Toronto Motorcycle Show

Highlights

Being a long time member of the Harley faithful, the display of HD’s and Buells was naturally enough an important stop. It was disappointing, however, that neither of their two newest models were there: the XR1200 Sportster, nor the Buell Lightning Super TT. At least the Screamin’ Eagle Destroyer did make an appearance.

I always find the offerings from Moto Guzzi, BMW, and Ducati intriguing. I even enjoyed the Ural display. As for the bikes from Japan (except for Honda which I somehow had managed to miss), I had fun test sitting on their sport bikes knowing full well that in the real world I could not live with their ergonomics for long. On the other hand, their reputation for sheer power is hard to ignore. Too bad they all look so much alike to me.

There were many nice customs on display that were well worth checking out. I especially enjoyed having the opportunity to straddle a bike from the American Iron Horse line. You read about these bikes all the time in the magazines, so actually seeing one in person and getting in the saddle really put things in perspective. The stretch and length of their models is such that the headlamp feels miles away from the rider, yet the bike still feels quite comfortable and manageable – at least on the showroom floor, anyway. I wanted − no, needed − one for a demo ride!

My favourite one-off custom there was the Dewalt Tools sponsored bike. I liked the aggressive style and bold paint, but what really captured my eye was the ridiculously wide rear tire. I could just barely make out its size on the almost non-existent sidewall: it was a 360.

We spent quite a bit of time roaming the vendor displays. It was very helpful for us to speak with some of the vendors about their products in order to get a better idea if their solutions would work for us. For example, bike to bike communications is something that could be very useful at times. To keep costs down, we are exploring using the hand held two way radios we already have and adding remote earphones and mics. The people from Radioworld had the info we needed.

Another booth I stopped at was System7 NA. They carry various kinds of workshop cabinetry and tables, but it was the interlocking PVC flooring that had me asking questions. I’d love to have it for my garage - that is if I can come up with the $9 per panel they wanted.

I did leave some dollars with the people who sell the Flitz Ball and polishing paste, and with Canadian Biker Magazine for another one of their hats to replace my disintegrating version.

But my best purchase came from Parker Bros. and was totally unexpected. Earlier, we had rested our feet at the Full Throttle Theatre and Lounge. While there, we were entertained by a fashion show, as well as interviews with various guest VIP’s from the motorcycling community. One guest of particular distinction was Charlie Boorman of “

See Charley in action at the show! Check out our movie clips section to hear about his experiences in the Race to Dakar.

The Long Way Round” fame. To me, this film was so well done that it ranks as one of the best motorcycling movies ever made. I like it better than the original classic “On Any Sunday”, and even the cult film “Easy Riders” which cemented my passion for motorcycling in the first place. Although Ewan McGregor seems to be more of the ladies favourite, I think most motorcyclists will find Charlie to be more like one of us, and for that reason I have become one of his many fans.

Which brings me back to Parker Bros. Charlie Boorman would be signing autographs and selling DVD’s and books at their booth. At first, the line-up to meet Charlie was rather long. As much as I would have liked to have his signature, I wasn’t prepared to hang around for what looked like an excessively long time to get it. We made another tour of the show floor instead.

Just before we were ready to leave the show, I asked Gail and Andrew if they wouldn’t mind if I checked on the progress of the line one last time. I’m glad I did because not ten minutes later I was joking with Charlie that he should try a Buell Uly on his next adventure. His response was, well, very diplomatic. He doesn’t bullsh*t, but neither does he insult. I really like the guy. Oh gawd, I wonder if I’m a groupie or something now.

I eventually purchased the “Race to Dakar” DVD, and he signed it with “To George and Caroline, Be Good!” (Now I have a great Christmas stocking stuffer for my wife). He then got up from his seat to have a picture taken with us. That picture is now hanging on the wall of my family room.

Thanks Sid, for convincing me to give the Toronto Motorcycle Show a chance. We had fun.

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