I arrived in Indianapolis in the afternoon. A bit later than I wanted since I spent a fair amount of time in Cincinnati eating lots of tasty food.
I arrived in time to catch one of the last practices of Moto3. A few blocks before I arrived, I could hear the bikes at the track. The sound of those 250cc engines screaming down the straights. It is a good noise.
I quickly parked and took off my gear to get near the track to watch them carve the corners. They are impressive to watch. I wish I was half as talented as they are.
These guys have a great job. Watch the action and then ride motorcycles around in the forbidden areas. They also get to give rides to riders back to the pits if they fall off. Fun.
Lots of motorcycle vendors were at the show this year. Kawasaki had a small tent away from all the rest. It was kind of sad in comparison to Suzuki or Honda.
Aprillia, KTM, and Moto Guzzi were new this year.
Ducati had a large presence as usual, but further in the back. They changed the layout to make room for the AMA racers in town.
Yamaha had the kids try a bike setup. Its fun watching them try to go around the hay bales. Occasionally, they lose control and smack into one. Then get right back up and go again. Oh to be young and invincible again.
Also new this year, was an adult “try a motorcycle” session. They had gear and small dual sports. The area was staffed by MSF instructors. This would have also been a fun job.
More practice sessions running. This time it was AMA Superstock? The American racing series not really comparable to MotoGP. They were fun to watch, but slower. I wish the USA was more competitive.
I hit up the Suzuki area and got some Suzuki owner’s swag. They also gave me a wrist pass to park in the middle of the motorcycle midway. Such a sweet perk and a very nice parking location. I used it on Saturday, but the Museum is a much better spot on race day. Thanks William!
I checked into my hotel and then headed downtown. This is my fourth year watching MotoGP in Indianapolis, and I have never been downtown. I thought it would be boring. We have an amazing monthly motorcycle gathering in Minneapolis called “First Thursday”. Wow. This was so, so much more.
Tons of motorcycles of all kinds lined the streets. The police shut down a ten block stretch of Meridian and then around the monument circle. Many of the side streets were also closed to only motorcycles. There were thousands and thousands of people and bikes. It was awesome. Seriously.
Lots of cool bikes to look at. I really wanted to hear what the bike below sounded like… a 15” sub for a top case? 6x9s for side cases? A rolling concert.
Motorcycles of all kinds continued in a non-stop stream from 7pm-midnight.
Stretched sport bikes.
Goldwing with a trailer. He had very cool bright blue lights at night.
This made me laugh much harder than I think it should. I didn’t contribute. There was plenty of chrome.
Bikes bikes bikes!
The one and only Ural I saw on Friday night, and I happened to get this guy picking his nose. haha!
Lots of custom motorcycles to gawk at.
Loaded vstrom.
The LEDs flashing on this one didn’t quite come through in the pic.
Liked the detailed paint job on this GSXR.
Supergirl!
Not sure what this is, but it was really neat to look at.
Loved the headlight and turn signals.
Horns look painful…
So. Many. Motorcycles!
Fake wooden topcase. It felt like metal when I touched it. Still look really neat.
Now THIS is a brake light!
There was a stunt show put on by Icon with two riders. One was on a Ninja and the other on a Harley. It was quite a good show. I put some video up on youtube. I will try to put a longer one up later.
I had a great time wandering around looking at the motorcycles and people watching. The stunt show and multiple DJs playing music. It was a great experience. I was looking forward to going back again on Saturday night.
Related Posts:
- YouTube Playlist: Road Trip 2015
- Road Trip Day #10–Iowa, Minnesota, and Home
- Road Trip Day #9–Indianapolis MotoGP
- Road Trip Day #8– Part 2/2 Motorcycles on Meridian
- Road Trip Day #8– Part 1/2 IndyGP and Motorcycle Motorcycle Midway
- Road Trip Day #7–Indianapolis
- Road Trip Day #6–More Mountains!
- Road Trip Day #5–Mountains FTW!
- Road Trip Day #4–Memphis to Chattanooga
- Road Trip Day #3–Memphis, TN
- Road Trip Day #2–MO to TN
- Road Trip Day #1–MN to MO
Wow, that is a lot of bikes. Looks like some really interesting/customized machines though. Glad you are having fun.
ReplyDeleteSo many bikes. It was a great time!
DeleteWhat an incredible outdoor show. Lucky you with preferred parking too!
ReplyDeletePS video shows moto-congestion to the max. I see helmets are optional.
DeleteMotoGP is a great time in Indianapolis. A lot more than just the races. Helmets are optional in IN...
DeleteThe Ural is owned by the Wilkinson Bros. They post a lot of stuff at Good Spark Garage. They work as graphic designers here in Indy, but are total motorcycle junkies. There was a cafed W650 parked next to the Ural that belongs to them as well.
ReplyDeleteHi Joel! Great chatting with you on Friday night.
DeleteWow that looks like a really good day that you've had , some really well crafted machines in the pics.
ReplyDeleteall look thrilling and action packed!
Regards
len
totally action packed. It was non-stop motorcycle fun all day/night. Thus why I'm needing to write the posts after I'm already home. haha
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