Seattle International MC Show -brief

[arkline]

Well, we went. It was a motorcycle show. I'll post some pics when I get a chance. Highlights:

Suzuki, Yamaha, Kawasaki, and Honda had huge displays with bikes, scooters and ATVs. The Ducati display was small but well rounded. The Paul Smarts are out. The ST3 was nice, but tall. The Aprilia/Guzzi dealer had a ton of stuff (but no Futura). The BMW display was big enough to hold the Honda and Yamaha cruiser displays together but had maybe, maybe eight bikes. R1200RT, R1200S, K1200R, a couple of 650 Dakars, one lone and lonely K12LT. No 800s. No K12GT. And hardly any local dealership people. One guy I know from South Sound said that the K12GT would be on display in Canada and Pasadena, but not here until, um, maybe April...MV Augusta had more bikes on display than BMW...

The VME (Vintage Motorcycle Enthusiasts) had a great display crammed into half the space it should of had. Lovely Manx Norton on the second floor.

I was pretty underwhelmed. Maybe I'm getting jaded. Looked closely at the FJR1300. Pretty tall saddle for the likes of me. Lovely blue, though. They had a pushbutton shift model. Silver. One of the current owners said that the seat was three position, so it might be lower if adjusted. Took another squint at the ST1300. 'S very heavy.

Donna looked at the Suzuki S50 cruiser again. I even sat on it. It is sooooooo tiny feeling. But its that cruiser vibe thaing that puts me off. She also looked at all the scooters again. Silverwing, Bergman, whatever. My daughter who is elfin in stature liked the Vinos, but still needs to get her license.

They had the AMA Museum people crammed under the steps like last year and they are raffling off a 1947 (I think) straight four Indian. People were staying away in droves. Gotta get better marketing going for stuff to happen.

Michelle Smith was stuck at a card table somewhere along one aisle. Poor kid. Slobbered over by tons of American Thunder fans. I've got to say that being an icon must be a horrible way to make a living.

I don't know if its the weather or what, but I came away with no overwhelming feelings of "how cool was that". On the other hand I might go back tomorrow, since there seems to be no racing on the tube.

[gel9001]

Can you let us know if the BMW Winnebego with clothes and gear was there? They weren't around last year but were there the year before. I could use some stuff.

Gene

[DJ Downunder]

Thanks arkline.....who's Michelle Smith?

It's a shame BMW didn't have more bikes..no HP2's...or new GS ADV or Power Cup bikes...at our local show about 6 mths ago they had at least 15 bikes.

It's also a shame you guys don't get to see all the BMW neat helmets... ..I hope you at least you had the Miss Motorad girls...and Ride Naked girls.

You guys need to come and live in Oz... .........( I've just re posted some of my pics...yes..rubbing it in.. )

DJ

[arkline]

There was a semi trailer back against one wall. Didn't look into it.

Michelle Smith:

http://www.michelesmith.tv/
Note seminudity on her site.

Michele is the host of a 30 minute bike show on SpeedTV. The show is Called "American Thunder" and is overwhelmingly a cruiser show. Michele is an extremely attractive individual who should have no trouble breathing.

I really feel let down by BMW. We here in the Pacific Northwest must be sort of an afterthought. None of the good stuff. Reminds me of how they failed to show at the BMW MOA rally two years ago.

[R4R&R]

Michele is an extremely attractive individual who should have no trouble breathing.

....Or swimming
....Or getting free drinks at a bar
....Or getting free rides on any bike she sees

[bimrluvr]

Thanks for th report.
Sounds rather underwhelming. Hopefully the Long Beach, CA version next weekend will be better attended by BMW reps.
Anyone else from the board gonna be there?

Mort

[rivi7777]

I went to the Seattle show today...

Hopefully the Long Beach, CA version next weekend will be better attended by BMW reps

...and asked the good folks of BMW if the new R1200S, F800, or K1200GT would be on display for my friends in Cali in the upcoming weeks. It was said to me, that of the three newbies, you will probably see the new 1200GT, but that's it...

[Guest]

Thanks RIVI,
That's something to look forward to...
I'm pretty eager to see the new GT. I'll be sure to take pics

[Deans BMW]

At the San Jose show, Dec 16-18, as of now, you will see the new K1200GT and the R1200GS ADV, don't know yet if there will be any other new BMW offerings. San Jose BMW will have a very large display with lots of BMW apparel.

I am flying out to San Jose Wed and will helping out BMW at the show.

Any and all are invited over to San Jose BMW either Wed afternoon or Thus to say HI. Here is hoping that you can read between the lines

[arkline]

As far as BMW goes...The two (under one ownership) big shops here in Pungent Sound country were remarkably in short supply. Some of the guys that work at the dealerships were shilling for BMW NA. On the other hand BMW of Santa Cruz was there????

Very odd, indeed. Maybe the San Jose people can come up next December...

[BillC]

There was an HP2 on display in Seattle. I had to check it out and got a nosebleed. I was on both toes. I'd say it would be a new adventure at every stop light, of course it doesn't belong on the street right? Very lacklluster display by BMW, Japanese makers were very well represented, overall the show was average.