daveinva
01-16-2012, 09:45 PM
I'm sure this is the umpteenth thread here about this, but *I* went this past weekend to the DC stop, so it's important to me, dang it.
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/
Anyway, it's not a huge show-- one floor of the DC convention center (the auto show takes both floors, and it's not that big of an auto show).
Still, pretty much all the major manufacturers are represented; a few were missing (BMW, strangely, and the smaller folks like KTM, Aprilia, Ural, etc.), but a nice selection.
Pleasantly, BRP's display was right at the entryway, first one to visit. Nice size, and very popular- PLENTY of people sitting on the Spyders, kids getting their photos taken, etc. Rock stars even at the show!
Saw my first Lava Bronze RT in person. All waxed up, the color looks really metallic, it's a neat effect. Still not my cup of tea-- I prefer the matte look, myself-- but kudos on the tan leather seat (wish it was an option with the blue RT, think that'd be a sharp match). Also saw the nuke green RS, or whatever that color is... again, not a fan (wish we had British Racing Green instead), but still, it's a Spyder! :thumbup:
The one thing I learned? Saturday was the first time I sat on a stock RS since I upgraded my seat/windshield/installed risers/footboards, etc. It's amazing how far my bike is now from stock. While I love my new seat, I admit, I still do miss the stock handlebars a little bit. I know it's impossible for most people (including me) to ride an RS for hours at a time without risers, but for those short 30 min - 1 hour speed runs, that stock forward position sure was fun. If I ever decide to pick up an RT of my own, I might return the RS to stock configuration just to have that particular brand of fun again.
That said, I'm pretty sure my next bike won't be an RT-- LOTS of nice stuff there, but I really would like a dual sport/adventure/touring bike to take the places the Spyder can't go. I was impressed with the Kawasaki Versys the most (it "fit" me about the best of the touring bikes), although a local dealer had his BMW bikes there (even though BMW corporate didn't have a display), and I must say, the GS is one nice bike as well (great, I *always* have to have the expensive tastes, don't I??)
Speaking of expensive tastes, in the gear department, British Motorcycle Gear had a booth, I got to try on a lot of their gear for the first time. I think I'll definitely be buying some of their stuff in the near future, was very impressed with the flexibility/versatility of it all. Their regular stuff is reasonably priced-- a bargain for the quality-- but their high-end stuff was *quite* pricey, in particular their leather gear. However, let me say, their leather gear is freakin' outstanding-- soft as anything, armored underneath, and stylish to boot. I won't be buying an $800 leather jacket anytime soon, but if I ever do, it'll be from them.
Anyway, again, the show is about halfway through their tour, so if it's coming to a city near you soon, it's worth spending a few hours to check it out. The gear selection wasn't huge-- and the prices weren't that great-- but nothing beats a motorcycle show/rally for trying on needed gear.
Plus.... pretty bikes!
http://www.motorcycleshows.com/
Anyway, it's not a huge show-- one floor of the DC convention center (the auto show takes both floors, and it's not that big of an auto show).
Still, pretty much all the major manufacturers are represented; a few were missing (BMW, strangely, and the smaller folks like KTM, Aprilia, Ural, etc.), but a nice selection.
Pleasantly, BRP's display was right at the entryway, first one to visit. Nice size, and very popular- PLENTY of people sitting on the Spyders, kids getting their photos taken, etc. Rock stars even at the show!
Saw my first Lava Bronze RT in person. All waxed up, the color looks really metallic, it's a neat effect. Still not my cup of tea-- I prefer the matte look, myself-- but kudos on the tan leather seat (wish it was an option with the blue RT, think that'd be a sharp match). Also saw the nuke green RS, or whatever that color is... again, not a fan (wish we had British Racing Green instead), but still, it's a Spyder! :thumbup:
The one thing I learned? Saturday was the first time I sat on a stock RS since I upgraded my seat/windshield/installed risers/footboards, etc. It's amazing how far my bike is now from stock. While I love my new seat, I admit, I still do miss the stock handlebars a little bit. I know it's impossible for most people (including me) to ride an RS for hours at a time without risers, but for those short 30 min - 1 hour speed runs, that stock forward position sure was fun. If I ever decide to pick up an RT of my own, I might return the RS to stock configuration just to have that particular brand of fun again.
That said, I'm pretty sure my next bike won't be an RT-- LOTS of nice stuff there, but I really would like a dual sport/adventure/touring bike to take the places the Spyder can't go. I was impressed with the Kawasaki Versys the most (it "fit" me about the best of the touring bikes), although a local dealer had his BMW bikes there (even though BMW corporate didn't have a display), and I must say, the GS is one nice bike as well (great, I *always* have to have the expensive tastes, don't I??)
Speaking of expensive tastes, in the gear department, British Motorcycle Gear had a booth, I got to try on a lot of their gear for the first time. I think I'll definitely be buying some of their stuff in the near future, was very impressed with the flexibility/versatility of it all. Their regular stuff is reasonably priced-- a bargain for the quality-- but their high-end stuff was *quite* pricey, in particular their leather gear. However, let me say, their leather gear is freakin' outstanding-- soft as anything, armored underneath, and stylish to boot. I won't be buying an $800 leather jacket anytime soon, but if I ever do, it'll be from them.
Anyway, again, the show is about halfway through their tour, so if it's coming to a city near you soon, it's worth spending a few hours to check it out. The gear selection wasn't huge-- and the prices weren't that great-- but nothing beats a motorcycle show/rally for trying on needed gear.
Plus.... pretty bikes!