November 11, 2010 - With the rollout (or rollback) of Daylight Saving Time, you can pretty much declare that winter is here, no matter where you live. The upside to the darker, grayer skies is that it's also time for the annual International Motorcycle Show. This year's installment of the two-wheel extravaganza will kick off its 5-month run in Dallas, Texas.
The show's new title sponsor is Progressive Insurance, but otherwise it's the same jam-packed moto mayhem you remember from years past. The show's 12-city cross country tour begins at the Dallas Convention Center with plenty of eye candy: the latest sportbikes, dirt bikes, cruisers, scooters, customs, ATVs, an abundance of aftermarket parts and accessories and more. Current or aspiring motorcyclists can check out the latest gear and hop on a new bike for a demo ride. The high-energy entertainment menu includes stunt shows, custom bike shows, interactive family activities, educational seminars and new rider programs. This 2010-2011 series is the 30th time the International Motorcycle Shows is doing its nationwide tour.
The Dallas show opens Friday, November 12, from 4 p.m. – 9 p.m.
On Saturday, November 13, it runs from 9:30 a.m. – 8 p.m and
on Sunday, November 14, it's 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Devil You Know...
Among the highlights will be Ducati's unveiling of its new Diavel musclebike. Unveiled this past week at the EICMA international motorcycle show in Milan, the new 2011 Ducati Diavel and 1198SP are being flown straight to Dallas and will make its North American debut at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Dallas on Friday, November 12, at 5 p.m.
The innovative Diavel packages twin-cylinder heritage and Italian style with a bold technical confidence. The svelte twin is said to be lightweight and agile like all Ducatis, yet easy on the keister (i.e. incredibly comfortable). For connoisseurs of technology, ABS, Ducati Traction Control and Ducati Riding Modes deliver a confidence-inspiring sophistication, while 162hp and 207kg (456lb) of performance ensures that this will be no standard issue street-troller.
...And the MoCo
Harley-Davidson also plans a big presence at this year's shows. Harley will display 2011 motorcycles, Genuine Motor Accessories and MotorClothes Merchandise, as well as Women’s Area with bike lift demonstrations, Fit Shop interactive motorcycle for customization, racing displays and more. Show attendees can enter a sweepstakes at the Harley-Davidson display to win a Harley-Davidson® motorcycle of their choice.
The Motor Company plans to make motorcycle demo rides available at IMS events in Dallas, November 13-14, San Mateo, November 20-21 and Long Beach, December 18-19. Riders with a valid motorcycle license and appropriate riding gear can test ride a diverse selection of 2011 Harley-Davidson motorcycles.
Bold Builds
Another highlight of the IMS events is the Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, an Affiliate Competition to the AMD World Championship of Custom Bike Building. Custom bike builders compete at the highest level while enthusiasts can check out these incredible motorcycles.
The remaining show schedule is as follows:
Nov 19-21 2010 San Mateo, California
Dec 10-12 2010 Seattle, Washington
Dec 17-19 2010 Long Beach, California
Jan 7-9 2011 Novi, Michigan
Jan 14-16 2011 Washington, DC
Jan 21-23 2011 New York, New York
Jan 28-30 2011 Cleveland, Ohio
Feb 4-6 2011 Minneapolis, Minnesota
Feb 11-13 2011 Chicago, Illinois
Feb 25-27 2011 Greenville, S.Carolina
Mar 9-12 2011 Daytona, Florida