Patti and I made our way to the Chicago International Motorcycle Show last week. We always go on Friday afternoon to avoid the crowds and that tactic worked well this year. Minimal crowds made it much easier to see and touch whatever caught our eye. It seemed to me that the manufacturers were in force this year, unlike some years past. Honda, BMW and Piaggio had impressive displays. Even Royal Enfield did a nice job. Lots of over-the-top customs and some really great vintage bikes were shown with plenty of room to drool. The only Interceptors in the joint were a pair of VFR1200X.
One of the more interesting "motorcycles" being shown was a 3-wheeler which I'd never heard of, the Vanderhall (vanderhallusa.com). Based in Provo, Utah, the company produces four models powered by a 1.4 litre turbocharged 4-cylinder with a 6-speed automatic and front wheel drive which weighs in at about 1400 pounds. It's a great-looking "bike" and Patti and I had to try it on for size — a little...ahh...tight. And with prices ranging from $30,000-$80,000 it may be a bit out of the budget.
Honda had an interesting rig to allow folks to "sample" their DCT transmission. The rear wheel was on rollers and a cute attendant walked you through the automatic and manual modes. What impressed me is that I couldn't hear or see any indication as the transmission shifted. I would really like to try one on the open road.
Overall a good show and, as always, a chance to shake the winter blues, at least for an afternoon.
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