West Edmonton Deerline shows off vehicles at motorcycle show
By Craig Fraser
EDMONTON — A west Edmonton John Deere company tried out a different venue than usual when it showcased some of its new products at the Edmonton motorcycle and ATV show.
Martin Deerline, which has several locations in the city, including one located in the west end at 17104 118 Ave., was out with a display of some of its more rugged, all-terrain vehicles at the annual show, which ran Jan. 13-15 at the Edmonton Expo Centre.
The Martin Deerline banner that hung over the display at the Edmonton Motorcycle Show. Photograph by Craig Fraser.
“It’s not our venue but it’s a chance to catch some of the other tastes patrons may have,” said west-end Deerline sales manager Jeff Yee. “There’s guys who go around and look at motorcycles of course, but there’s also those who ride, that also have stuff like dirt bikes, quads, snowblowers, you name it.”
Martin had a few of its products out on display, namely the “Gator” series of ATVs, which features more off-road, bush-thumping vehicles, some that fit up to five people. Martin primarily showcased two new models for this year, Yee said, including the XUV 55oS4, and the 825i, which are both all-terrain four-wheeled vehicles with overhead protection and multiple passenger potential.
Although Martin’s display was smaller than the upscale setups for such companies like Harley Davidson and Honda, the engines were certainly revved for all those attending the three-day motorcycle showcase, especially those excited to get up to the John Deere 825i that had tank treads instead of wheels for optimal off-road control.
For Mill Woods resident and frequent Martin Deerline customer Patrick Tellier, the Martin display was a welcoming site.
“It was interesting to see it here. I came to look at the new Yamaha cruisers but I had to stop to see what Martin had.” Tellier said. “I have a Deere tractor for yardwork and now I’m looking into the 825i Gator.”
For some attendees, like Jasper Place resident Brian Woodcroft, it was the 825i custom off-road monster that was a dream come true.
“I was looking at the new V-Rod from Harley and I thought I was going to buy it, but this thing is just everything I want to do with my weekends,” Woodcroft said of the custom 825i Gator. “My son noticed it and dragged me over and now I want it too. I don’t think my wife would be so keen though.”
The John Deere 825i Gator utility vehicle, custom-made with "tank treads" instead of wheels with a custom glass-encasing cab and camouflage paint job. Photograph by Craig Fraser.
The motorcycle show itself entertained thousands of people over the three-day bike presentation, with the new 2012 models opening eyes to the sleek, bold and stupidly fast bikes that are available. Harley Davidson unveiled the new 1,250cc V-Rod, a sit-up rocket of a cruiser that boasts a Revolution-style V-twin engine that Harley co-developed with Porsche.
As well, Suzuki and Kawasaki unveiled the latest versions of the GSX-R and Ninja sportbike lineups respectively, with Yamaha and BMW also adding displays of racing superbikes.
One of the biggest focuses of the show was Honda’s new VFRs as well as a 20th-anniversary edition of the CBR 1000rr bike. Honda also displayed the new 250R for the beginner rider, complete with a tilt-to-the-side model setup for those who wished to have a photo leaning into a turn like a pro.
The Edmonton Motorcycle Show runs again next year in January. The next auto event for the Expo Centre will be in March for the Edmonton Motorshow, which runs from March 1 to 4.
