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Motorcycle
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NEW 2011
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Fieldsheer
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Welcome
January 2011 - New Bikes/Motorcycle Show

Thanks for taking a look at Twin Cities Rider. This is our third issue of what we hope will become your favourite source for motorcycle, scooter and moped information in the Minneapolis & St. Paul area.

International Motorcycle Show
It's been a challenging winter here in the Twin Cities so far. We set a record for snowfall in December, and we call 18 degrees in January a "warm spell." I have to walk my Kymco People 250 down my alley and slosh through a block of semi-plowed residential street to get to a thoroughfare that I can ride on. Luckily, a nice, warm, indoor motorcycle/scooter event is coming up.

Friday, Saturday & Sunday, February 4th, 5th & 6th, the International Motorcycle Show (IMS) will be at the Convention Center in Minneapolis. It's that big complex located at 1301 Second Avenue South in downtown Minneapolis. The show hours are 4:00PM - 9:00PM on Friday, 9:30AM - 8:00PM on Saturday, and 10:00AM - 4:00PM on Sunday. Tickets at the box office are $15.00 for adults, $6.00 for children, under 5 years old with a parent are free. These are for single day tickets. There are some deals online. The discount code IMSWEB should work HERE for online tickets.

I have been going to the motorcycle show for many years, usually "working" there for a brand or dealer. Some years it seemed like there wasn't anything new that I really wanted to see, but I had a great time anyway. It's the camaraderie of local riders that make this such a fun event. A fair number of local groups and clubs make the motorcycle show a winter meeting place. Often times I'll run into people who I don't get to see much during the riding season. The motorcycle show can also be a good place to see (and purchase) products. I admit that I first saw (and bought) Zooke anti-fogging wax at the motorcycle show and have been using it ever since.

Of course there are bikes, lots and lots of bikes. At the time of this writing, the exhibitor list had not been published for Minneapolis, but we're expecting to see Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Star, Suzuki & Yamaha and hoping that other brands will be represented by Twin Cities area dealers at the show.

Take some time during that first weekend in February and head over to the Convention Center. At least it will get you in out of the cold to a place filled with motorcycles, scooters, and related paraphernalia.

New Bikes for 2011 That We Want to Ride
The last couple of years have been VERY tough on the powersports industry. I believe that 2011 will show that the pendulum has swung back a bit and business will improve. Several manufacturers are bringing new models to the US market this year and we are looking forward to checking them out. Though certainly not meant as an all-inclusive or definitive guide, CLICK HERE to see some of the new bikes that we're excited about.

Fieldsheer Women's Jacket Review
Jordana is back with a review of a Fieldsheer jacket. This jacket is designed for riding in colder weather. Jordana is NOT designed (or destined) for cold weather riding. Still, this jacket got her outside and on two wheels during her normal hibernation months. CLICK HERE to read her review. 

Several features of this website are not necessarily associated with any single issue of Twin Cities Rider, but are here as resources for you. Our calendar page features a list of events in the Twin Cities area. The links page includes lists of area dealers and shops as well as groups & clubs. If you just can't get enough blather about motorcycles and scooters, check out the Two-Wheels-And-A-Motor podcasts or the Just-Gotta-Scoot podcasts. We have recently added a "Sales Corner" for local readers looking to sell (or buy). It was empty when I wrote this, so please let me know if you have something you want to post there.  Of course it goes without saying that we desperately hope you will visit our sponsors and give them a chance to earn your business.

Twin Cities Rider will be published (more or less) monthly during the riding season and as appropriate during the winter. You can SUBSCRIBE HERE to receive email notification of new issues. Please CONTACT US if you have any questions or comments.