The Toronto Motorcycle Spring Show returns this weekend, starting the 2018 riding season at the International Centre at 6900 Airport Road, with free parking.Â
Tickets are $18 for adults, $5 for youths aged 6-12, and free for ages 5 and under. You can save $3 per adult ticket if you buy online, or you can purchase tickets at the door (save $2 at the door with this coupon).
What’s appearing at the show this year?
Motorcyclist of the year
There’s a Motorcyclist of the Year award at the Spring Show. This year, Don Gosen and Len Fitch are nominated for their work as organizers at Mosport’s 50th anniversary celebrations last year, commemorating the Canadian GP. Mark Stallybrass is nominated for his work as an ambassador in Canadian motocross.
The Brampton Motorcycle Association is nominated for club of the year, and in the competition class, Ted Wilkins is nominated for his long career in hillclimb racing. Canadian Vintage Motorcycle Group president Jim Briggs is nominated for the CVMG’s 50th anniversary, and Viktor Radics of Moto Social is nominated for event of the year. Vintage racer Dave Hughes, now deceased, is nominated in the Tribute category for his years in the VRRA, his exploits at the Isle of Man TT and other adventures in his long racing career.
The awards will be presented on Saturday at 3.30 pm, right after the …
Eddy Awards
The Eddy Awards are handed out to a “motorcyclist who a publication covered in 2017, who accomplished something important to motorcycling or deserving of recognition, and who personifies what your publication is all about.” This year, CMG’s nominated Oliver Solaro, (also known as Brokentooth). The awards can also be handed out to clubs, organizations, race teams or other entities, which explains why the Atlanticade rally is a recipient, along with Classy Chassis & Cycles. Other people nominated are stuntman JD Guignard, vintage enthusiast Phil Goldsmith and shop owner/industry insider John McBride.
The presentation of the Eddys is on Saturday at 3.30 pm.
Win a bike! (or at least some riding lessons)
There’s a draw for a 2018 Yamaha TTR110 at the show this year. You’ll get your ballot at the gate, and submit it at the Yamaha booth; the draw happens at 3:30 PM on Sunday. If you don’t win the bike, you at least have a chance to win a free half-day of riding lessons with Clinton Smout’s S.M.A.R.T. Riding Adventures class, with everything you need (bike rental, MX riding gear, track, etc.) included. That draw is also at 3:30 PM Sunday.
Guests
We’ve already told you MotoGP legend Freddie Spencer will be attending the show Saturday and Sunday, with copies of his book to sign. It’s his first time in Canada! He’s also going to be involved with some of the show’s presentations as well, in the Q&A sessions.
Along with Spencer, there are a few other interesting guests, including World War II veteran Harry Watts. Watts was a dispatch rider in the war and will be at the show Saturday with copies of his book about his experiences; he’ll provide an autographed copy in return for a $20 donation to National Service Dogs.
Pinstriper Chad Eskrick is also attending the show, doing exhibitions of his work on Saturday and Sunday. If you want something pinstriped (helmet, gas tank, etc.), bring it along — he’ll do it while you wait.
Bikes, bikes, bikes
We’ve already told you the Showbike competition is back this year, with cash prizes to earn, and there’s also a new Barn Find category. Of course, there are vintage bike displays too, and the used bike sales displays (details on how to sell your bike here), along with the Pickers Market, where you can find used parts and accessories. There’ll be race bikes on display (as well as the Stars of Tomorrow program featuring rookie racers), and plenty of other new and used machines, so if you need a massive two-wheeled fix, the show can help.
Women in Motorcycling
For the fifth year, the Women in Motorcycling area returns to Hall 1. Visit to meet inspiring female riders like Angie Sandow, Alexandra Joseph, Sue Fitzgerald and others.
Fashion show
Wot? Fashion on display at a motorcycle show? Terez Leathers is bringing its fashion show display back this year, so if you’re in need of a new leather jacket, or a new leather corset, you can see what they have to offer.
Club displays
The club displays are a huge part of the Spring Show’s appeal, as everybody’s there: the Ride for Dad, the Ride for Sick Kids, Ride for Sight, Sikh Motorcycle Club of Ontario, Christian Motorcyclists Association, Classic Katana Owners Club, Kawartha Charity Riders, and many, many more. If you’re into bikes, there’s a club here that you’d fit into, no matter what you ride or what kind of person you are. For a full listing of the clubs, check out the Spring Show site.
The Toronto Motorcycle Spring Show runs April 7-8 (Saturday and Sunday); show doors are open 9 AM-9 PM Saturday and 10 AM-5 PM Sunday.
