The Progressive IMS bike show is in town this weekend, and Patti and I continue our tradition of visiting the show on Friday afternoon, followed by a stop at Rex's Italian Deli to grab a big chunk of the best lasagna in town to take home for a late supper.
This year's show was a step up from past shows and featured a great addition called Discover The Ride, meant to expose the sport to the next few generations of riders. Allstate sponsors Kid's Zone, a small track for tots to wheel around on electric-assist balance bikes. Then there's the XDL Wheelie Experience (we passed) and the Dyno Experience, designed to teach newbies how the whole clutch/gear shifting thing works.
This year's show was a step up from past shows and featured a great addition called Discover The Ride, meant to expose the sport to the next few generations of riders. Allstate sponsors Kid's Zone, a small track for tots to wheel around on electric-assist balance bikes. Then there's the XDL Wheelie Experience (we passed) and the Dyno Experience, designed to teach newbies how the whole clutch/gear shifting thing works.
But the huge draw was the New Rider Course, which encouraged non-riders by actually getting them out on a real motorcycle on a carpeted oval track. Patti has never ridden solo, so she's the perfect candidate. Participants begin on Yamaha electric-assist bicycles to demonstrate that they have the basic skills, then gear up, get a briefing, and jump on detuned Zero electric motorcycles for their first ride! Instuctors from Total Control are there as coaches. The whole process took about a half-hour and it was worth it. Patti did awesome and loved the experience. (Right) Patti's group getting their bicycle briefing.
(Below) "Eyes up — Look where you want to go!"
(Below) "Eyes up — Look where you want to go!"
Honda's display is very complete, with an emphasis on where the market is these days — little bikes (Cub, Monkey and Grom) and ADV offerings like the upgraded Africa Twin. Not an Interceptor in sight.
I did, however, find a VFR over in the Pit Bull booth, being used as a demo mule. Really classed up their product.
Here's a great idea for us coffee lovers — a hipster coffee stand (note requisite hipster in requisite knit cap). It was actually very good brew and just what I needed after a few hours of moto-strolling.
In the classic bike area, I found lots of eye candy, including this awesome display from the Chicago Norton Owners Club, featuring these pristine bikes: a Norton single and an HRD Vincent 1000.
Parked nearby was this lovely take on a neo-classic sport bike kinda thing. It's based on a 2018 Indian Scout Bobber, and features some beautiful custom fairings and Ohlins suspension. Maybe not my style, but impressive build quality.
Suzuki is highlighting their new Katana model (in background) by positioning it next to an original. Other than that seat, Patti and I agreed that the old one is better-looking. Just showing our age, I suppose.
If anyone doesn't think that Royal Enfield is a rising force worthy of notice, a visit to R.E.'s display should bring them out from under their rock.
Beyond their new 650 twins the company has this gorgeous V-twin concept bike on display. If anyone knows how to do visual balance and style, it's R.E.
The badge says "838," there's a single-sided swingarm, a unique fork with radial Brembos and a bobber vibe second to none. Smaller bikes are the future, and manufacturers would do well to take notice or risk playing catchup to these guys.
(click on an image to enlarge)
Beyond their new 650 twins the company has this gorgeous V-twin concept bike on display. If anyone knows how to do visual balance and style, it's R.E.
The badge says "838," there's a single-sided swingarm, a unique fork with radial Brembos and a bobber vibe second to none. Smaller bikes are the future, and manufacturers would do well to take notice or risk playing catchup to these guys.
(click on an image to enlarge)
Indian's big push is on their new FTR 1200 lineup. They were all displayed, so I tried the Tour model on for size. Didn't really fit my physique, but I'm pretty sure I'm not their target demographic. Great-looking designs with impressive fit and finish. I predict much success for Indian with these bikes.
(Below) Harley-Davidson has their usual impressive boutique at center stage. I didn't linger, but the wall of tanks caught my eye. H-D needs to make no excuses to anyone for their paint and chrome quality. A surprise appearance from Confederate, showing off five models.
Displaying the increasing variety at IMS, the Adventure Out area, sponsored by BDR (Backcountry Discovery Routes), featured a cool place to relax, browse some ADV gear, and take a virtual reality ADV ride, along with guest speakers. I think this is the kind of thing that will help our sport find its future.
Speaking of virtual reality, I saw at least three interactive VR displays scattered around the show. Another taste of the future.
Well, we had a great afternoon and a welcome winter's break. I got to throw a leg over some new models and get inspired by all the custom stuff on display. I've been attending this show for about seven years now and I will admit I saw it becoming stagnant and repetitive. Now I sense that changing. And change is good. As was the lasagna.
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