By Jon Row
Progressive International Motorcycle Show’s ten-city 2015 tour has something for everybody again this year. New models fresh from Europe’s EICMA intros last week gave Long Beach goers plenty to see. Sunny So Cal weather facilitated demo rides from Harley Davidson, Can Am, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Indian and Victory. Making stateside debuts were Honda’s highly anticipated Africa Twin, Ducati Scramblers and Multistrada Enduro, Yamaha’s impressive, neo retro XSR900 and the new Suzuki SV650. Adventure bikes and Scramblers were abundant with heavy industry and aftermarket support on both segments.
Hardware wise, 2016 looks to be another watershed year. A good array of products and programs for new riders and high tech candy for hard core enthusiasts. All OEMs will not be at every show this year however attendees will still get more than they can absorb. Expect good entertainment, stunt shows, custom builder competition, celebrities, racers, and other fun activities from Flo and her title sponsor friends at Progressive Insurance.
Check www.motorcycleshows.com for details on the show near you.
World record stunt jumper, Evel Kneivel friend and acolyte Doug Danger -- on the ground.
Harley’s “easy to clean” white handgrips, floorboards and brake pedals. Seems like there shouldn’t be enough time for that.
Can Am is making their Spyders even more automotive like
Can Am’s newest cockpit view
Owners are doing wild things to the R nine T --- just as BMW intended.
Yeah they lost Ryan Villopoto but Kawasaki’s newest KX450 lost seven and half pounds to make up for it.
The greenest, meanest Ninja to date. Check out the forks.
300 HP and new mirror coat “spark” black paint with embedded glass flecks. Your Kawie dealer needs a 10% deposit by Dec 11th to order it for you. MSRP: $53,000.00
Sr. Racing Marketing Specialist Derek Natvig should be smiling. He’s got $2,000,000 of Kawasaki contingency awards to dole out next year.
Former AMA 250 GP champ Roland Sands tells how much fun he had building concept dirt trackers out of Indian’s new Scout Sixty.
KTM is pretty jazzed that both their Dukes are even more super this year.
Motoamerica’s Paul Carruthers explains how affordable it will be for young riders to road race KTM’s RCX Cup bike.
Triumph’s all new Bonneville
You know there’s a lot riding on a new model when cutaway motors show up—especially encased in glass. Honda Dual Clutch transmissions are likely going to be on a lot more new models.
The most exotic, expensive Honda motorcycle ever offered to the public. The limited production Moto GP derived RS213V-S base price: $184,000. Just your money may not be enough though. Honda says they’ll interview potential buyers before agreeing to orders. As of Nov 21st you can still get on the stand by list.
This can be your living room view too. Climate controlled indoor storage is expected and likely to be an ownership interview prerequisite. Check out http://www.rc213v-s.com to see what the 1 percent have to go through!
Suzuki’s SV650 is back as a 2017 model with less weight, more power and better fuel economy. User friendly improvements for one of the industry’s sweetest Vee Twins. ABS version will add only 5 pounds. Price and availability late Spring or early Summer.
When Harleys start getting modded into adventure units the segment may be too popular.
The brand giving Harley its biggest competition so far.
Kawasaki’s display has enough HP to climb….well, you know.
BMW is bringing more scooters to the US.
Riding with the Diavel? Why not?
The Adventure continues: Ducati’s dirt oriented Multistrada 1200 Enduro
One accessory real Adventure riders definitely need.
Touratech believes you can take it with you---all of it.
A Yamaha concept we hope makes it to production
Guess who’s celebrating their birthday all year long?
Flo’s Chop Shop offers free hair trims, shaves and shoe shines
Yamaha’s most successful new model this year: The 3 cylinder, manual shift, pure sport XYZ1000R.
Just a friendly reminder: California Highway Patrol wants you to have your M class license before you street ride.
Worth getting hurt for? Up to you
An unexpected booth at IMS but they can use your donations for sleep nets. Riding in Africa or South America? Since your adventure bike probably doesn’t burn pre mix you’ll need one too
Some of these designs look familiar.
Just something about those Thruxtons
The line to sit on the CRF1000L was pretty long.
2015 Motoamerica Champs J.D. Beach, Supersport, and Cameron Beaubier, Superbike.
Drivers view of the XYZ1000R.
Attention to detail: Honda’s patented (forward) break away Africa Twin hand guards may help prevent wrist injuries.
The new Yamaha XRS900 sports a lot of aluminum.
“Scouts Honor” The Scout Sixty is Indian’s most affordable model: $8,999 and the lowest seat height in its class.