'Motorcycle Live 2013' the new bike show extravaganza at The NEC (National Exhibition Centre), Birmingham, (UK) kicks off.
Every major manufacturer across the globe will be present showcasing their latest 2014 models. The show launches in the UK for the first time with over 150 exhibitors and retail stands offering kit-bikes, accessories, leathers, plastics, rubber, whatever motorcycle-related fetish...oops, wrong show...whatever motorcycle-related products and/or services you need.
One of the much anticipated dealers this year was the UK debut of the new Indian V-twins. The world-famous American marque was relaunched the previous summer by the snowmobile giant Polaris, who also owns Victory motorcycles.
There were three models on display: the Chief 'Classic', a traditional bagger/cruiser; the Chief 'Vintage', which has a windshield and soft, removable saddlebags; and the 'Chieftain', which has a half-fairing with adjustable windshield and your normal fiberglass saddlebags.
All the Indian's are powered by the 'Thunderstroke 111' motor, an air-cooled V-twin that gets its name from its cubic inch capacity, which translates to 1,811cc. Indian/Polaris is trying hard to produce a bike that's reminiscent of the Springfield Chief, it's your money, you be the judge.
One cool feature of the Birmingham show was a stand where rug-rats as young as two could get their first taste of two-wheels on the "Kiddimoto Children’s Fun Track", while those bigger kids, aged five and up, could experience a powered two-wheeler in the safe surroundings of Honda's "My First License".
Today in motorcycle history proudly supports the National Association for Bikers with a Disability (NABD). www.nabd.org.uk
