The 2013 iteration of the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows tour is in full swing and making its way through the Heartland of the good ol’ U.S.A. On January 11-13, the two-wheel circus came blowing through Minneapolis, home to THUNDER PRESS, and I was on hand to take in the sights and “sounds” of the show.
The big draw at the Minneapolis IMS was the “Indian Motorcycle Experience” exhibit from Minneapolis-based Indian Motorcycle and its parent company, Polaris Industries. The exhibit featured a timeline containing some of the marque’s most important and historic achievements and highlights, from racing days to its participation in military vehicle production. Also on display was an exact replica of 1948 Daytona 200 winner Floyd Emde’s Indian “Big Base” Scout, along with the entire lineup of 2013 Indian Motorcycle models including the recently announced Indian Chief Vintage Final Edition.
In an effort to boost up the anticipation level for the big unveiling at Daytona Bike Week 2013, Indian incorporated a “sound booth” into the “Indian Motorcycle Experience” exhibit. Attendees could walk through the timeline display of historical items and facts, and then step into the fiberglass-walled sound booth with surround sound to hear the all-new Indian motor shift through the gears.
Next stop for the Progressive IMS will be New York City on January 18-20; Cleveland, Ohio, on January 25-27; Novi, Michigan, on February 1-3; Chicago, Illinois, on February 8-10; Indianapolis, Indiana, on February 15-17; and the last stop is in Charlotte, North Carolina, on February 22-24.
