The IMS crew has packed up its bags after a successful Long Beach gig and is headed due north to Seattle for this weekend’s show. It’s currently 19 degrees outside in Seattle, so I don’t think there will be long lines for demo rides (just kidding, there are no demos slated for Seattle), but the opportunity to check out the latest motorcycles the industry has to offer will still draw a crowd to Qwest Field Event Center this weekend.

Motorcycle USA is making the trip up I-5 for the Seattle IMS show as well. Be sure to stop by and check us out at Booth #1222 and pick up your free copy of MotoUSA magazine Issue #1 2010. Tell Erick that Bryan sent ya and ask him to hook you up with one of our annual mouse pads and a Motorcycle USA sticker.

Despite the cold outside, the cruiser and custom scene should be hot inside. Hot Bikes is promoting a TapouT Ultimate Builder Competition. It’s Pros vs Joes as professional custom bike builders will line up next to amateur builders for a chance to win cash, trophies, and the title of ‘Best in Show.’ In a cool little twist, the pros will judge the amateurs’ bikes, while the up-and-comers will decide on a winner amongst the pros. A third winner will be chosen by the crowd from all the bikes entered in the competition. It should be a high energy affair, with DJ music, dancers, a motorcycle gear fashion show and plenty of cool custom motorcycles on display. UFC fighter Pat “Get Hype” Barry will also be signing autographs at the TapouT Champions Area tonight. 

Sucker Punch Sally’s has been hanging out with the Progressive Insurance crew at the IMS shows as the two have collaborated on a couple of custom bikes that would be worth checking out. One of them, Flo’s Flyer, is a one-off boardtrack-inspired bike hand-built by the SPS crew. The Progressive tent is always a good place to get off your feet for a few and chill after walking all day.

Another change of pace will be had at the Bikes & Beats stage as Two Wheel Tuner and Leo Vince exhausts are holding a cover model search. With a shot as a magazine cover girl at stake, there’s sure to be some hot bikini action to stir up the crowd.

The Seattle IMS show is also a great place to see all of the 2010 factory cruiser motorcycles. Harley-Davidson came out with 34 motorcycles this year, like the 2010 Dyna Wide Glide we recently had the pleasure of testing and the Fat Boy Lo. Its 2010 Touring Electra Glide Ultra Limited, which gets the 103 cubic-inch engine formerly used in the CVO line, should also be on hand for up-close-and-personal inspection. Honda continues to ambitiously pursue the cruiser segment with the introduction of its 1300 Custom Line. The Honda Fury will have three new running mates in the form of the 2010 Sabre, Stateline, and Interstate. It also released a blacked-out version of the 745cc Shadow Phantom that’s been raising eyebrows. Another bike that’s been receiving a lot of hype that will be on hand in Seattle is Star Motorcycles Stratoliner Deluxe. With a fork-mounted fairing, hard bags and plenty of classic art deco styling, the latest Stratoliner has the styling chops to make even die-hard American V-Twin fans look twice. While you're there, look for Vulcans, Voyagers, and Nomads to be featured in the Kawasaki booth, and I’d anticipate plenty of Boulevard’s in the Suzuki camp.
 
Doors will be opening soon, so if you’re a motorcycling enthusiast in the Great Northwest, get your butt in gear and get down to the Seattle IMS show. Book online and save a couple of bucks or pay $15 at the door for a one-day admission.