International Motorcycle Show to feature custom build-off
The Progressive International Motorcycle Show, which makes its stop next weekend at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, is billed as the world's largest consumer motorcycle tour. The event showcases hundreds of the latest street bikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters and ATVs for new and experienced riders.
Attendees will be able to view new 2018 models, many featured in the pages here, and score the hottest parts, gear and accessories.
The show begins at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 9. Doors open at 9 a.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. Sunday. Tickets are $18 for adults, and kids 10 and younger are free.
The industry's leading motorcycle manufacturers will be on-site showing off their new models and answering questions, helping attendees pick the right bike for them. Companies exhibiting in Chicago include BMW, Harley-Davidson, Indian, Kawasaki, Piaggio Group, Slingshot, Suzuki, Ural and Yamaha.
Don't miss the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show. This is an elite level, custom motorcycle building competition featuring 350 custom bikes and $100,000 in cash and prizes. The competition will take place at every stop on the IMS tour, and the championship round will be held here in Chicago, with $70,000 in cash and prizes up for grabs.
Other things to check out include Shift, a retail lounge with motorcycle lifestyle brands designed for the rider who wants gear that is both functional and high performance, with an emphasis on style. Also, Adventure Out! is a space to learn, explore and share the adventure of life on two wheels. There will be a motorcycle campsite, RV lounge, stories and lessons from the road and guidance on what to buy for your next adventure.
See riders from the XDL National Championship, the world's premiere street bike freestyle championship series, who will perform a variety of stunts ranging from wheelies, acrobatics and high-speed stoppies. XDL combines the world's best riders and some of the most complex and difficult tricks for an unmatched street-bike performance.
So grab your friends, take the kids, and come on out!
• Email Glassman at KGHawkeye650@aol.com.