Vancouver Motorcycle Show: 25 January 2009

We call it the Vancouver Motorcycle Show but it hasn't been held in Vancouver for many years. I believe the location was changed as a cost saving measure and also most riders come from communities east of Vancouver so the thinking was to make it more convenient by locating the "show" in Abbotsford, BC (a smaller community perhaps 80 kms away)., at the Tradex


(Tradex, Abbotsford, BC)

This year the "show" ran from Thursday to Sunday. We decided to attend on the Sunday. The large parking lot was nearly full and they had shuttle buses shuttling people to their cars.


(Yamaha section)



All the major manufacturers were there showing off all of their products



They even had helmets large enough for Giants






(Can-Am: new model introduction)


(Yamaha: T-max - Scootercycle)


(PGO: Spyder, copy of Can-Am)

I was speaking to one of the reps about the Can-Am Spyder and he told me that in British Columbia if there are 2 front wheels with a car type suspension and it has a "steering Wheel" then it is classified as a car for registration and insurance purposes.


(Can-Am Spyder, this one was already "SOLD")

If the Can-Am is out of your price range, then you can purchase this TANK, trike 49cc version:


(Tank 49cc trike)

If you happen to need a pizza delivery vehicle, then this TGB is what you need. Has factory Pizza trunk with heating element already pre-installed:


(PGO 150cc Pizza delivery)


(A really usable very, large trunk)


(can you tell that I really like this model)

If you look underneath you will see TWO independent side stands, one for each side depending which side you are dismounting. And both have engine cut off switches installed.



Another much more expensive Trike:



This models are similar to a car. There is a stick shift mounted right in the middle of your gas tank. The clutch pedal is under your left foot (as in a car), and the right foot controls the brakes. You have a twist motorcycle throttle as on a normal bike and you have to shift using your LEFT hand.



The start motor does double duty as your "reverse" gear



This is another neat scooter with fixed roof and windshield wiper. 150cc something or other. (can't remember the name, but made in China) . The wheels remained "fixed" to the asphalt, but the "CAB" is pivots on its own suspension so you are able to lean into the corners.


(inside, looking out)


(Honda: DN-01, scooter/motorcycle thingy)


(Honda DN-01, dash)


(Honda DN-01, front view)


(Honda: proto-type scooter)


(Honda scooter, model unknown, proto-type)

There was a lot to see, many new models. They also had a large market place area where they sell other products which might not be considered to be motorcycle related, and I include this picture of one of these products for my buddy, Jack Riepe of Twisted Road fame.