2026 Moto Canada Show Highlights
Reporting from the Moto Canada Motorcycle and Powersport Show, held January 16–18, 2026 at Tradex in Abbotsford, British Columbia just east of Vancouver, BC.
Motorcycle manufacturers take advantage of Moto Canada, a series of four shows in locations across Canada, to bring attention to new models for the Canadian market. Apparel and accessory makers are equally eager to introduce riders to their products. There’s something for everyone. Moto Canada is the biggest motorcycle and powersports show in Canada. The show organizer, Moto Canada, represents the interests of powersport manufacturers and distributors in Canada while advocating for safety and responsible riding practices. The organization also works with government officials to ensure regulations support the interests of powersports enthusiasts.
Vancouver-area weather was crisp but clear, inviting motorcyclists to ride to the show and take advantage of free parking. And ride-in they did, in larger numbers than any of the previous three shows we covered. Motorcycle enthusiasm in Canada runs high and for so many good reasons. This country is vast, with roads of all kinds winding through terrain that inspires wonder and excitement. Tree-covered mountains, deep river valleys, and endless meadows offer a variety of roads and scenery that keep sport touring riders on a near-endless journey.
If you have not experienced a sport touring ride through the Canadian provinces, our Canada destination and tour guides are a great place to start.
What’s New at Moto Canada
While motorcycles were on display in all categories, sport touring motorcycles were a surprising highlight.
Harley-Davidson sees a growing market offering the updated 2026 Low Rider ST, a Harley-imagined sport tourer. This machine is an option for devoted Harley fans who want a lighter ride for those spirited weekend getaways. Powered by a V-twin producing 117 horsepower and plenty of torque, this bike evokes Harley-Davidson attitude and unmistakable styling with modern electronics.
Speaking of Harley-Davidson, if the Low Rider ST doesn’t grab you, then perhaps the Pan America 1250 ST will. With a liquid-cooled 1252cc V-twin producing 152 horsepower, premium suspension and brakes, and a raised exhaust for plenty of ground clearance, this bike is a legitimate choice for sport touring.
Triumph had the Tiger Sport 800 Tour, previously noted in depth here on American Sport Touring, on display. This versatile, lightweight sport tourer features a refined 798cc triple that delivers 113 horsepower. The Showa suspension components and radial mounted front brakes let riders wring out every bit of that power. With a tall windscreen, heated grips, hand guards, and lean-sensitive ABS and traction control, unexpected weather and road conditions won’t ruin a touring day.
Honda, now firmly back in the sport touring game, showcased the NT1100 DCT. This bike, available exclusively with the DCT (Dual Clutch Transmission), gives old-school riders a new way to experience the open roads. Forget about clutch control and instead, dial-in automatic shift preferences or take control with the manual shift button. Honda representatives report that the company was surprised by the overwhelmingly positive reaction to DCT. While the parallel twin 1084cc engine comes from the Africa Twin, the NT1100 has a unique frame and sport touring-oriented suspension geometry.
Yamaha had their flagship sport tourer on display – the 2026 Tracer 9. Powered by an 890cc liquid-cooled, DOHC three-cylinder CP3 engine known for its broad, linear torque and engaging character, the Tracer 9 balances lively performance with long-distance comfort. Riders benefit from a customizable suite of Yamaha Ride Control modes, a crisp seven-inch TFT display, fully adjustable suspension, and a lightweight Deltabox frame that encourages confidence through twisty roads and open highways alike.
Not to be left out, BMW brought the venerable R 1300 RT to the show. Truly a beautiful motorcycle packed full of innovative technology that raises the bar for sport touring. BMW redesigned the bodywork and added active panels to adjust airflow. Even the side cases were redesigned to reduce drag. Not just a pretty face—the R 1300 RT is smart too. State-of-the-art electronics enhance the ride with clutch-less shifting, radar-assisted cruise control, and all the now-common aids like ABS, traction control, and more. Not a cheap ride—but if you subscribe to the “you only live once” philosophy, this bike is for you.
Beyond Motorcycles
Motorcycles are the anchor of any motorcycle show, with apparel and accessory makers filling in around the edges. And they did just that with a wide assortment of interesting and useful products.
A number of rider training programs were introducing themselves, offering track, street, and trail programs for all skill levels. Advanced Rider Training and Academy 27 stood out for sport touring riders interested in improved confidence and greater control. Academy 27 offers one- and two-day on-track courses for novice, intermediate, and advanced riders that focus on vision, body position, and throttle control. Advanced Rider Training offers a police-style training program that emphasizes slow-speed mastery, clutch-throttle finesse, and handling real-world hazards.
A Canadian motorcycle accessory distributor, Thibault Importations, showed the latest Chigee AIO-6 smart display. Sure, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay-enabled panels for motorcycles are not new, but Chigee took the basic idea steps further. Their product range of add-ons extends their usefulness well beyond comms and navigation. Chigee offers a compatible tire pressure monitoring system, front and rear cameras, lane-assist and blind-spot detection, and of course an app. This is a cost-effective way to bring new life to your older bike.
Closing Thoughts
Motorcycle shows bring riders together where they can get a close look at a variety of motorcycles and have their questions answered. But perhaps the best part of any show are the people one meets and the stories they share. We ran into so many people who were happy to share their perspectives. We learned about new roads and destinations in Canada. We heard from a pair of attendees who shared thoughtful feedback on the pillion seat and peg height. With so much information available on the internet, some of of questionable authority, it’s refreshing to talk face-to-face with riders of all kinds.
Learn more about the Moto Canada Motorcycle and Powersport Show, including upcoming 2026 show dates on the Moto Canada website.
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by Staff Writers
The American Sport Touring writing team represents a diverse group of passionate sport touring motorcycle riders and industry experts dedicated to delivering insightful, well-researched content. Our contributors, both within the organization and guest writers, bring deep firsthand experience with sport touring motorcycles, gear and accessories, and destination discovery and route planning. No matter the assignment, each upholds the American Sport Touring commitment to high-quality, informative, and trustworthy content.
