Matthew DeBord/BI
There’s no denying it: motorcycles are cool.
And for a few days, usually around this time year, that coolness pulls into the Javits Centre on the West Side of Manhattan for the New York Motorcycle Show.
We haven’t attended the show in past years, but for the 2016 installment, we decided it was time an made our way over to Javits to see if two wheels really are better (sometimes) than four.
We also took in some awesome riding gear at the show, which runs through Tuesday, Dec. 13.
Have a look:
Our first stop was right outside the exhibition hall. In the most recent “Resident Evil” movie, Milla Jovovich saddles up on a BMW S 1000 XR.
Progressive Insurance sponsors the show, so right away, we got into the, um … Flo!
Indian has come on strong recent years as a challenger for Harley-Davidson.
Indian does some big ole bikes. Here’s a Chief Vintage. Dig those saddle bags and that FAT leather seat.
The legendary Indian Scout. Nice pipes!
Indian has been around for awhile. It’s kind of gone away at times, but the brand has heritage. This was one of the numerous vintage and custom bikes spread around the hall.
Large. And in charge. Maximized for freeway cruising in comfort. They don’t call it the Roadmaster for nothing.
Two’s not a crowd.
This Chieftain has a full-on infotainment system.
Victory is an Indian stablemate, doing less throwback-style motorcycles …
… and Polaris is also in the family. Here’s the Slingshot, a three-wheeler.
For what it’s worth, the Can-Am Spyder three wheeler was also in the house. It’s more of a motorcycle in design.
Well, you knew these guys were going to be here.
One of my faves: The Harley Roadster.
Harley brought some bikes with three wheels, too!
Hmmm … what’s the on the gas tank? Looks like …
An evil sparkling skull!!!
Another old-school Harley, busting out its chrome: Superlow 1200T.
The Italians!
Ducati pulled the cover off this hot 1299 Superleggera.
Fabulous fairings.
Ducati’s like red, but they look great in black.
The immortal Ducati Monster, introduced more than 20 years ago and is still going strong.
Ducati’s latest success is the snappy Scrambler, a bike that’s now shaping its own sub-brand.
Now here’s a curiosity: Royal Enfield. It’s a brand well-known in former British colonies, such as India. But it’s only been recently gaining exposure in the US, as throwback bikes enjoy a resurgence.
The Continental GT — a simple bike that recalls a simpler time.
Let’s take a break from all the handlebars and pipes. It ain’t a motorcycle show without some helmets, and here’s a batch from HJC. Safety first!
More helmets, this time from Arai.
A corner crammed with groovy moto-jackets.
Refurbished, vintage, and custom bikes were everywhere. Here’s a Norton.
Here’s a teeny little old Honda.
Of course, Mr. Nasty.
A slim Triumph.
And a chopper! I don’t know why choppers haven’t staged a comeback …
Over at Honda, we saw some cute little two-wheelers, for the youngest dirt-bikers.
Also, the wonderful Metropolitan — Honda’s take on the classic Italian scooter.
Suzuki brought an entire row of Boulevards.
A closer look at this stylish cruiser.
Sleek sport bikes. There’s still an market for these screamers, even as vintage designs gain in popularity.
Japanese manufacturers have been a bike part of the US motorcycle scene for decades.
Yamaha brought some big cruisers …
… and a cool concept bike for police work.
I love this one: the Bolt R-Spec Silver Shadow.
Yamaha also makes guitars. Can you find the axe?
BMW rounded out the visit. It’s the Ultimate Riding Machine.
BMW has a reputation for building some of the best motorcycles in the world, for a wide range of discerning riders.
Time to go! Yeah, motorcycles are definitely crazy machines for crazy people. But they are also beautiful examples of industrial design that are incredible to look at and appreciate, even if you never throw a leg. Vroom! Ride to live and live to ride!
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