IMS Opens in New York With A Few Reveals

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

NEW YORK – It’s a tough job, but somebody has to do it – pull the covers of of new bikes and new customs. And Indian Motorcycle made a splash this morning by revealing a “Big Custom Chief” designed by Polaris Industries’ Industrial Design team during the press preview at the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in New York.

The bike manufacturers took four hours prior to the show’s opening at the Jacob K. Javits Center to show their creations and tout their products. Can-Am brought in NHL legend Mark Messier (seated below) to push its Spyder three-wheelers and to cut some video endorsements.

Kawasaki used its allotted time to show off a facelift for its popular KLR 650, which gets a stiffer suspension and an altered seat that narrower for the opeator and wider for the passenger.

Yamaha had customized versions of its Bolt urban bobber that showed just how easy it is to modify the models, including a gold one that stood out.

Custom bike builder Dave Perewitz and his speedy demon daughter, Jody, took to the stage to talk about their lives.

RIDE-CT.com will have more details on the IMS tomorrow.