Well, my wife , my 2 sons and I went to the Chicago Cycle World Motorcycle Show yesterday (Sunday, 09 Feb). It was great.
1.) EVERYONE, except Triumph and Royal Enfield, was there. Yes, BMW, yes Kawasaki, yes to everyone else. Maybe things changed, but all the reports of no shows didn't happen yesterday in Chicago.
2.) It was absolutely packed. I expected that with the economy being what it is, not too many folks would be interested in looking. Wrong. It was packed solid, and with everyday folks, not just RUB's and bonus rich CEO's.
3.) I didn't notice any great deals, or price reductions on new Bikes. Looked pretty much the same as last year, with a COL increase of course.
4.) Harley Davidson was the most packed exhibit. Many people were just hanging around apparently showing allegience, but HD had a flood of Salesmen running around, pressing the flesh and answering questions, etc. Appeared to be tons of women trying out Harley's for size. Good for them, say I.
I sat for a while on a beautiful silver colored Road King Classic, and spoke to a nice, friendly Sales guy for about 20 minutes. Very nice experience.
5.) I'll say Harley tied Suzuki for the biggest, most lavish display.
6.) I'll admit, much more aftermarket vendors than the previous 4 or 5 years, but that's OK. On the negative side - a lot of low market, low value junk being offered. These are the "Made in Viet Nam" leather jackets for $39.99, the 50 cent sunglasses from China for $12.99, and so on. This cheapens the sport... someone should be pre-qualifying these guys. Also, too many aggressive style hawkers grabbing folks in the aisle and asking them to "fill out" survey forms to win a "free" bike. Folks are very nervous about giving out info these days. Too many scams.
7.) Victory makes some wierd looking (styled) bikes (I know, to each his own!). Me? I think it looks like a Harley as seen in a fun-house distorted mirror. Shame on me, as I AM an Art lover. Just had to say it, sorry. Many probably think my bike looks weird too.
8.) BMW's are looking more and more like futuristic pieces from a Transformer toy layout.
9.) There was a stand for "Cafe Racer Magazine" that looked very interesting. This is a new monthly magazine offer they are trying to get established. Unfortunately, they were asking for $4.00 each for magazine samples, with no takers. Should have been giving away copies. Ya wanna succeed... ya gotta take risks. Hope they survive, as it's good subject matter.
10.) Not too many vintage bikes as promised, too bad. A nice pristine 1959 Triumph though.
11.) Serious lack of "show-babes" and "models" this year. Being an amatuer pervert, I notice such things. Actually, last year my long-suffering wife let me have my picture taken standing proudly between two "babes" who were hawking some Energy Drink brand. A guy can dream... right? Bring 'em back say I.
12.) Japanese sport bikes are all starting to look exactly the same to me. Maybe it's old age.
13.) The Honda Goldwing is bizzare. Why not just buy a small car? OK, now I'm getting downright nasty.
14.) What is the percieved connection between motorcycle's... and Indians? Why are there tons of white and tan leather jackets with fringe, feathers, turquoise and stuff, for women, that look like indian maiden dresses? Where there motorcycles at the Little Big Horn. Sitting Bull on a Hyabusa? I missed something. Just kidding.
15.) Last, but not least - Folks were NICE. With big crowds, packed aisles, standing in line requirements, etc., it's easy for a crowd to turn sour. Kudo's to everyone there, and kudo's to the biking world, for being such mature and understanding folks. It's a real pleasure to be part of it.
I have a few pics, which I'll post over the next week. They're on my son's camera, need to download them into my computer.
Ride safe.
