This means a senior (150hp) and a junior (100hp) model for each application: sport and track, Supermotard, touring, and mixed on-off road. Look hard and you will find the two levels for almost every application, differentiated by either displacement, or liquid vs air cooling, and cost of course. The “Get them on a Ducati early and easily” strategy is also in full swing at the Bologna brand.

Ducati is positioning the new Multistrada as “The” multi purpose machine, capable of very high performance in dirt roads and open trails, as well as on pavement, and with enough luggage and adjustments to also be a true touring and adventure machine. This is an exciting model that we cannot wait to get our hands on!

And as an extra bit of good news for Ducati owners and dealers, Ducati North America has finally hired a Canada-based Sales and Marketing boss, so expect better service from the better supported dealers, and more attractive financial deals to help you get on your Duc.


KTM
The financial news there is not as good, with Head Office reporting poor results, and the company still having some difficulty making the transition from off-road specialist to street bike manufacturer.

The bikes are nothing less than brilliant, but the image is still not there in the street rider’s mind, while the predominantly dirt oriented dealer network needs to adapt to a very different, more urban buyer.

For 2010, KTM Canada is adding the highly civilized 990 SM Touring (SMT), model, the very hot RC8R Sportbike, and will also push the high performance street-legal 450 and 530 EXC machines.

Victory
This Polaris subsidiary continued operating in near secrecy in Canada in 2009. 2009 third quarter results showed a drop of 53% in sales compared to 2008 figures, with parent Polaris Industries taking a -23% hit in the same period.

Despite these difficulties, Victory is launching two important 2010 models, the Cross Roads and Cross Country, taking direct aim at H-D’s Road King and Street Glide respectively. After riding most of the Custom / cruisers on the market, Victory remain in my book the best built and finished bike on the market in their price range, bar none. And with the arrival this year of the more powerful 106/6 engine to replace the 100/6 on some models, these bikes should continue to outperform their competition. Pity so few people know about them.

More
Almost every manufacturer was present in Toronto, from Koreans Hyosung, with a growing product line and trying to survive in very tough times, to Norton, a new British venture that produces various flavours of the classic Commando models.

We will see a Café Racer and a Sport version of the basic 961 Commando model. A Special Edition model, equipped with Brembo and Öhlins components, will be available for circa $34,000, for which a matching limited-edition watch, Arai helmet, and leather vest will be thrown in to the deal.

We looked in vain for the recently announced Fisher MRX sportbike, an American made chassis sporting the SV650 look alike V-twin made by Hyosung.

Made-in-India Royal Enfield twins and singles are now imported in Canada by Bullet Motorcycles, who has announced that Bullet Electra EFI, Bullet Electra Deluxe EFI and Bullet Classic EFI models will be available in 2010. These bikes feature a recently developed, fuel injected engine, and achieve a remarkable 2.77L/100km fuel consumption level. Pricing will be under $7,400 for all models.






Photo Credit : Philippe Champoux