Montreal, January 30, 2018 – Once again this year, the world’s leading motorcycle manufacturers will be at Palais des congrès de Montréal to unveil their latest products at the Montreal Motorcycle Show. From Friday, February 23 to Sunday, February 25, the Show’s estimated 34,000 visitors—from novices to seasoned riders—will discover the hottest bikes and accessories of 2018. Here’s a sneak peek at 20 new must-see models.
Sport bikes
APRILIA – RSV4 RF: Undisputed champion
This machine continues to evolve as the best superbike ever. Building on its success and experience on the track, it has trimmed an average of one second per lap off its time over previous versions. The RSV4 RF notably includes a new Öhlins front fork with NIX technology, a new Brembo braking system and a new dynamic control suite. Its chassis is also now paired with a Euro 4 210 HP engine.
BMW – H4P RACE: Pure emotion
With just 750 of these limited-edition, numbered machines produced, the H4P RACE is the world’s first motorcycle to offer a fully carbon frame and fully carbon wheels. Its frame is made from a continuous component, from the steering head to the swing arm pivot. Hand-built exclusively for the track, it has a self-supporting carbon front that devours the headwind, with its aggressive splitface camouflaging the ram air behind. A 2D recorder allows data to be saved and read out, while a button-operated dynamic traction control (DTC) offers optimal traction for every racing situation.
DUCATI – PANIGALE V4: Maximizing power and performance
The first mass-produced Ducati motorcycle to be equipped with a 4-cyclinder engine, closely derived from the Desmosedici of MotoGP fame, the Panigale V4 turns power and excellence into sheer pleasure. Voted “Most Beautiful Bike of the Show” at EICMA 2017, it is defined by its state-of-the-art chassis and innovative electronics. Its design is elegant, muscular and technological, its large, soft surfaces punctuated by a few bold features. The bike’s dominant elements of style—component integration, functionality and a sense of power—extend across the entire machine.
Retro machines
DUCATI – SCRAMBLER 1100: Escape artist
This high displacement bike with its seat height of 810 mm is perfect for taller drivers. Its frame retains the steel lattice form of previous generations, and its swingarm is still double-sided. It offers three ride modes:
Active, Journey and City. Its standard black or yellow version includes Kayaba suspension, adjustable shocks and standard finish. The Special version comes in custom matte grey, with aluminum mud guards and chrome finish on the exhausts and a number of other parts. With its unique tones, Öhlins shocks and machine-finished spokes, the Sport version has a distinct monster bike look and feel. It’s as sporty as they come, while remaining a contemporary step ahead.
INDIAN MOTORCYCLE – SCOUT FTR750: Racing in its DNA
The Scout FTR750 combines form and function to push the boundaries of speed, maximize efficiency and redefine control. Its race-tuned Öhlins 43 mm conventional front suspension and Öhlins fully adjustable rear monoshock are designed for traction and cornering. The goal is to keep the bike relatively stable or flat, so the rear wheel is hooked up and delivers full traction as the bike exits a corner. Power is supplied by an all-new 750 cc, 53-degree V-twin engine.
KAWASAKI – Z900RS: Heir to a legend
This bike’s traditional In-Line Four configuration engine is backed by Kawasaki’s latest rider support technology. Its exhausts, with their rich sound, are a delight to the eyes and ears. With a look that pays homage to the original Z1, every detail on the Z900RS has been meticulously thought out, right down to the caps on the cylinder heads and polished cylinder fins. It comes in Candytone Brown/Candytone Orange or Metallic Flat Spark Black.
TRIUMPH – BONNEVILLE SPEEDMASTER: Beautifully authentic
The Speedmaster’s 1200 cc high-torque engine with Triumph’s signature Bobber is designed to deliver more torque and power low down and across the rev range when you need it most. A twin-chamber air box and exclusive chrome exhaust system generate a distinctive rich and raw sound. Its swept-back beach bars, forward footpegs and superb handling provide exceptional driving quality. The high specification brakes and suspension along with the sculpted rider seat and removable passenger seat enhance the riding experience.
Street bikes
HARLEY-DAVIDSON CANADA – FAT BOB®: Intense performance, unapologetic styling
The Fat Bob’s inverted front forks deliver astonishing handling and a comfortable, sporty ride. Its new front suspension technology provides the performance of a racing-style cartridge fork for reduced weight with linear damping characteristics. With its all-new easily adjustable monoshock rear suspension, the Fat Bob displays dynamic cornering capability while preserving the classic hard tail look. Its Milwaukee-Eight Big Twin 107 or 114 displacement engine is powerful yet smooth-running, while delivering a soul-satisfying rumble.
HONDA – CB300R: The performance advantage
The 286 cc single-cylinder engine boasts dual overhead camshafts driven by a Hy-Vo-type silent chain and forked roller rocker arms. Compact and lightweight, the engine enhances the bike’s agile steering, intuitive and natural handling and impressive power-to-weight ratio. Honda’s programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI) constantly monitors a range of parameters to ensure the right air-fuel mix for the atmospheric and riding conditions.
SUZUKI – SV650X: The power of a V-twin engine
The new SV650X ABS offers a refined 4-stroke 645 cc V-twin liquid-cooled engine and more than 60 new parts. Its redesigned chassis is both lightweight and durable, delivering a sporty, exhilarating ride. Of note are its EFI system and low rpm assist feature, which seamlessly adjust the engine speed during take-off and low-speed riding to even out the power delivery. Its streamlined chassis is a joy to behold and puts the emphasis squarely on comfort and handling.
