Went to the motorcycle show in Chicago yesterday with some friends, and was very disappointed. Several bikes that I really wanted to look at and sit on where not even at the show, including two specific Honda models and the HD Livewire. The number of vendors seemed far fewer than in the past, although I did find a decent pair of deerskin gloves (the only thing I bought at the show). And I guess I made a mistake of going on the final day of the three day show, since they were totally out of the show t-shirt by the time I arrived. I always buy the shirt as a little souvenir of the show, but I guess this time I will have to live without the shirt for the first time in about 20 years. On the plus side I did get to experience at least the feel of the Zero and was surprised how wide this electric bike is. I really felt like I was straddling a horse rather than just sitting on a bike. I had the chance to sit on several bikes that I had a lesser interest in, and found that several had seat heights too high for me to ever seriously consider, so I guess the show saved me some time for future visits to dealerships.
I also noticed that several of the minor brands were not even present at the show like Ural, Moto Guzzi, Bimota (I'm not if they ever participate in this show, I can't remember), and some of the scooter companies that have been there in the past. I didn't see a single trailer manufacturer represented, either a pull behind trailer nor a trailer to carry a bike. But to my surprise, I was impressed with the BMW scooter (?). While it is a scooter it has a decent size engine of 650cc, motorcycle size wheels, and was extremely comfortable to sit on. Just thinking ahead to when I feel I am getting too old for my Goldwing, a scooter like this one might actually be the answer since it is more motorcycle like than ones like the Suzuki Burgman.
And finally, while I likely would never buy one (in part due to the ridiculously high prices), I will admit that Indian makes some beautiful bikes.
And going to this show does serve as a nice motorcycle related event to break up this very long winter of not being able to ride.
I also noticed that several of the minor brands were not even present at the show like Ural, Moto Guzzi, Bimota (I'm not if they ever participate in this show, I can't remember), and some of the scooter companies that have been there in the past. I didn't see a single trailer manufacturer represented, either a pull behind trailer nor a trailer to carry a bike. But to my surprise, I was impressed with the BMW scooter (?). While it is a scooter it has a decent size engine of 650cc, motorcycle size wheels, and was extremely comfortable to sit on. Just thinking ahead to when I feel I am getting too old for my Goldwing, a scooter like this one might actually be the answer since it is more motorcycle like than ones like the Suzuki Burgman.
And finally, while I likely would never buy one (in part due to the ridiculously high prices), I will admit that Indian makes some beautiful bikes.
And going to this show does serve as a nice motorcycle related event to break up this very long winter of not being able to ride.