Toronto, December 8, 2012 -Every December, the world’s top motorcycle manufacturers come to the Toronto to showcase hundreds of new motorcycles, scooters and ATVs.
The Motorcycle Show Toronto 2012 is Ontario’s biggest motorcycle manufacturers’ consumer show of the year and kicks-off a cross-Canada tour that includes stops in
Calgary,
Edmonton,
Vancouver,
Quebec City,
Moncton, and
Montreal.
In addition to showcasing the world’s
top motorcycles for 2013, the show that covers almost three football fields has a wide range of exhibits and features that also include the latest in apparel, accessories and touring destinations. The theme of this year’s show is
Riding Redefined and it speaks to the on-going evolution of motorcycles and motorcycling, through innovative technologies and designs in the new bikes, riding gear and parts.
“The Toronto Motorcycle Show is one of the most anticipated weekends on the bike community’s calendar, and it’s a great opportunity for enthusiasts to experience how the motorcycle industry is redefining riding,” says Show Manager, Neil Fardy. One of the coolest features of the show is the
Yamaha Riding Academy, which makes its only Ontario motorcycle show appearance of the season. Kids aged 6-12 can take a free on an off-road motorcycle lesson while at the Toronto Show. Where was this when I was a kid?
The Motorcycle Show Toronto runs Friday, December 7 to Sunday, December 9 at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (South). We had a chance to drop in yesterday and check out the hottest 2013 motorcycles by BMW, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Moto Guzzi, Suzuki, Triumph, Victory, and Yamaha. Here is a breakdown of our 5 Most Stylish Sport Bikes for 2013 with full Motorcycle Show Gallery to follow:
#1 – MV Agusta F3 Serie Oro 2013 – $28,995
Only
200 of the limited edition
MV Agusta F3 Serie Oro sport bikes are being manufactured to special order for 2013. Canada is expected to get around six of them. In keeping with the tradition of the brand, the limited edition Serie Oro appeals to collectors and enthusiasts of Italian engineering excellence. This work of art is immediately recognized by its gold frame plates and single-sided swing arm, as well as the forged aluminum gold painted wheels. The deliberately minimalist graphics subtly emphasize the lines of the bike, as well as identifying it. The sensuous bodywork design is characterised by a special paint scheme which accentuates its shapely form; the final result is a striking reinterpretation of the traditional MV Agusta silver and red livery. Even the rear view mirrors are painted, and the seat subframe matches the colour of the F3s tubular space-frame. The clutch cover and the frame plates are machine polished, while the alternator cover is completely milled from a billet, providing these components with the hand-made feel that makes each MV unique.
The attention to detail extends to the air intakes and cooling exits, which have a gold finish, as well as the DID Gold final drive chain. The completely handmade covering of both rider and passenger seats employs real leather and Alcantara®, giving the Serie Oro the ultimate touch of elegance. As usual with MV Agusta Serie Oro models, a gold plate mounted on the upper triple clamp identifying each individually numbered bike (002/200 shown above). Several mechanical parts are unique to the Serie Oro models, exemplified by the outstanding Brembo brake system, with radially-mounted Monobloc calipers gripping Racing discs. Fully adjustable Öhlins upside down forks, TTX shock and steering damper collectively represent the ultimate in suspension. The space-frame chassis and seat sub-frame are TIG-welded, guaranteeing a strong, stiff structure and a highly refined aesthetic appearance. With the objective of allowing each rider to optimize the riding position, the footrests and their mounting plates are billet machined, and are fully adjustable, as are the gear change and rear brake levers. The F3s carbon fibre components add a unique richness to the bike. The front and rear mudguards, dashboard cover, air box side and intake covers, fairing inserts, both upper and lower chain guards, Swingarm protector cover, sprocket cover, fairing lower, and stacked exhaust outlets are all manufactured in this lightweight, good looking material, each one carefully manufactured and covered with a transparent protective finish. Not hard to see why this is our top pick of the Motorcycle Show 2013.
#2 – Ducati 1199 Panigale R 2013 – $29,995
Unbelievable
performance and technological excellence proclaim this the new queen of the Ducati superbike family. Born of the world of competitive racing, the
1199 Panigale R is an exclusive and treasured interpretation of man’s passion for the racetrack: titanium piston rods, carbon fibre bodywork, Ducati Performance racing exhaust and livery inspired by the Ducati Corse. Perfection was never so close. The beauty of speed translated into design. The pure racing spirit is instantly channelled into the rider just by gripping the 1199 Panigale’s handlebar. The front headlamp disappears into the air scoops to give a look of no holds-barred competition. While the 1199 Panigale features LEDs for position lights and lamps for the headlights, the S versions and S Tricolore and R versions have full LED lighting, a totally new concept for motorcycles. The elegant forms of the saddle and the tail are heightened by the position of the exhaust and by the full LED tail light. Perspectives and lines are designed to attain aesthetic perfection; every one of its components is a true achievement in the integration of engineering and design. Breathtaking, trademark Ducati design. The 1199 Panigale is a bike that conveys power, elegance and agility. If you can’t get your hands on an Agusta Serie Oro – this makes for a great second choice.
