play content from their Bluetooth-enabled devices directly to their bike. It’s a new feature that will enhance every ride while ensuring drivers are able to focus on the road.
Another example is the Power Tuner app on the new 2018 YZ450F, one of Yamaha’s most technologically advanced innovations in recent years. “The free, downloadable Power Tuner app allows owners to make mapping changes wirelessly through their smartphone, based on rider preferences, course layout and track conditions. Users can also monitor data like rpm, throttle percentage and intake air temperature in real time, and they can track ongoing maintenance intervals and running times. Overall, the application significantly improves the efficiency of tuning the 2018 YZ450F, connecting riders more closely with their machine,” explains Graeme Jones, Marketing Coordinator.
Kawasaki is making its own strides forward. “You’d be hard pressed to find a more technologically advanced motorcycle than the new 2018 Ninja H2 SX SE,” says Brad Goodbody, Assistant Manager, Marketing and Public Relations at Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. “In fact, it’s the industry’s only supercharged sport touring motorcycle with a range of high tech features, including launch control and KQS (Kawasaki Quickshifter) for clutchless up and down shifting.”
Accessories that add convenience and comfort will also abound at the Show. The products in highest demand at Importations Thibault are without question luggage systems, such as the popular Givi models, although communication systems are not far behind. For many riders, being able to talk effortlessly to their passenger or group is worth its weight in gold.
Devotees, contests and attractions
In addition to meeting hundreds of other motorcycle enthusiasts and discovering the latest models and accessories, visitors to the Montreal Motorcycle Show will have the chance to enter the ultimate contest. For the first time, visitors to the Kawasaki Canada booth on Saturday, February 24 between noon and 4 p.m. can enter to win one of two Kawasaki Z125 PRO bikes!
The Show is also bringing back its most popular attractions, including She Rides night on Friday, February 23, when women enjoy half off the admission price after 5 p.m. and could even win a 2018 Kawasaki Versys-X 300; the Yamaha Riding Academy—a huge favourite of kids ages 6 to 12; and Hangar 17. Held in collaboration with ONELAND, the “Hangar” brings together builders, craftspeople and motorcycle fanatics with a shared passion of the road and their machines. Here, visitors will be able to meet some of the top builders from near and far, enjoy a drink, and chat about their road trips, the custom motorcycle culture and the freedom that only a bike can deliver. Come meet the folks from Clockwork Motorcycles, First Line Motorcycles, Hardcore Cycle, Lay Loo Moto Company and many more.
Montreal Motorcycle Show: February 23 to 25, 2017, at Palais des congrès de Montréal (1001 Place Jean-Paul-Riopelle)
Friday, February 23: Noon to 10 p.m.
Saturday, February 24: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Sunday, February 25: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tickets (taxes included)
Adults (15 and over): $16
Seniors (65 and over) and students (upon presentation of a valid student card): $13
Juniors (6-14): $11
Children (under 6): Free when accompanied by an adult
Family Pass (two adults and two juniors): $40
Information: montrealmotorcycleshow.ca
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Media relations
Julie Gagnon, 514 713-4381 – julie@juliegagnon.ca
Isabelle Fafard, 514 865-8157 – isabelle.fafard@180deux.ca