New York “IMS” Begins Three-Day Run Friday

By Bud Wilkinson of RIDE-CT.com

It’s the winter ice-breaker, the cold season refresher, the chance to see motorcycles and talk motorcycles with friends during the down time when it’s often impossible to ride. The Progressive International Motor Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York opens its doors to the public at noon Friday. RIDE-CT.com will be there at 9 a.m. for the three-hour press preview and will have a report. Here’s a portion of what’s expected at the show:

– Triumph’s all-new Daytona 675R (pictred left) will make its U.S. debut. Weighing in at 405 pounds, the Daytona gets a power boost from 125ps to 128ps with clutchless gear changes making the acceleration even quicker.

– NHRA Champion drag racer Eddie Krawiec, who rides a Harley-Davidson V-Rod, will be at the show to meet fans and sign autographs.

– Polaris will be there showing off both Victory and Indian motorcycles. Victory plans to unveil a limited-edition 15th anniversary model at 6 p.m. Friday. On Saturday, Victory spokesman and former U.S. marine R. Lee Ermy will be at the company display on Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon, 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Victory has invited some Playboy Bunnies, too.

Indian, meanwhile, counters with “American Pickers” co-host Mike Wolfe and a restored 1935 Indian Chief that was picked, brought back to life and sold to Indian. Wolfe will participate in an open-to-the-public press conference at 4:30 p.m. Friday, then mingle with fans. He’s also scheduled to be at the display from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday.

(A quick hint to read RIDE-CT.com’s take on “American Pickers” here if you haven’t read it already.)

Indian is also bringing Burt Munro’s 1920 Indian Scout that broke the under-1000cc land speed record at the Bonneville Salt Flats in 1967, the story of which was told in the movie “The World’s Fastest Indian.” The bike will be fired up at 2 p.m. Friday; 10:30 a.m., noon, 2:30 and 5 p.m. Saturday; and at 10:30 a.m., noon and 2 p.m. Sunday.

– Motorcycle artist David Uhl, who is the official artist of Harley-Davidson, will be showing off his work and his skills.

– Performing stunts will be XDL Street Jam, Aaron Twite and Chris “Teach” McNeil.

– Other celebs to meet include test rider Blake Kelly and host Mike Seate of Velocity’s “Cafe Racer” series. They’ll be at the Shorai Power Batteries booth on Saturday and Sunday.