#3 – BMW S1000RR HP4 2013 – $24,995 (Premium Edition)
When
light weight, massive power and razor-sharp handling are combined, the result is known as HP – High Performance. The new
BMW HP4 is BMW Motorrad’s first 4-cylinder model to wear the HP badge. Based on the
S 1000 RR, a purebred factory motorcycle has been developed – made from the very best materials and molded into unparalleled design. The lightest 4-cylinder engine in the segment provides uncompromising power with an output of 193 bhp and a maximum torque of 83 lb/ft. The new exhaust silencer provides a higher level of torque in the mid-range, so there is power available where it’s needed most to deliver stunning lap times. With the world’s first ever dynamic suspension system DDC (Dynamic Damping Control), the HP4 is the most advanced production sporting motorcycle ever built. DDC automatically adapts the suspension damping to the situation at hand. Various modes are available to choose from: Rain and Sport for public roads, Race and Slick for the race track. The further enhanced Dynamic Traction Control on the HP4 supplements this perfectly. It can be finely adjusted in Slick mode to dial in the perfect balance between system support and rider control. The result is transparent feedback, maximum traction and optimum acceleration. The new HP4 comes into its own with its refined paint finish in white and Racing blue. You might want to grab one of these quickly as the HP4 will only be available in limited numbers for 2013.
#4 – Honda CBR1000RA Repsol 2013 – $12,999
Racy
performance, combined with real-world rideability and intuitive, Total Control operation. You’ll never experienced an open-class sportbike quite like the
Honda CBR1000RRA. With its MotoGP bloodline showing through in every detail, there’s no question that the Honda CBR1000RRA can get around a track in a big hurry. But one of the amazing things about this bike is just how practical and easy to control it is for everyday riding on the street, too. Its lightweight and compact fuel-injected 999 cc engine produces a seamlessly smooth powerband that’s perfect for a lazy afternoon ride on your favourite twisty road, or for mixing it up with your friends during a fun track day. Plus, the CBR1000RRA has the kind of seating position that allows you to enjoy the ride, not long for the next rest stop. Honda’s technological genius also shows through in a world’s first: the CBR1000RRA’s Electronically Controlled Combined ABS, the first Anti-lock Braking System designed specifically for the unique demands of sportbikes. What a machine!
#5 – Yamaha YZF-R1 2013 – $14,490
Power is about control and the R1 engine design, D-Modes, Traction Control and chassis design provide excellent controllability in a variety of conditions. The feeling of total confidence in your motorcycle’s abilities is one of the most important qualities that any bike can offer, and creates a special bond between the rider and machine, enabling the owner to exploit the enormous potential of this outstanding motorcycle.
When you have a motorcycle built to perfection, there is little else to do than changing paint job. After the addition of a new traction control system to the design last year, engineers made only one alternation to the
2013 Yamaha YFZ-R1 super bike – the colour options. Available now in Matte Gray, Rapid Red and Raven, as well as the familiar Team Yamaha Blue and White, the Yamaha YFZ-R1 for model year 2013 is identical to the 2012 edition in every way. Still powered by the 998cc, liquid-cooled four-cylinder engine, the transmission is also the same 6-speed multi-plate slipper clutch, even the seat is the same. Why ruin a good thing right?
Honourable Mention – Moto Guzzi V7 Racer 2013 – $9,990
The
Moto Guzzi V7 Racer remains an homage in design to the café racer motorcycles of the 1950s and 1960s, combined with the modern features of an Italian-engineered motorcycle. Featuring a new and more powerful, 750cc, 90-degree V-Twin motor and new lightweight, six split spoke aluminum wheels, the V7 Racer brings together classic style and craftsmanship.
The completely reengineered 750cc engine still relies on the engineering that made the Moto Guzzi V50 a success among riders in 1977. Since then the engine has been continuously updated yet stays faithful to the original genial layout introduced by Italian engineer Lino Tonti in the 70s and stays true to the characteristics of the Moto Guzzi tradition, that touring on a motorcycle at its most pure should be nothing but enjoyable. While maintaining the classic 90° V configuration, the engine is now comprised of more than 70% new components. Cutting-edge technological solutions have been used to improve functionality, provide greater torque and power even at low rpms, and be more efficient, with higher fuel economy and reduced emissions. The new engine is more powerful and stays true to the characteristics of the Moto Guzzi tradition, that touring on a motorcycle at its most pure should be nothing but enjoyable.
The new tank brings with it a superior metallic construction that allows for a lighter tank along with a greater fuel capacity – the V7 Racer can hold a record 5.8 gallons which, together with reduced consumption, ensures a range of up to 310 miles. The distinctiveness of the V7 Racer design is sporty and attention-getting in all the right ways. A new chrome fuel tank finished with a studded leather strap, a single-saddle suede seat with an aerodynamic seat cowl and ‘70s-style racer number plates mean the added engine performance is showcased right along with classic style. What an incredible motorcycle and at a reasonable price too.