Impressions of the Indianapolis Dealer Expo (and International Motorcycle Show)
Indianapolis, Indiana, United States of America
Indianapolis. Home of the Brickyard, the Indy500, round 11 of the MotoGP and lots of people who clearly love engines. It's also home to the Dealer Expo and the International Motorcycle Show (IMS), which combined make for the largest motorcycle show in North America.
Plenty of old metal to be seen at the Indy Dealer Expo
It's being held in the Indianapolis convention center - a truly monstrous venue that spans over six blocks with motorcycles are occupying several large halls.
Plenty to see at the Indy Dealer Expo
Plenty to see at the Indy Dealer Expo
I'm told there are over 500 exhibitors, and looking at this place, it's probably true. Technically, the Dealer Expo and International Motorcycle Show are two separate events and you have to leave one to enter the other. The fact that I've only seen the Dealer Expo today makes for serious sore feet tomorrow!
At the Dealer Expo, you won't find a Yamaha stand, no Harley showing off their metal. That stuff is left for the consumers at the IMS next door. Instead, you'll find gear and supplies you really go into your dealer for: aftermarket parts, clothing and accessories. The choice is overwhelming. There's brands here I've never seen in stores. Some of it I'm glad about and others I'm left wondering if I've just seen the next big thing or I really do live in a country where there's no choice.
Everything you might need at the Indy Dealer Expo
And plenty you might not
Custom bikes very much in evidence - this one, complete with saber
Indy dealer expo exhibits included this "build your own top end" competition
Some very artistic displays on offer - this from Esjot
One things is clear though - it's not busy. Talking with a few exhibitors, I was told the show is quieter this year. No one can quite tell me why or how, but exhibitors are in agreement that five years ago, it was busier. I'm just grateful as it's hard enough to see everything without having to fights the crowds, too.
Indy Dealer Expo - Not many people here
Not many people here either
The people we met very friendly, and we got a chance to look at a good number of products that should be available for your dollars in the near future. While I won't go into specifics here, products do seem to be getting a little bit better, a little bit cheaper and look a little prettier. There's no major revolutions I saw, but there's still plenty to lust after.
Wayne from Asterisk gave me a great explanation for why I need knee protection in dirt
JE Pistons showed us a 230bhp hill climber - notice what look like snow chains on the rear wheel
As I was leaving the Dealer Expo, I took a quick peak at the International Motorcycle Show next door. Looking forward to seeing more tomorrow.
