Springfield Motorcycle Show Kicks Off

WEST SPRINGFIELD, MA – There was a line of riders, all but a few of which arrived in four-wheeled vehicles, waiting outside the entrance when the 10th annual Springfield Motorcycle Show opened at 10 a.m. today at the Eastern States Exposition.

Once inside and out of the cold, they got to see dozens of new bikes and trikes, including a Polaris Slingshot, a customized Harley-Davidson Street 750 (pictured above) and numerous high-powered EBR models as well BMWs, Triumphs and many more.

Calling the crowd “surprisingly wonderful,” event promoter Doug Sousa was all smiles. “The weather’s cooperating. The Patriots are cooperating,” he said, referring to the fact that tomorrow’s NFL playoff game involving the New England Patriots starts after the show closes at 5 p.m.

Springfield Motorcycle Show promoter Doug Sousa and John Haymond of Haymond Law

Capturing the immediate attention of early arrivals was a Polaris Slingshot three-wheeled roadster parked in the Indian Motorcycle of Springfield booth just inside the entrance. Reaction to the Slingshot was “huge, huge,” said dealership owner Dennis Bolduc.

The show offers a smorgasbord of new models, leathers and other clothes and accessories. There are even displays for attractions that riders can visit during the riding season, including the Indian collection at the Springfield Museums…

Guy McLain, left, director of history museums for the Springfield Museums

And the New England Motorcycle Museum in Rockville, CT, which targets its opening on Labor Day Weekend.

Ken Kaplan of he New England Motorcycle Museum

Greeting fans in the Mustang Seats booth was custom bike builder Dave Perewitz…

Dave Perewitz greets a rider

Hours of the Springfield Motorcycle Show on Sunday are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Here are two more pics from Saturday: