Vancouver Bike Show January 26th 2020

Some of us attended the annual show thanks to Island Motorcycles who arranged and staffed a coach from Wilson's for the trip.  January is always difficult to predict, weather-wise, so the coach was a welcome guarantee of staying dry and warm.

Personally, I was a little disappointed with the show this year.  I recall making similar comments last year too, so I guess there has been further decline.  I’m not sure about the purpose of the show anymore.  Several manufacturers chose not to be represented on the show scene anymore, and other OEM’s seemed somewhat indifferent on the stands.  Maybe battle fatigue as it was day three for them.  A paucity of parts and accessory suppliers and an almost complete lack of traditional ‘show specials’ detract from the overall experience.

BMW hosted the largest display of the show, but the lack of the R18 was disappointing for many.  I predict we’ll have our first view of the machine for ‘Demo-Days’ in April.  Discussing the R18 with one of the BMW Canada staff members revealed BMW Motorrad sees the cruiser market as remaining significant despite recent declines in sales.  There’s no doubt the R18 is a radical departure from recent tradition, but this in itself may be a good thing.  However, the cruiser-like ergonomics are restricted by the sheer bulk of the cylinders which will deny the rider of the foot-forward posture that defines the sector.

New for the show and 2020 is the F900XR.  Based upon the motor introduced two years ago on the F750/850 range, power has been increased to 105Hp/92Nm Torque which should make for an exciting and well-balanced middle-weight that I look forward to evaluating

The S1000XR now receives shift-cam technology allowing the machine to meet Euro 5 emission targets.  Output remains essentially similar to 2019.  Colour schemes and artwork are new for 2020.

Sadly, none of the OEM’s were putting on any presentations or new-product launches.  This was disappointing once more, and reinforces why I feel the show has lost direction.  I was keen to discover the fit & finish of the Royal Enfield range, and was surprised with the standards achieved. 

Sure, brightwork and finishes and not as good as the Japanese or Triumph, but for the price, I was impressed.  The new 650cc twin looks fabulously retro.  I love the twin pipes reminiscent of the 850 Norton Commando.  Retro bikes NEED multiple pipes (take note Honda – CB1100F and Kawasaki Z900) Royal Enfield also fits TWO horns – a common 70’s spec.  Most modern OEM horns, as we all know, are generally pathetic.

I was fascinated by the new Triumph Rocket 3 range.  Everything about this machine is super-sized, including the rear rubber.  I not make any judgements until Bill and the Island team have indulged me with a test.  The Yamaha Niken is as radical in the flesh as it has been in the media.  As an engineer, I understand the concept and objectives, and the front steering/suspension assembly is quite fascinating.  Style-wise, I’m not convinced though as I’s not exactly pretty.  My final observation was the Aprilia RC4’s single-sided swing arm – quite a work of art!

Thanks to Island Motorcycles for the organisation.  A Grand Day Out!