International Motorcycle Show - Chicago 2/13-2/15

[emptysea]

Who's going?

I'll be there Friday evening. Can't wait to check out the new Ducati models....oh and the bikes are nice, too.

[AndyHe_imp]

Yes, the Ducati models were quite appealing when I saw them at the Seattle show in October.

[Cormanus]

Pictures!

[the_undecider_imp]

My local Ducati dealer is having an open house next Friday and will have the new Scrambler and Multi on display. I am hoping to get over there for a peek.

I would love to attend one of the big shows some day. It's on my gear head bucket list like the NAIAS and SEMA

[metallyguitarded_imp]

If you go on Saturday instead, you stand a better chance of getting a closer inspection of the Ducati models. Just bring a box of chocolates and a bouquet of flowers. Of course, when I say "a better chance," I mean it goes from 1% to 1.5%.

Be sure to hit up the Honda guys and see if they have an update on the release of 2015 CB1100. The person I spoke with when they were in Long Beach had no idea. There was just one CB1100 DLX on the show floor. But when I was there, it was getting plenty of attention from the crowd.

I love the idea of adventure bikes but have never really been drawn to them or imagined myself an owner of one. But KTM has some amazing models that made me think, "Wow...I could definitely see that in my garage." I was excited to see the Ducati Scrambler up close but when I finally did, I was not impressed. I felt just the opposite with the BMW R nine T. Seeing it in photos and reading about it online, I thought it was a nice bike but wasn't overly thrilled by it. Seeing it in person, however, I was struck with how great of a design it is and the technology that it possesses. Photos don't do it justice.

Oh, and those other Ducati models...where do they find them?! One came up to me, holding an iPad, and asked if I'd be interested in signing up to receive information regarding the Scrambler. She did this is as I was looking over the Scramblers and thinking to myself, "Hmmm...so disappointing." My response - "Oh, uh, huh? Uh, yeah, sure. Okay." Thank God she hadn't asked if I'd be willing to lie down on the convention center floor to be run over repeatedly by the Ducati Monster 1200 to demonstrate the effectiveness of its suspension. I fear my answer would have been the same.

[ClassicVW_imp]

If you can find the composure to actually engage one of those models in conversation, you will find that for the most part, they are local talent, they don't travel as part of the show. And they also know very little about the bikes they are showcasing. At least I think that's what they were supposed to showcase.

[emptysea]

So...a) When I first read MG's post I wondered if "looking over the Scramblers" was some sorta Cali-phrase for "staring at her chest". b) I'm too old to be a threat to the models and the models are too young to be a threat to my wife, so it's easy enough to talk to them, even though I will be at the show with my wife. Usually, my only fear is that, after laughing politely at one of my jokes, they will tell me that I remind them of their father. (Although, that usually gets a nice laugh from Cheryl.)

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Haha! Fantastic post MTC. I can't wait to use the line, "Look at the scramblers on that one!" Which, undoubtedly, will result in a quick slap to the back of my head from the missus. Somehow, I think she'll still be able to put two and two together.

[CA200_imp]

Flying back from Fl. Friday night to Chicago ,staying over to go to
the show on Sat.. then back to Wi. Hope to take some pictures.[/size]

[emptysea]

CA200...I may have a free ticket for you. Send me a PM if you're interested.