Montreal Cycle Show

[FJReady]

I was lucky enough to stumble upon the Montreal Motorcycle show Friday while following the Mrs and daughters around the underground shopping malls. Needless to say I abandoned my supporting husband/father role and informed my girls that I would regroup in a couple hours.

I had a great time wandering around the show and quickly observed that there were some brands I hadn't heard of and that there are models out there that I think are not offered in the US. Like the Honda Raider?? something like that- it appears to be Hondas answer to the V-Strom. And it seems that BMW now offers about 45 models. Is that possible? I must admit to spending considerable time in the BMW corral- There is some kind of appeal (mystique?) to the visual engineering features. But I still don't get the infatuation. That said, I did find the F800ST a very nifty mini sport-tourer. Good if you're short legged anyway.

Other observations: Yamaha had a MT-01 (??) on display. Is that on the market here in US? First one I've seen. Yamaha also had a FZ1 with FJR bags mounted on it. Looks like feejers little sister. I also have to admit that the Warrior is still appealing to me. But I can't think of when I would choose it over my FJR. Maybe if I was going to just have an afternoon blast for a couple hours. Of course the same goes for most of the other bikes out there. Nothing fits the bill as good as the FJR.

Harley had a huge presence at the show as well as several custom chopper builders. I guess its not just a 'Merican thing.

I sat on B-King. Just plain weird but still appealing.

Biggest surpise for me: I really liked the Vstrom 650. Great ergos, weight and balance. I'll try to ride on at local dealer this spring.

And why are the Canadian prices so much more than merican? I used to think it was the exchange rate, but now that that's gone, what's the deal?

One thing is for sure- the Canuckians love their bikes. I was there about dinner time and the hall was filling fast. Excellent turn-out I thought for a chilly snowy day in Montreal. Many very polite exhibitors, many tire kickers like me asking dumb questions, (too few hot chickies handing out brochures), too many things to look at in two hours.

 

[Bearly Flying]

The higher prices are to cover the additional horsepower the Canadian Spec bikes have, Generally 10 to 15%...... No other reason I can think of..... :dribble:

 

[Motorcycledoc]

And why are the Canadian prices so much more than merican? I used to think it was the exchange rate, but now that that's gone, what's the deal?

Many Canadians are asking the same question!

The MSRP on a new FJR is $19,099. Which is $5200 more than in the US!

I suspect the manufacturers figure we're used to paying higher prices, and being Canadian we're too polite to complain, so we'll continue to pay more despite the dollar being pretty much on par now.

Hal

Sundre, Alberta

 

[kid41]

i got mine for 14900 in NB last week after the show in Moncton!!

 

[madmike2]

The higher prices are to cover the additional horsepower the Canadian Spec bikes have, Generally 10 to 15%...... No other reason I can think of..... :dribble:

Perhaps they have a surcharge to pay for the "free" gov't services, so they collect the money from willing consumers.

I had a great time wandering around the show and quickly observed that there were some brands I hadn't heard of and that there are models out there that I think are not offered in the US. Like the Honda Raider??

Its the way the manufacturers reward the Canadians for surviving their Winter!

 

[Bearly Flying]

Perhaps they have a surcharge to pay for the "Not so free" gov't services, so they collect the money from Unwilling consumers.

Fixed it for you Mike.

 

[odot]

Awwwwwww.................poor canadiens.......cheaper here in the south.....and warmer. The chicks'll dig yer accents, too.

 

[madmike2]

Awwwwwww.................poor canadiens.......cheaper here in the south.....and warmer. The chicks'll dig yer accents, too.

Chicks dig Canadian accents, eh?

 

[Mike-H]

Awwwwwww.................poor canadiens.......cheaper here in the south.....and warmer. The chicks'll dig yer accents, too.

Chicks dig Canadian accents, eh?

:good: .....

 

[FZ/FJR Mike]

Well, the other issue is Yamaha Canada has a much larger accessories catalog for sportbikes. I've talked at length with Yamaha's reps concerning this but it falls on corporate deaf ears. The FZ1 bags are the FJR's with separate mounts, available thru some Canadian delaers for those of us who also own Gen2 FZ's. MT-01 isn't in the cards for the US market. Canadian Yamaha parts are at least 50% more expensive generally than parts here. I work in parts @ a dealership which is probably closest to Canada & we get a lot of business from Ontario riders including Toronto. Many are cross border shoppers for clothing which is relatively cheap here compared to Toronto.

 

[TILAM]

Well, the other issue is Yamaha Canada has a much larger accessories catalog for sportbikes. I've talked at length with Yamaha's reps concerning this but it falls on corporate deaf ears. The FZ1 bags are the FJR's with separate mounts, available thru some Canadian delaers for those of us who also own Gen2 FZ's. MT-01 isn't in the cards for the US market. Canadian Yamaha parts are at least 50% more expensive generally than parts here. I work in parts @ a dealership which is probably closest to Canada & we get a lot of business from Ontario riders including Toronto. Many are cross border shoppers for clothing which is relatively cheap here compared to Toronto.

I thought I would like a Yamaha touring windshield and priced it at the local dealer. Sitting down? $359.00 cdn. It's something like $99.00 us. That don't make no sense. Guess what? I didn't buy it.

 

[RICLET]

Awwwwwww.................poor canadiens.......cheaper here in the south.....and warmer. The chicks'll dig yer accents, too.

Chicks dig Canadian accents, eh?

Having lived in the U.S. now for 26 years after leaving England, The ladies definately enjoy a new accent. I can't think of too many days that have passed without my brogue starting a chat