International Motorcycle Show-Chicago

Saturday, February 20th four of us traveled to Chicago to what used to be called the Rosemont Convention Center, now the Donald E Stephens Convention Center for the Annual International Motorcycle Show. From Watertown to the Convention Center, 123 miles! This was my first year attending this event. Parking was extremely easy as we parked just to the north of the Convention Center and north of STH 190. The distance between the parking area and convention center was within walking distance! Parking, get this $5 for up to 14 hours! This also included a FREE shuttle bus to and from the convention center! We were dropped off at the front door of the center. Terry had stopped at Renegade Classics in Milwaukee prior to us going to pickup $3 off per ticket coupons. Our admission price was $12, plus the $5 and 2 tolls of $1 and $1.50. Overall fairly cheap for what was like a Rally without the Bikes being there.

Though we only spent three hours at the show I saw a few things that I have to share with you all. First off, I will no longer tell Cathy I will never be seen on a trike! What I saw first hand did not disappoint me at all, the BRP Can-AM RT Touring Trike. I can't begin to cover all the "goodies" this trike has but if you are looking for value for your dollar....then look no further, or course the proof will be in test driving one!

Another item that interested me was being sold by Yukon Leather. It is called the Zip Front Police Style leather vest. Though the retail price was $199.95, the show price was $99.95. Problem was that after I made a deal with the vendor, they didn't have my size! Once back home I e-mailed the company and they were very good with a quick answer. Though they didn't want to meet the $90 price and free shipping, after two e-mails to them they honored the vendor price and agreed to the $90 and FREE shipping. Tomorrow I will order this vest! Thanks again to Yukon Leather for honoring your Vendor's price!

Terry had told me that National Cycle would be available at the Show to ask questions of their VStream Windscreen that is made for Harley-Davidson Touring Models, specifically the Road Glide. After almost giving up on finding the booth as we were about ready to leave, "bingo" we found it! I wish I would have gotten the salesman's name becasue he provided lots of information and invited me to their warehouse in Maywood, IL to try a VStream before buying it! This is what I have been looking for! They will install a used Windscreen on our '08 Road Glide and if I like it, then they will install a new one as I wait! Prices are fairly reasonable, under $175. They come in three different sizes, 18", 15.25", 9.25" (Dark or Light Tint 9.25" only).

AMSOIL INC. of Superior, WI has announced the addition of 75W-110 Severe Gear Synthetic Gear Lube to its strong line of AMSOIL Severe Gear Extreme Pressure Synthetic Gear Lubes. AMSOIL Severe Gear Synthetic Gear Lubes feature an exclusive blend of high viscosity, shear stable synthetic base oils and an extra treatment of high-performance additives. They are engineered to protect gears better than conventional gear oils, resisting acid, carbon and varnish formation and oxidative breakdown. At the Show we were told that this Synthetic Gear Oil is just what the Doctor ordered for those 6-speed Harley-Davidson transmissions prior to the new design of the '09s. Switching to Amsoil 75W-110 will quite that 5th gear chatter right down and needs to be changed every 20,000 miles. We own one of those noisy '08s, so I will be changing over to this gear oil.

Last but not least, I met a young man who's name is Greg Zaffke II. Greg lost his mother about a year ago to a motorist that was not paying attention to the road and multitasking by, painting her nails! This motorists failed to stop at an intersection and stuck Anita Zaffke, who was on her motorcycle, wearing a helmet and proper riding gear. The impact caused Anita to be thrown some 200' from her motorcycle. Anita was only 56 years old! Greg has established a cause titled, Black Nail Brigade as a non-profit organization providing information and resources for crash victims and their families. This organization is DEMANDING increased motorist awareness and accountability. May 1, 2010 Black Nail Brigade is holding an Epic Memorial Ride & Rally. Visit their website and join in the cause! If you can't join the ride consider a donation. Greg, your mother would be very proud of you in getting the word out and helping to pass new laws making it a crime to multitask when driving! Thanks for all your hard work!

As you can see this was an eventful day out with some riding buddies. Thanks to Marc, Chuck and Terry for introducing me to the International Motorcycle Show! Next year I will definitely be in attendance once again!