Toronto Motorcycle Show Daydreams—Cool Bikes and Where to Ride Them in 2016

In today’s quiver mentality that emphasizes the need for a different tool for every job, the idea of one bike happiness is struggling under marketplace peer pressure. I’m not one to follow trends, a position strongly supported by my financial adviser, and more importantly my wife, so my quiver is surely to remain at one. But hey, a man can dream. So as I browse the eye candy at the 2016 Toronto Motorcycle Show, I mentally create my Ontario touring dream list of cool machines and where I would take them. For example, the above beauty, the coming soon Yamaha MT-10. It’s branded as an allrounder and it comes with cruise control so it must have touring potential. Sure, this would not be my choice for epic journeys but a weekend exploring Muskoka twisties? Oh yeah. There is even a luggage option rumoured but looking at the bike’s specs all you really might need to pack is a change of underwear, lol.

Old school all the way. I slip into my kevlar jeans, Gore-tex jacket and carbon helmet, fire up the newly updated Triumph Bonneville T120 with its fuel injecting carburetor look-a-likes, and head out on Ontario's version of a California dream ride, beach towns, ferry rides and cottage country vibe along The Georgian Bay Costal Route. On paper all the gear tech sheets read here and now but the look and definitely the ride experience is a timeless classic.

Honda’s new African Twin is the most anticipated adventure bike in a while. I must admit I have a soft spot for motorcycle touring along roads less traveled and the African Twin is checking off all the boxes on my I Want list. It doesn't get more off the beaten path in Ontario than the TCAT (Trans Canada Adventure Trail). Me, the Twin, and three thousand kilometres of mud, sand and gravel, oh yeah.

The annual Biker’s Reunion in New Liskeard is the biggest bike gathering in Ontario. The event's cancer fighting cause is reason enough to make the trip and the Lake Temiskaming Circle Tour can provide a stellar ride experience. That said, when you get a few thousand bikes in one place there will always be a see and be seen aspect to the experience. If turning heads is the intent, you will be hard to miss on this stunning white Victory Magnum.

Ontario's Highlands were where I instantly pictured myself when I spotted the 2016 Yamaha FJR 1300. Imagine a 2000+ kilometre long weekend full of turns and twists of differing radius. The already proven design received a few tweaks for 2016. A revised transmission, with new gear ratios and a new 6th speed, slipper clutch with assist, active cornering lights, full LED lighting and a new rear tail section.

Dover, Friday the 13th, The cult-like following associated with this even borders on obsession for many riders. Likely a day trip for most, it’s all about the experience. If I am going to create memories then I see myself making them aboard Harley Davidson's, oh so cool, 2016 Low Rider® S.

The Ride Around Lake Superior requires some big planning and if your plans include your significant other those plans better include some big comfort and packing room. These RoadMasters from Indian Motorcycles might just be the ticket. Damn, talk about the lap of luxury!

When it comes to dreams the best ones are the ones that are a little bit dirty. In this case it involves the deep woods of Ontario and the Yamaha WR 250R. Toss a few necessities into a backpack and ride, stay and play at Ontario’s dirt moto playgrounds like the Ganaraska Forest, the Voyageur Multi-Use Trail System and the single track maze around Calabogie.

There you have it, the always expendable, but never attainable quiver of dreams. Luckily for me all the above rides are double on my quiver of one.

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