The International Motorcycle Show - One of The Carolina Rider's Yearly Favorites!
IMS in Charlotte Feb 22-24, 2013
By FancyFree, Editor of TheCarolinaRider.com
"If you've been to one bike show, you've been to them all," one might say; but that's clearly not true now, is it? There is honestly great diversity out there, and the Progressive International Motorcycle Show is one proof of that!
Progressive? Do I mean "forward-moving" as the word implies? Yes, partly, since the show does truly point to what's new and up-and-coming in the motorcycle biz. But also because Flo's there. Well, I can't honestly say that I've seen the white-clad commercial chick - but I certainly have seen her mug plastered around the show! You walk in the door and they hand you a tote to shove your show freebies in and it's courtesy of who? - Progressive Insurance....and usually Flo's pictured on it. I think I remember seeing a full-size cardboard Flo at last year's show. And where Flo isn't, there's plenty of bannering to remind you that the insurance company is chief sponsor of this gig.
But there are tons of other banners and lit-up showcases showing off various businesses seeking to get into your wallets and hearts. All the major bike manufacturers are set up, blinged-out, and staffed-up to answer your questions and to sell you on their products. From some of the tried-and-trues to newbies in the field, you have a grand variety to check out. Harley-Davidson is there, of course, but they aren't by far the only corporation represented. In fact, H-D often doesn't shine above some of the others who generally pull out all their stops to show off what they've got. Yamaha has had a pretty big display for the last several years taking up more real estate on the showroom floor than most others. And this show has no standard bike style - they are all represented including street bikes, the more sci-fi looking newbies and alternative variations of a motorcycle, dirt bikes, and new and old school European bikes too. You could look for something that might suit a starter rider or you could investigate high-end luxury bikes to treat yourself!
There's entertainment - varied music and stunt shows are the norm; and these shows also include some educational features. There's a pretty busy schedule of activities posted that I suggest checking when you arrive so you can plan your time. In recent years they've had women rider seminars, maintenance talks, and bike safety discussions.
Not just a show to grab a beer and wander but you can, of course. The International Motorcycle Show is NOT just another bike show. It comes to The Charlotte Convention Center for a full weekend February 22-24 and they're offering a $3 discount to readers of The Carolina Rider if tickets are purchased online and the discount code CAROLINA is used so don't wait and head over to www.MotorcycleShows.com to get your tickets now!