Touring bikes
BMW – K1600 B: Unmistakeably Bagger
This machine’s maximum torque of 175 Nm and 160 HP (118 kW) produce an incomparable and effortless push force. The chopped windscreen, sloping line of the silhouette and striking rear section with integrated LED indicators and brake lights define a unique style that’s sleek and tapered. Behind its good looks is plenty of innovative technology and a high level of comfort. Its Blackstorm Metallic colour complement its various black tones to accentuate the Bagger’s imposing and confident shape.
HARLEY-DAVIDSON CANADA – SPORT GLIDE™: Wander lustier
Built on the completely redesigned Softail frame, the all-new Sport Glide boasts internal counterbalancing that allows for a smooth and agile ride without sacrificing the Harley feel. Inverted front forks and a new rear monoshock with external preload adjustment give riders the ability to customize their handling profile for any situation, including extra cargo and/or passenger. The Sport Glide is stealthy, bold and versatile. It features a blacked-out engine, new black and silver cast wheels and black exhausts. It’s as exciting a ride for short touring excursions as it is for the daily commute and long trips, featuring the quick-detach front mini-fairing along with detachable locking saddlebags .
HONDA – GOLD WING: Let the road unfurl before you
Featuring a lower, swept-back touring design and a strong shoulder line, the new Gold Wing is a complete re-invention, with premium styling and an all-new frame. Touring riders will appreciate the extra wind and weather protection with the integrated and fully adjustable electric-powered windshield whose height can be easily changed. Its new wheel design connects to the road with a wide 200 series rear tire equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system. The 2018 Gold Wing is driven by a flat 6-cylinder engine with 4 valve heads.
YAMAHA – STAR VENTURE TC: Conquer the road
Its powerful 1854 cc V-twin engine combines with an overdrive 6-gear transmission. Its 17.8 cm display comes complete with audio, navigation, communication vehicle status and equipment controls. The Star Venture TC offers a host of enhancements, including traction control, ABS/UBS braking, smart key technology, and the brand new Sure-Park system, which uses a dedicated electric motor that allows the bike to move forward or backward slowly for precision parking.
Adventure bikes
HONDA – CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN ADVENTURE SPORT: Exhilaration plus
With a steel 24-litre fuel tank guaranteeing a 500 km range, its longer travel suspension and new engine management electronics, the Africa Twin is ready for 2018. The riding position has been raised by some 30 mm, the rider’s footpegs widened, the handlebars lifted, and the passenger footpeg hangers redesigned. To celebrate the model’s 30th anniversary, Honda has also introduced a new paint scheme reminiscent of the Africa’s illustrious past. With new fuel management electronics and engine mapping, riders can now choose from three shift patterns and engine braking as well as seven traction control levels.
KTM – 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S: Muscle meets mellow
Weighing in at just 238 kg, the KTM packs 160 HP and 140 Nm of torque—108 of which is available at 2500 rpm. Its transmission, spread on the primary wheel, transfers the power to the clutch basket with no backlash. The resonator chamber has been redesigned to polish the torque output in the lower to mid-range rpm. The bike’s ergonomics can be adjusted to suit the preferences and stature of the rider: two seat heights, two handlebar clamping positions, two footpeg positions, and five reach settings.
TRIUMPH – TIGER 800: 200 upgrades for the ultimate riding experience
The new Tiger 800 XC and XR family takes this celebrated range to new heights. With 200 upgrades, including the highest ever level of state-of-the-art technology, enhanced rider ergonomics, increased capability and a more responsive delivery from the latest-generation Triple engine, the new Tigers offer a shorter ratio first gear for improved off-road traction and all-road acceleration. Other upgrades include full-colour TFT instruments, a more distinctive Tiger look, and premium finish and detailing.
Three wheelers
SLINGSHOT SLR LE: For the devil on both shoulders
The Slingshot’s lightweight design and 173 HP engine provide an impressive power-to-weight ratio. Its 18 cm-wide multi-touch Slingshot Ride Command display gives riders quick access to whatever they need: Bluetooth and USB audio and even turn-by-turn directions. And with the customizable split-screen display, advanced vehicle info is literally at the driver’s fingertips, allowing for the monitoring of individual tire pressure, fuel range, distance to the next oil change, current altitude, average fuel economy, heading and much more.
SPYDER RT Limited: Touring comfort
Spyder enthusiasts will enhance their ride thanks to the new 19.8 cm-wide LCD colour display with BRP Connect, allowing the integration of vehicle-optimized smartphone apps. A new, intuitive joystick gives riders access to all of this technology while keeping their hands on the handlebar. The heated grips keep hands warm, while the electrically adjustable windscreen can be adapted to the changing weather. The high-end touring saddle with lumbar support and passenger backrest makes for an ultra-comfortable ride regardless of distance.
Scooters
VESPA GTS 300: Where great looks meet great performance
With its elegant and refined lines, the Vespa GTS is an exclusive vehicle, unique in today’s competitive scenario. Its style and elegance are evident in its design and range of colours. Its LED lighting enhances an instrument panel that puts an emphasis on clarity with its white-on-black display. Its saddle includes materials common to Italian sports cars, and its aesthetics are complemented by the safety of two-channel ABS braking and the Piaggio ASR traction control system.
All the major brands will be at the Show to unveil more the 2018 machines, not to mention the latest accessories and technology. Come get your fix!
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
Images of the different models can be found here.
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Media relations
Julie Gagnon, 514-713-4381 – julie@juliegagnon.ca
Isabelle Fafard, 514-865-8157 – isabelle.fafard@180deux.ca
