Canada’s only traveling motorcycle show rolled through Calgary’s BMO Centre from Jan 10 to Jan 12, 2020. The Calgary Motorcycle Show gave visitors a chance to see new 2020 models from major manufacturers under one roof as well as aftermarket parts, gear and accessories. Showgoers talked to experts, joined riding clubs, and met up with people who share similar passions.
RidersWest mechanic Phil Budiselich attended the Calgary Motorcycle Show and took photos of 10 things he loved from the event. Budiselich noticed a theme at the show this year: Nostalgia.
“It seems like a lot of companies are bringing back newer versions of bikes that were popular many years ago,” he said. “Nostalgia is a big seller. Manufacturers are updating the classics, making modern versions of bikes that were big hits 20-30 years ago.”
Below, you’ll see some sweet shots of smooth rides, along with comments from Budiselich about the photo and/or the event itself. If you’re going to be at a future Motorcycle Show, use this guide as a primer so you have an understanding of what to expect from the show.
To find out if The Motorcycle Show is coming to a city near you, take a look at the schedule.
10.
If you arrive at the Motorcycle Show thirsty, you’re in luck. The Handlebar serves as the beer gardens of the show. Ill-Fated Kustoms show off their customized BMW. — Sarah Bell photo
9.
Visitors wait around for a big announcement. “The show was busy on Saturday afternoon,” Budiselich said. “A woman won a brand new Kawasaki Z400. Show organizers announced four names at a time and contestants had 60 seconds to reach the stage for a chance to win.” — Sarah Bell photo
8.
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“There was a trick show in the Stampede Corral, the Ground N’ Gravity Show,” Budiselich said. “The tricks they were doing were unreal. Because of the new air landing ramp, riders were trying all kinds of sick tricks. They could push themselves harder without having to worry about making the perfect landing.”
7.
2020 Kawasaki Z H2. “It’s a state-of-the-art, supercharged machine,” said Budiselich. “Built for nothing but speed. It’s always a show highlight. Everyone oohs and aahs over it.” — Phil Budiselich photo
6.
2020 Suzuki Katana 1000. The old model is in the foreground and the new version is behind it. “It’s a flashback to retro, popular sport bikes,” Budiselich said. “80s and early 90s Katanas were all the rage. Suzuki brought the name back and added all the modern technology with the old school style and feel of what made the Katanas popular.” — Phil Budiselich photo
5.
2020 Kawasaki GPZ. “It was a 1980s bike that was very popular at the time,” said Budiselich. “Same look and colours but with modern technology. It seems like a lot of companies are bringing back newer versions of bikes that were popular many years ago. Nostalgia is a big seller. Manufacturers are updating the classics, making modern versions of bikes that were big hits 20-30 years ago.” — Phil Budiselich photo
4.
2020 Vespa Sean Wotherspoon Special Edition scooter. “It’s unique and cool,” Budiselich said. “It stood out because of the wild colour scheme. It got a lot of attention.” — Phil Budiselich photo
3.
2020 Harley-Davidson Livewire. They’re sitting on dynos so people could test them out. There was a lineup of riders waiting to try them out. “They sound like a mix between a Harley-Davidson and a typical electric motor,” Budiselich said. “Unbelievable torque—riders were taken aback when initially trying it out. It’s a big deal that a major manufacturer has made a fully-electric, big market bike. They’ve been working on it for years. In 2014, it was a prototype. Now it’s been sent out to market.” — Phil Budiselich photo
2.
2020 Yamaha Niken. “It’s very different,” said Budiselich. “The wheels lean independently. Unique, state-of-the-art technology. Some find it funny looking. It’s said to be unbelievably solid when you go into corners.” — Phil Budiselich photo
1.
2021 Yamaha Tenere. “The new, middle-weight, mid-size adventure bike was the star of the show for Yamaha,” Budiselich said. “It had all the attention in the Yamaha booth. People have been waiting for this one for a while.” — Phil Budiselich photo
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