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Hi All:

___Is there a CleanMPG member/rider interested in accompanying me as a working journalist to the Chicago Motorcycle show on the 6th of February in Rosemont, IL.?

___Having media credentials should allow us free entrance but I am not sure who we will be able to speak with let alone what we might actually learn? This show appears to be a consumer oriented show where the Media walk in “with” the public and the bikes and displays may be handled by local shops and employees vs. the manufacturers and their reps? I am not sure but either way, I am scheduling a visit for the evening of Friday February 6th before the rest of Chicago visits on Saturday and Sunday.

___I have Press credentials in process and it sounds like it could be fun for a few hours away from the standard Chicago winter nightmare.

Where:

Donald E. Stephens Convention Center
5555 North River Road
Rosemont, IL 60018

When:

Friday, February 6
3:00pm - 9:00pm

___Reply here if you are interested...

___Good Luck

___Wayne

Sounds tempting but with a drive up the following week, I'll have to think about it. I may see if my buddy "the dealer" would want drive up.

I'm thinking about attending with the wife. I haven't been in a few years, but it is consumer oriented. Most staff are local salespeople looking for customers.

This would be a great event, but it is about a week to early. I am trying to finish a load of projects and will be available for just about anything after they are completed.

I attended the Cycle World Long Beach, CA show in December and came away luke warm. I'm a die hard cyclist since 1973. I've ridden nearly daily since getting my license in '82. They were pushing the same old excessive big chrome, big bikes and accessories as usual. Lots of people wearing black clothing, silicone breasts, and generally dressing for an attitude. I felt like I stood out as just a regular guy with his 6 year old son interested in a fun day of learning about motorcycles. Putting the simple fun in cycling, which is it's essence, appeared to be missing. My opinion is that we need another "You meet the nicest people on a Honda" campaign. But I digress.

One dealer I talked with at lunch said that 2008 was his best year ever, mostly due to fuel prices, economy be damned. 2009 will likely turn that around if fuel prices stay relatively low with the continued poor economy.

There were a few gems that stood out.
Unassuming electric scooters.
The cool Can-Am 3 wheelers to help calm those sketchy balancing on 2 wheels, or just want to stand out and be noticed.
The 1.5L supercharged engine in Kawasaki's watercraft, this could be a really great car engine! Small, light and like 230 hp.
MPG ratings on several mfrs offerings - a first.

I would really like to see more offerings targeted at really fun, simple and practical 250-650cc segments. These segments are what draw people to the motorcycle mode and foster the fun and adventure of riding. The really good ones are what experienced riders buy to ride themselves. Also I would like to see improved aerodynamics, as well a rating like frontal area or total drag or something with a standardized rider profile.

Hopefully you'll see more fun offerings in Chicago.

Hi Beatr911:

___Thank you for the preview! I suspected as much as I read through the Media site headlines and you probably wrote the story on the Chicago show without even attending. I plan to visit this coming Friday evening for a few hours and a short write-up with a few pics afterwards.

___In the bike world, I am really looking forward to the Zero-S 70 mph top speed, 60-mile AER due this spring, the Honda CRF230M, Kawasaki KLX 250S and the Suzuki DR200 SE. Whether I will receive the opportunity to ride any of these bikes this year is slim to none but they are the bikes I am looking forward to writing something on (especially the Zero-S) sometime this year. The DR200SE might be at the show but I doubt the rest will be :(

___Good Luck

___Wayne

At our alternative energy fair a few years ago there was a guy with a bike similar to the Zero-S built in Canada. Mostly using the biggest mountain bike parts with a custom Cr-Mo frame. VERY IMPRESSIVE. Small, light, quiet and FAST. Near 60 mph on the electric car front straight (2 blocks long). In the high power mode with SLA batteries it was claimed good for a 20 minute "moto" or more just playing around.

I agree, these bikes should begin twisting powersports soon. They are deceptively simple and effective - a very elegant solution.

Wayne, that's pretty close by to me. It has been YEARS since I was on any kind of powered bike, but I've always had a soft spot for HDs and Indians with their distinct 4-cycle beat. The new electrics intrigue me for a whole different set of reasons. I'll check with my boss today to be sure I can cut out a little early on Friday, I should know later today.

Just to confirm the the phonecall to you Wayne, I am available for Friday night. And if you could take a look in the rough drafts...

Hi Ken:

___I did.

___WRT the Bike show, I am not sure yet as I did not get a reply.

___Good Luck

___Wayne

I'll be there after work (~6PM). No "M" license yet:mad:. Next year.