Springfield Motorcycle Show Hits 10 Years

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA – Promoter Doug Sousa vividly recalls The Springfield Motorcycle Show’s inaugural effort a decade ago. “The first year was terrible,” he said. “We had wonderful attendance, but very little to show.”

That won’t be the case this weekend at the show’s 10th edition, which will be staged from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Eastern States Exposition. Showing their wares will be at least a half-dozen motorcycle dealers and dozens of other vendors, including numerous purveyors of leather goods.

Unlike in years past, the show won’t open on Friday night. Sousa explained that Friday attendance was usually only in the 700-800 range and that lining up vendors for a three-day commitment could be problematic. “We’re more vendor friendly by having a two-day show,” he said. “We topped 15,000 last year and we’re hoping to come close this year.”

Among the dealers are participating this year are Harley-Davidson of Southhampton, Indian Motorcycle of Springfield, Springfield Motorsports, Wagner Motorsports from Worcester, Mark’s Motorsports from Enfield, CT; Shark Cycle in Stafford Springs, CT; and Max BMW, which has a store in South Windsor, CT. “We’re pleasantly surprised by how many Connecticut dealers are showing up,” Sousa said.

For those attending who are into vintage motorcycles, the Springfield Museums will have a display as will the under-construction New England Motorcycle Museum in Rockville, CT. Also having a booth will be the Yankee Chapter of the Antique Motorcycle Club of America. Custom bike builder Dave Perewitz will be there, too.

“We’ll have more motorcycles than ever,” Sousa promised.

As always, there will be a bike competition, with trophies awarded for Best Display, Best Chrome, Best Upholstery, Best Paint and Oldest Bike. There will also be a bike build-off between Jake Cutler and Justin Reed, and a tattoo competition.

Admission to the show is $15 for adults and $5 for kids 6-12. Children 5 and under get in free. For more information check out The Springfield Motorcycle Show website.