I spent last weekend at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Novi, Michigan and came away impressed. Not only was the show busy, and a hub of what passes for winter motorcycling activity in Michigan, but the quality of both vendors and programming at the show was excellent. Here are some excerpts:
The Learning Curve stage -
Last year, the seminars at the show were spread out over three stages, which seemed to reduce the impact and accessibility of them. This year, all seminars were located on the "Learning Curve" stage. The Learning Curve stage had some space for big crowds and a decent sound system (plagued by a little wireless interference). Sadly, it was right next to the Smage Brothers stunt riding show, so some careful scheduling had to take place in order for attendees to hear the presentations. Once you got to the Learning Curve though, look out. The seminars were of very good quality, with experts in the field and a question and answer session following each. Mason Orr served as the MC for the Learning Curve seminars and again did a great job. He kept things moving with the right balance of information (schedules, voting in the custom bike builder contest) and humor. It was great to see the presentations and to get to meet the people afterwards. The word spread about the seminars too, the Friday sessions were sparsely attended; but it was standing room only all day Saturday and Sunday.
The Exhibits -
This year featured two major exhibits at the IMS, the Dream Pavilion (sponsored by Schuberth) and the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show.
The Dream Pavilion held an incredible collection of the very top end of the motorcycle market in street, off-road, trials and collectible categories. The Pavilion included offerings from American Beta, Aprilia, Darwin, Ducati, EBR, Gas Gas, Husqvarna, KTM, Moto Guzzi, MV Augusta, Norton and Triumph. I spent some time just hanging out in that space, and even though I'm a scooter guy, I really was digging the looks, style and design of these mega-bikes. I'm looking forward to someone bringing those accents to modern scooter design.
The Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show was set up in a big plus sign across the show area at the Suburban Collection Showplace where the IMS took place. Not 50 feet into the show you encountered your first custom bike. One after another of these incredible creations greeted you every few steps until you came to the horizontal aspect. Make a decision (left or right) and off you went, seeing some truly amazing bikes. There were theme bikes, like a would-be military bike with a forward facing exhaust reminiscent of gun barrels. There was also a drag bike, Rislone bike, choppers, a Ninja theme street machine and more. Everywhere you looked you saw the result of hundreds of hours of custom work - not just the awesome, flawless paint, but crazy details like welded chain sissy bars, bent metal bits and the addition of non-motorcycle items like the Shoop DeVille's original Book Cadillac hotel room door knob as a shifter. The people who put these bikes together are artists, and the people who ride them are true aficionados of custom bikes.
The Show -
This year's Progressive International Motorcycle Show at Novi, Michigan was packed with happy Midwesterners all enjoying their favorite hobbies. Finally, the weather cooperated and the days were sunny and warm (for January in Michigan). So "warm" that over 150 motorcycles were ridden to the show on Saturday. There were tons of people waiting to get in every day at opening time (over a thousand waiting on Saturday and Sunday) and the feel was so much better that the past few years. Some of the vendors that I spoke with could tell that the economy is recovering in Michigan, with people wanting to splurge a little bit. I spent some time in the Bright Powersports booth and noted that they kept putting "SOLD" signs on some of their vehicles. I spoke to Sales Manager Scott Meterko, he said that yes, bikes were selling, but that they had more back at the shop! Their prices were fair and because of this they seemed to have a lot of traffic. Same story at Motorcity Powersports with their helmets and apparel sales. Parts and Accessories Manager Matt Pawluk told me that they had great traffic in the booth, and that people were picking up the show specials and other apparel deals that they had.
Even the normally reserved show managers were caught up in the demonstration of the upbeat crowd. After a few years of a slower show, they were caught by surprise with not only the raw numbers, but the attitudes and yes, smiles that they saw on the show floor. Even though it was a temporary spring outside, maybe you could say that the long cold winter of our down Michigan economy is on a thaw. Judging from the happy faces, the bikes flying out of the booths and the big bags of helmets, jackets and gloves leaving the show, you could say that it was a success. Now let's get through this winter and get 'em back on the road. It's going to be a great year for Michigan riding!
What's next: Budget scooting, Florida style!
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