Chicago Int'l Motorcycle Show

**glwilson** · 02-08-2014, 10:37 PM

My son and I braved the crappy weather to go into Rosemont, IL (by Chicago) to the show.

The show was good. Looked at every single display, brand, and bike there was. We liked a lot of the custom bikes on display. However, the people were the most interesting...

Sat on a Vic X-Country; Victory Gunner; HD 500; BMW 12 & 1600; and the new Indians.

It is a good thing the HD500 (they didn't have the 750) is priced right; because it is a damned ugly bike. The gas tank looks like crap. If they would change the tank, it would be better. At its price, it will definitely sell though.

The Victory's... not too bad on seat height for my 5'6" frame; although they are too stretched-out for me. The new Gunner model with a 106 motor was released at the show today. It is a smaller bike for their line-up. It looked okay, but nothing that dropped your jaw. I did not see the price either.

BMW's were very nice; but too tall for me.

Lastly, the Indians fit fine for my height (all the models). I liked the looks of the Vintage over the Chieftain. I do not like the look of the Chieftain fairing. It is an Art Deco look reminding me of old passenger train engines of the era. I was disappointed in the paint quality; and red is not as appealing as the old red Indians were. Polaris should have stepped it up on the paint quality. JMHO They did start-up the 111 engine though; and it really sounded nice. It has its own distinct sound, and really sounded good to me -- really good.

All in all, the day was good, however I am quite satisfied with the decision on the bike I bought in December.

Loafer · 02-09-2014, 09:10 AM

Glad you and your son had a great time, I enjoy going to events with the boys.

When will you be posting photos?

dshelly · 02-09-2014, 09:40 AM

Any pictures?

**glwilson** · 02-09-2014, 10:05 AM

My son has the pics... Later today I'll post some of them. Some did not turn out good. I blame the camera...

**glwilson** · 02-09-2014, 02:37 PM

I cannot seem to post more than one pic at a time... so I give up

Loafer · 02-10-2014, 07:56 AM

Put the bottle down and try again.

02-08-2014, 10:37 PM	#1
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	Chicago Int'l Motorcycle Show My son and I braved the crappy weather to go into Rosemont, IL (by Chicago) to the show. The show was good. Looked at every single display, brand, and bike there was. We liked a lot of the custom bikes on display. However, the people were the most interesting... Sat on a Vic X-Country; Victory Gunner; HD 500; BMW 12 & 1600; and the new Indians. It is a good thing the HD500 (they didn't have the 750) is priced right; because it is a damned ugly bike. The gas tank looks like crap. If they would change the tank, it would be better. At its price, it will definitely sell though. The Victory's... not too bad on seat height for my 5'6" frame; although they are too stretched-out for me. The new Gunner model with a 106 motor was released at the show today. It is a smaller bike for their line-up. It looked okay, but nothing that dropped your jaw. I did not see the price either. BMW's were very nice; but too tall for me. Lastly, the Indians fit fine for my height (all the models). I liked the looks of the Vintage over the Chieftain. I do not like the look of the Chieftain fairing. It is an Art Deco look reminding me of old passenger train engines of the era. I was disappointed in the paint quality; and red is not as appealing as the old red Indians were. Polaris should have stepped it up on the paint quality. JMHO They did start-up the 111 engine though; and it really sounded nice. It has its own distinct sound, and really sounded good to me -- really good. All in all, the day was good, however I am quite satisfied with the decision on the bike I bought in December. __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-09-2014, 09:10 AM	#2
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	Glad you and your son had a great time, I enjoy going to events with the boys. When will you be posting photos? __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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02-09-2014, 09:40 AM	#3
dshelly Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Belgrade, MT Posts: 2,824	Any pictures? __________________ Dave "(dshelly)" Shellenberger 2014 Harley Ultra Classic 2007 1600 Nomad (Black) Shellenberger Machine Belgrade, MT Various Bagger Member (Harley Chapter) VBA # 2395
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02-09-2014, 10:05 AM	#4
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	My son has the pics... Later today I'll post some of them. Some did not turn out good. I blame the camera... __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417
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02-09-2014, 02:37 PM	#5
glwilson Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: North Central Illinois Posts: 8,575	I cannot seem to post more than one pic at a time... so I give up __________________ "During times of universal deceit, telling the truth becomes a revolutionary act." "You can have your own opinion, but not your own facts." *Former VBA NCR Assist Regional Leader* Formerly: 2004 1500FI Bronze Nomad: 2009 & 2014 HD Ultra Current Rides: 2017 HD Ultra Limited & 2011 Can Am Spyder RTS-SE Attended: VBA National Rallies 2009, 2011, 2015; VBA/NCR Regional Rally 2010, 12, 14, 16 and several rides throughout with regional members. VBA Member #652 HOG Member #3935417 Login or Register to Remove Ads
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02-10-2014, 07:56 AM	#6
Loafer Sr. Contributor Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 18,287	Put the bottle down and try again. __________________ Gerry Martineau / 802 VT / VBA #0892 /[email]glmjgm@gmail.com[email]
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