Like every year, the Montreal Motorcycle and Powersports Show, organized by Moto Canada, returned to the Palais des Congrès to kick off the motorcycling season. Many motorcycle importers were present, including Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Can-Am, Harley-Davidson, Triumph, KTM, Husqvarna, MV Agusta and Aprilia. Other brands were exhibited at their dealers’ booths. The most popular bikes were the adventure models. There were also electric motorcycles, a few ATVs and quads, and new 2025 models. It was an opportunity to see advances in on-board technology such as GPS navigation, communication systems and mobile applications. One part of the show was reserved for adventure bikes, with the XPLRER area, and another for the custom spirit, with Hangar 17. The absence of the Motocross area, which apparently failed to attract sufficient interest in its first edition, was deplored. The show also featured a trials show presented by Ben Milot, Stacyc test rides and Yamaha mini-bikes for kids.
This year, the show occupied the same hall as last year. Friday’s visitors were highly interested and motivated. Women were in the forefront from 5 p.m. onwards. They could take advantage of an attractive “two-for-one” offer. Saturday seemed to have fewer visitors than last year, but with good sales transactions.
Show tour: motorcycle brands.
KTM Canada
The first visit was to the KTM Canada group, whose parent company has experienced financial troubles that are currently being resolved. The repercussions have reached Canada, where several positions have been abolished. Mathieu Deroy, who excels in the competition department, inherited the marketing department. Kaven Benoit, Canadian 250 cc champion, is leaving racing, but remains at KTM to coach young riders. The Canadian group’s new General Manager, Antoine Maikouel, talked to us about his career path. A native of Quebec, he joined KTM AG in 2016 at the Austrian headquarters. He then moved to Dubai, where he oversaw 25 markets. He then spent four years in France, before taking over as head of the KTM Canada group last year.
Harley- Davidson
At Harley-Davidson, Lawrence Hacking confirmed the good results of the Pan America 1250 and the arrival of the Pan America 1250 ST, a more sport-touring version of the adventure bike. In 2025, the Milwaukee-Eight 117 engine is fitted to new models, and the CVO Street Glide, Road Glide, Road Glide ST with Milwaukee-Eight 121 HO and Pan America series shine brightly.
Suzuki Canada
On the Suzuki stand, the new DRZ-4S was presented by Maxime Hébert, one of the few Quebecers to have tested it in Japan. He testified that the DRZ-4S is much more powerful than the old DRZ-400. It features fuel injection, a steel frame and new electronic aids.
Yamaha Motors Canada
Yamaha, with Alexandre Tardif and François Morneau, presented the new Yamaha YZF-R9, a sporty three-cylinder motorcycle. The Yamaha Tracer attracted quite a crowd, as did the new neo-retro XSR 900. The MT-07 2025 is redesigned with new electronic aids. The entire motocross and enduro range was represented, as was the Yamaha Tenere 700 in its sky-blue color scheme.
Honda Canada
Honda also exhibited numerous bikes from its extensive catalog. Among the new models, the Honda CB1000SP is a naked motorcycle with a design reminiscent of a manga comic strip, and a powerful four-cylinder engine. Meanwhile, the Honda NT1100 is a sport tourer based on the engine and chassis of the Africa Twin.
Piaggio Group
The Piaggio Group, which distributes the Vespa, Piaggio, Aprilia and Moto Guzzi brands , exhibited a range of motorcycles, including the brand-new Aprilia RS 660 Factory, little sister of the RSV4. Thierry Juliard, from the Head Office, was on hand to talk about new products such as the Aprilia Tuono 457 and the Aprilia Tuareg Rally, as well as the Moto Guzzi V7 Sport, which boasts a host of new features.
Can-Am On Road
Quebec manufacturer Can-Am showcased its two electric motorcycles. Mélanie Montplaisir informed us that the Can-Am Origin is now available from dealers. The Can-Am Pulse, the more urban model, will be delivered in April. Stéphanie Giroux confirmed that BRP was not planning any demonstrations, but that test rides would be offered on a voluntary basis directly by dealers.
The booth featured the new three-wheeled Can-Am Canyon, which enters the promising adventure segment.
Triumph Motorcycles Canada
The English brand presented several new models, including the Triumph Tiger Sport 800, the Triumph 900 Speed Twin and the Triumph Street Triple 765 R. What they had in common was a famous three-cylinder engine. David Mongrain, sales manager for Eastern Canada, also talked about the new Triumph TF 450-RC motocross bike.
CFMOTO Canada
The Chinese brand was represented by OFF ROAD 104. The CFMOTO 450 and 800 NK were on display. This season, we’re looking forward to the adventure bikes CFMOTO IBEX 450 and IBEX 800 X.
Aftermarket and associations
The show also features dealers, accessory specialists and associations. Not to mention dedicated community areas.
The XPLRER Zone
The XPLRER Zone represented adventure motorcycling. Under the organization of Ridaventure and its mentor Marc Chartrand, it has grown in size, a sign of the vitality of the segment. Marc informed us that the big Classique gathering was returning to Lachute, but on a different site. The Fédération québécoise de motos hors route (FQMHR) had set up its booth in the space, and its DG Frédéric Lajoie was very pleased with the location.
Hangar 17
The other area, Hangar 17, dedicated to bikers and custom motorcycles, was less crowded this year. The number of exhibitors was smaller, and the community less present. Charles-Édouard Carrier, one of the Hangar’s pioneers, was also present. The Filles à Moto TV series had done a lot for the community. We’re looking forward to the sequel.
Let’s talk safety
SAAQ was on hand with recommendations on motorcycle clothing. It was also equipped with an augmented reality helmet to simulate impaired driving. This year’s watchword was sobriety.
The FMQ booth was located opposite SAAQ and offered MotoPro training courses, as well as federating Quebec motorcycle associations under the leadership of Sylvain Bergeron.
Éric Moffette and Jessica Casavant were in great demand at the Protek Sport booth. They were exhibiting Hit-Air wire-activated airbag vests.
Intact Assurances added a colorful touch with a booth straight out of the sixties. It made you want to stop for a liqueur or a chat about contracts.
Let’s talk racing
The new owner of CSBK, Ross Milson, was present with two of Quebec’s top drivers, Sébastien Tremblay and Samuel Guérin. Ross declared his intention to organize a championship race in 2026 in Quebec.
Race Moto is a new racing series that has taken over Super Series from Shannonville Motorsport Park. Two of the owners, David and Allison Grummett, provided information at the booth with driver Michael Leon.
The FIM Mini GP Canada Serie was represented by Toni Sharpless and young Canadian runner-up Jager Stockill, who earned his place at the World Finals in Aragon, Spain.
The Supermoto Québec association spread out over a large area, with the Red Bull arch and an X-Track jump module created in Sherbrooke. President Yann Boursier has pulled out all the stops to present a championship in 2024, and he’s doing it again in 2025. There will also be Superbike races in partnership with the MPH association.
Travel agencies
Led by Pascal Royer, the Fly & Ride team offered motorcycle transport tours of the USA and Canada, before setting off for Bike Week in Daytona.
The Road 2 Luxe company, set up by Joel Ragu in Marseille 15 years ago, specializes in motorcycle rentals and trips in Europe, the USA and Africa. It can count on Zabel Barbeau to supervise some of its trips.
In conclusion, the show has regained its place in the motorcycle landscape. A return of the absent importers would be appreciated in solidarity with those who invest in this event created by their association, Moto Canada.
