You Must Be Trippin'

International Motorcycle Show

December 16 2011 by Jason Fogelson

Nothing warms me up like a visit to the International Motorcycle Show (IMS), which tours the United States every winter. In past years, it has been sponsored by Cycle World Magazine, but this year Progressive Insurance has taken the reins -- so the show is officially known as the Progressive International Motorcycle Show.

I caught up with the show as it passed through my area, stopping at the Long Beach Convention Center over the weekend of December 9. Upcoming stops include Seattle, Washington (December 16 - 18); Novi, Michigan (January 6- 8); Washington, DC (January 13 - 15); New York, NY (January 20 - 22); Cleveland, Ohio (January 27 - 29); Minneapolis, Minnesota (February 3 - 5); Chicago, Illinois (February 10 - 12); Charlotte, North Carolina (February 24 - 26) and Daytona Beach, Florida (March 14 - 17).

If you're shopping for a bike, there's no better place to go. All of the major manufacturers bring displays, bikes and accessories to the show, along with knowledgeable product specialists who can answer questions about their brands. Harley-Davidson has a major presence at the IMS this year. I especially appreciated the H-D Fit Shop display, where I was able to try out a variety of handlebar configurations to aid in my never-ending quest for perfect ergonomics. I also enjoyed the opportunity to try out other brands of motorcycle on for size, and to see what everyone has to offer.

Another favorite part of the IMS for me is always the aftermarket vendors. Dozens of booths are set up with vendors selling everything from custom earplugs to custom exhaust systems; from sound systems to seats; from riding gear to goggle cleaner. I always fall for a good pitch -- this year, I bought a $20 selection of Blaze anti-fog products that I didn't need, because the vendor was such a good pitchman. I got $20 worth of fun watching him try to sell me on his product.

If winter is already giving you the blues, get on out to the IMS and get psyched for summer. It's never too soon.

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Categories : Packed & Ready

Tags : best western, best western florida, best western washington, harley davidson, international motorcycle show

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