The Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Dallas was last weekend and as usual, we had a great time! We normally only attend on Saturday or Sunday but this year we decided to go on Friday and Saturday! After the first hour on Friday, I was glad we did. This year there were several options to really get involved. Knowing Saturday would draw a much larger crowd we decided to do that stuff Friday and save the vendors for Saturday.
One of the main purposes of the motorcycle show is to allow motorcycle manufactures and varies vendors to show-off their latest motorcycles and gear. This year Harley Davidson, Indian, Kawasaki, Honda, BMW, and Suzuki were at the show along with Confederate Motorcycles. I had never heard of them before but their motorcycles were very impressive.
Get Involved
We started off with Discover the Ride. In this area, you got the chance to ride an electric bicycle. After riding those, you could try out the Zero Electric Motorcycle. Scott and I rode in different groups so we could record each other. I was a bit nervous about riding it because the motorcycle was much taller than I’m used to and my feet were not totally flat on the ground. Not to worry though the instructors were great and helped me keep the bike steady until it was my turn to take off. Once I was going it was just like riding my Softail except for the sound. It was odd to be on a motorcycle and not hear the pipes. Scott and I both enjoyed it but don’t expect to see us trading in our Harley’s.
After the electric motorcycles, Scott did the wheelie simulator. Again, the staff did a great job of making it fun for each participant.
XDL Wheelie Experience
This exciting feature is for riders who want to test their wheelie skills in a controlled environment while improving their balance and throttle skills with the help of XDL stunt pros. The XDL Wheelie Experience is a motorcycle attached to a stand in a manner that allows wheelies without forward movement; it’s fun to watch and more fun to try.
SWAG
Every year vendors offer free swag, usually in exchange for your email address. This year there were a couple of unique items. State Farm printed custom metal signs with whatever you wanted. I got one made that read “This Lady Rides” and Scott had one printed for “Ride It Wrench It“. The sign was my favorite! Another noteworthy one was a magazine with beautiful pictures of motorcycles. Progressive had T-shirts, ball caps, and bags this year.
J&P Cycles UBCBS competition.
Each year J&P Cycles sponsors a bike build. I always enjoy seeing the unique motorcycles people build and leave with a deeper desire to complete a build or restoration of a motorcycle with Scott.
The winners of the UBCBS at IMS Dallas are as follows:
Freestyle:
- Winner:Tom Miller won $1,000 and a plaque for a 1967 Harley-Davidson Sportster painted by Gary Queens.
- Runner-Up:Tim Scates took home a plaque for his 1952 Harley-Davidson FL that featured handmade dreads, a 42-degree rake 12 over the front end and 105 ci pan/shovel.
Custom Retro:
- Winner: Kevin Anderlie won $750 and a plaque for his 1965 Triumph.
- Runner-Up:Isiah Booth with The Moto Conspiracy won a plaque for a 1964 Honda CYB 77 Tracker.
Custom Street:
- Winner:Danny Ratliff and airbrush artist Ryan Townsend took home $500 and a plaque for a 2012 Bobber Digger.
- Runner-Up:Krystal Hess with Motorcycle Missions took home a plaque for her Ducati Scrambler.
Modified Harley-Davidson:
Winner: Louie Bailey with Lucky 7 Custom Cycles and painter Chris Fox won $750 and a $250 Harley-Davidson gift card with a 2019 Harley Road Glide.
- Runner-Up:Josef Stazione took home a $100 Harley-Davidson gift card and a plaque for runner-up with his 2013 Harley Davidson Road King CVO.
People’s Choice:
- Winner:Clifton Waxman and Frank Hofmann won People’s Choice with a 1949 Harley Davidson WL 45. The custom retro hosted a 54 inch Stroker Motor.
Best Chopper:
- Winner:Tim Simecek and Brooks Robinson of Hard Luck Motorcycles won a U Koala Bag and a plaque with a 1977 Harley Davidson XLH. The motorcycle, painted at Chiscas Customs, featured a rigid frame, springer, custom fabricated parts and a powder coat.
K&N Garage Builder:
- Winner:Robert Pandya and Joe Mielke won $500 and a K&N Garage gift card with a 1946 Indian Chief Custom, featuring custom bodywork inspired by aviation mechanics and those who fought in the air during WWII.
Best Street Bike:
- Winner:Cody Russell and painter Kim Russell of Vertigo Moto took home a U Koala Bag and a plaque with a 1996 Honda XR250R.
Best Bagger:
- Winner:Nathan Patterson with Metroplex Kustoms won a U Koala Bag and a plaque for his 2017 Harley Road Glide, hosting candy paint, cut neck molded, air round and a sound system.
Best Yet!
Hands down this was my favorite Progressive motorcycle show we’ve attended and I’m already looking forward to next year!
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