Toronto Motorcycle Show features new bikes and gear for 2014

The Toronto Motorcycle Show this weekend gave riders a first glimpse at a lot of hot new rides for 2014. A trip to Exhibition Place's Direct Energy Centre revealed new motorcycles and scooters from Honda, BMW, Royal Enfield, Vespa, Aprilia, Kawasaki and Suzuki.

One of the first new bikes on display is the eye-catching BMW BMW R NineT. With 1,170cc of power in a 2-cylinder flat twin, DOHC, 8 valve, air/oil cooled engine, it can be yours for just $16,200.

Royal Enfield had a small booth that showed off a few new models for 2014, including this red Continental GT cafe racer. Its 499cc engine, 2-year/10,000 km warranty and 85 mpg fuel economy makes it a contender. Look out for it at a local dealership in Toronto soon.

Honda had an impressive lineup of new bikes for 2014, starting with this peppy little Grom. It weighs just 225 pounds, making it one of the nimblest new bikes of 2014. Not a bad starter bike at just $3,199.

The new Honda CBR1000RR SP got a whole stage and model to itself.

Many heads were turned by the Pure Red 2014 Honda Forza. At $5,899 it's competitively priced compared to some of the other sporty touring options in the maxi-scoot segment. While the 279cc engine and 60.9 inch wheelbase make it capable for weekend jaunts out of the city, it's still small enough to navigate through stop-and-go Toronto traffic.

This "Supernaked"2014 Kawasaki Z1000 ABS SE is super sexy. It can be yours for $13,499.

The new Bell Full-9 motocross helmet in this "black-yellow hurricane" design caught my eye. It's even got removable megnetic cheek pads!

The helmet also incorporates some of the most advanced safety enhancements as well as cool features like built-in speaker pockets, audio cable routing and integrated camera mounts to its full-carbon shell.

I could go on about many more new bikes at this year's Toronto Motorcycle Show, but sometimes it's the little details on some of the bike displays that stand out. Like this SW-Motech handguard kit, which not only provides protection from the elements and stray stones but adds extra improved visibility in traffic with integrated turn signal lights.

Altogether, the 2014 Toronto Motorcycle Show had a lot to offer. Now if only spring would hurry up and get here so we can get out our bikes and ride.

Photos by Roger Cullman Photography.