Has anyone been to one of these shows this year? I figured I'd make the drive up and see the one in Greenville tomorrow (Sat). If anyone else is going, I'll be wearing blue jeans and a black Triumph T-shirt, can't miss me, stop me and say "Howdy!"
I'll be collecting any freebies and stacks of literature on the latest and greatest new wunderbikes and all in between. My boy wants to size up an Aprilia SR 50 Factory sportscooter. At 14, he's thinking about road riding and a 50cc scooter doesnt require any government intervention to be ridden on the roads, at least not out here in the sticks. But Mostly because he's found a big bore kit, a whopping 70cc replacement cylinder, for the little 2-stroke in a mag that mentioned he'd be able to hit 75mph. Sounds good to me, it's not that Brutale I've been desiring but it is an Aprilia and that's Italian enough for me.
Any Comment that Y'all would like pass on to the Manufacterers Reps while I'm there??
__________________
JDubya
Harleyville, South Carolina
USA
I went to the show in Greenville last year and was a little disappointed. Perhaps because it was the last show of the circuit, and perhaps because of the economy, but there really wasn't a whole lot of new stuff to see and not many vendors selling merchandise.
Hopefully it will be better this year.
My only advice is to get tickets in advance if possible because there was a heck of a line last year.
My boy wants to size up an Aprilia SR 50 Factory sportscooter. At 14, he's thinking about road riding and a 50cc scooter doesnt require any government intervention to be ridden on the roads, at least not out here in the sticks. But Mostly because he's found a big bore kit, a whopping 70cc replacement cylinder, for the little 2-stroke in a mag that mentioned he'd be able to hit 75mph. Sounds good to me, it's not that Brutale I've been desiring but it is an Aprilia and that's Italian enough for me.
I went to the Seattle show and was kinda disappointed overall. I didn't see anything from BWM, KTM, or Aprilia.
Under 50cc only requires a driver's license, no endorsement. Your boy will love the SR50 scooter, it's one of the sportiest scooters available in the states, but I'd tell him not to get his hopes up on seeing 75mph (or even 65mph) with that big bore kit.
A few years back I built up a SR50 about as far as it could go (70cc big bore kit, pipe, taller gears, aftermarket clutch, racing variator, heavier contra spring, and MANY hours dialing in the optimum roller weights). It pulled really good off the line and the throttle response was pretty impressive, but the only time I ever saw 65mph was in a tuck going downhill.
Mine was an '03 and they might be a little faster now, but with everything dialed-in just right I would max out at 55-57mph on flat roads. I had hoped it would be closer to 65mph.
In stock trim the scooter will barely reach 35mph, and it will take a while to get there, so the big bore kit and gearing was a major improvement. Every time I rode it I had a huge grin on my face, but overall I was a bit underwhelmed with the big-bore kit.
In stock trim I was getting 120mpg. With all the go-fast parts I was still getting 80mpg. At the time I had a 2 mile commute, so I could fill it up with just over a gallon and ride for a month!
Thanks, Happy New Year to you too, and I'll let you in on a secret - One of my longest term friends is - Canadian! We used to get into all kinds of trouble back in the late seventies, talked to him a couple nights ago, bottom line, I have a hard time clearly stating what I want to say, more than a few people take whatever I say wrong and life is too short to stereotype anyone or anything.
This show for the most part sucked. It was like 1/5 of the size if not smaller then the show in Indy a few years ago. I had a good time anyways since I was with my good friend and we bs'd about bikes the whole time. Pics to be posted soon...........I'm lazy
This show for the most part sucked. It was like 1/5 of the size if not smaller then the show in Indy a few years ago. I had a good time anyways since I was with my good friend and we bs'd about bikes the whole time. Pics to be posted soon...........I'm lazy
Well, that makes it easy for me to decide against a Chicago voyage.
I have to say, it wasn't quite as large as I'd thought it would be. The Japanese brands were well represented. Kawi had their new Z1000 out to sit on and it felt and looked good. I liked Ducati's StreetFighter the best and think it is a very desirable machine. Matter of fact, Ducati really had the best set up area with many to look at like a hands-on exhibits of a cutaway engine you could spin and watch the valves operate, a latte shop, and many personel dressed in red shirts answering all Q's thrown at them. Aprilia's RSV4 was mean looking but Aprilia didn't have but two there, no Shiver, no Mana, no dirtbikes, no scooters. Only two Vespas sat next to them. My wife thought the pink one was "cute" funny, It reminded me of Pepto Bismol. The BMW S1000RR looked cool and BMW had quite a crowd in their area. I snuck under the rope and sat on Spies WSBK for a quick phone picture before I was asked to get off. The 2 O'Clock Ducati freestyle show's was cancelled because the rider broke his ankle in the earlier show and we left before the 4 PM feature and new stunta. There was siminar's going on all over and the place was PACKED! Lot's of bodies and lot's of heat. I ended up toting my jacket in one of the bags that they were handing out when filing in. The SC Highway Patrol were handing out these cool posters of Einstien on a Harley saying "Ride Smart." South Carolina's Evil Knievels ride silver Honda ST1300 these days. The funniest thing being sold there I guess were black t-shirts with the "Son's of Anarchy" television show logo's on 'em.
I enjoyed myself overall but was kinda disapointed about MV Augusta and Royal Enfield not showing and Aprilia's lack of models on display, oh, they did have a nice blonde model wearing an Aprilia shirt but she kinda shrugged off my question about lack of bikes by telling that they were wanting to really push the RSV4 this go 'round.
Maybe at a larger venue it may be a little better but it was well worth 12 bucks on a cold January day. I will plan to attend again next year.
__________________
JDubya
Harleyville, South Carolina
USA
I headed to Greenville, SC on Saturday and met up with my buddy Rob to check out the 2010 Cycle World Powersports Expo. It was the half way point between our houses (2 hours for each of us). Thought I'd share some pics with the board.
Warming up the truck to leave:
Here I am trying out the Ducati Streetfighter
Monster 1100 (I want this bad.....I had an '01 M900Sie, but damn is this thing HOT!)
That is the problem with looking... You start wanting to touch...
__________________
In 1915 T. Roosevelt said, in a speech to the KofC, "There is no room in this country for hyphenated Americanism. When I refer to hyphenated Americans, I do not refer to naturalized Americans. Some of the very best Americans I have ever known were naturalized Americans, Americans born abroad. But a hyphenated American is not an American at all. "
.
Linear Mode
Chevy Camaro Forum
Ford Mustang Forum
Jeep Wrangler Forum
Volkswagen Touareg Forum
Land Rover Defender Forum
