News

International Motorcycle Show Kicks Off This Weekend in Long Beach, CA

Swing by and check out all the newest bikes, gear, and more.

November 17, 2016

Motorcyclists on the east coast who want to get a first look at new models head to AIMExpo in Orlando. On the west coast it's the Long Beach IMS. Last year's IMS intros included the Africa Twin, the Triumph Street Twin (our 2016 Motorcycle of the Year) and Indian's Scout Sixty.Photo: Brian Hatano

You've been reading about the new 2017 bikes, riding gear, and accessories for months now, but that's no substitute for seeing, feeling, and trying them on in person. The Progressive International Motorcycle Show, which runs from November 18-20,at the Long Beach Convention Center in Long Beach, CA, gathers together the industry's latest offerings all under one roof, and tosses in a lot of extras, too.

Start with free motorcycle parking and gear check, then make your way into the big building, or turn right back around and get in line for a demo ride on a new BMW, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Indian, Slingshot, Suzuki, Victory, or Yamaha. When you're done, check out the rest of the new bikes—including the new Black Lightning from EBR Motorcycles, Ducati's new Desert Sled, as well as Yamaha's stunning new YZF-R6—from all the manufacturers, along with riding gear and accessories from major brands like AGV, Arai, Dynojet, HJC, K&N, National Cycle, Performance Machine, Schuberth, Shoei, Touratech, Twisted Throttle, Vance & Hines, and many, many others.

Ducati's much-anticipated cruiser, the XDiavel, made an appearance at Long Beach last year. This year, expect to see the new 1299 Superleggera, SuperSport, Multistrada 950 and Scrambler Desert Sled in the Ducati display.Photo: Brian Hatano

Other attractions include the FMX Stunt Show, J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show, and the Cycle Gear Marketplace, where you can see up-close and first-hand new products from more than a dozen major accessory and performance companies, and learn more about them from factory specialists.

Watch our Facebook page on Friday November 18 for photos of the J&P Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and a FB Live feed with Ari Henning scoping out the new bikes for 2017.Photo: Brian Hatano

Are vintage bikes more your speed? Get your nostalgia on as vintage clubs from all over the country show off vintage, classic, and retro motorcycles alongside the new models on the showroom floor. Japanese, European, American, and a few wild cards—they’ll all be there.

When wandering around gets tiring, sit back and enjoy the show on the Progressive Main Stage. Top motorcycle racers, riding instructors, and bike designers will be on hand. And you might need to make room in your garage for a new BMW G310R, a Kawasaki KX25F, a Victory Octane, or a customized Yamaha YZF-R1S if you’re one of the lucky winner of the show’s sweepstakes.

Pro racers like MotoAmerica's Cameron Beaubier and JD Beach often make it to Long Beach to talk to fans and sign autographs.Photo: Brian Hatano

IMS never fails to provide unique attractions like the "chopstick artwork" of Makoto Endo, who created his moto art all weekend. The café racer on display here is Dustin Kott's 1973 CB750.Photo: Brian Hatano

Finally, if you bring your moto-munchkins with you, stop by the Kids Zone, where kids aged 18 months to 5 years can explore life on two wheels and experience the challenge and thrills of riding a Strider balance bike—all for free. Well, it’s free once you in the show anyway, but tickets to get in the door are only about $16.

The International Motorcycle Show has seven stops in its winter 2016/2017 schedule including Long Beach, New York, Washington DC, Dallas, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Chicago. For more information and a complete schedule, check out motorcycleshows.com.