New ventures, new markets
Another new machine that has been clearly inspired by the modern chopper phenomenon is the 2008 Yamaha XV1900 Custom. Available in a base and chrome-laden "S" version, the Yamaha looks to be as close to a custom chopper as you can find on a showroom floor.

Yamaha XV1900 Custom

The bike offers an 1854cc air-cooled V-twin engine nestled in a cast-aluminum frame and surrounded by classic, swept-back lines. Available in your choice of metallic black or deep metallic red paint scheme, this Yamaha combines the latest motorcycle technology into a package that should please even the staunchest chopper fan.

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the 2008 Honda XL1000VA, code-named the Varadero in Europe, where it has been a popular model for a few years now. With the Canadian market for adventure-touring bikes such as the Buell Ulysses, Suzuki V-Strom and Triumph Tiger showing more strength, Honda has decided to test these waters again.

Shown in an all-business black paint scheme, the Varadero is confirmed but details on the bike are a bit sketchy still. The new version promises to be sleeker than the old European-spec bike, with lighter wheels, greater suspension travel, ABS braking system and a 996cc engine that produces close to 100 horsepower. Other markets will likely get a more "gravel-ready" version to go with the road-going XL1000VA, but we'll no doubt just see the tarmac model.

More models, more miles to go
While this article in no way covers all of the great new 2008 models on display at the Toronto Motorcycle Show, it (hopefully) serves to give some sense of what awaits us all. As soon as the snow melts, that is...


Photo Credit : Mark Hacking