Indiana’s motorcycle world… is revving up! 

Sandy Kite Hunt and Bob Schulteti, Indy South Side Harley-Davidson, tell us about the Indiana Motorcycle Expo happening later this month. 

Indiana Motorcycle Expo
Friday, February 15 – Sunday, February 17, Indiana State Fairgrounds 

For the past four years, the “Pioneers of Hoosier Motorcycling” at the annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo has been a growing and very popular attraction.  A brief description follows:

In a very comfortable and casual setting at the 28th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo, the men and women who were “pioneers” in Indiana’s motorcycle world will share their stories and remembrances of the early days of motorcycling.

The “Pioneers of Hoosier Motorcycling” is the brain child of local Hoosier motorcycling authority Sandy Kite Hunt, and several Renfro Productions team members, including President Kevin Renfro.  According to Kite:  “We wanted to breathe new life into the rich history of motorcycling in the State of Indiana, focus on the many accomplishments of area enthusiasts, and expose our younger riders to the heritage that makes Indiana a great state for bikers.”

Hunt is currently the Events Coordinator at Indy South Side Harley-Davidson where she puts together motorcycle tours, rallies, charity events, and much more.  The Schulteti Family started a motorcycle business in Indianapolis in 1947 near downtown on Meridian Street, and it eventually expanded and became Indy South Side Harley-Davidson and move to its present location at 4930 Southport Crossing Place in 1997. The business is now managed by a fifth generation of the Schulteti Family. 

Pioneers of Hoosier Motorcycling Panel Sessions
Saturday,  February 16
•    Noon: “How I Learned to Ride”
•    2 pm:  “Generations of Racers”
•    4 pm:  “Adventure Riding and Touring”
•    6 pm:  “Future of Hoosier Motorcycling Training Information”
Sunday,  February 17
•    11:30 am:  “Motorcycle Clubs/Gypsy Tours & Rallies”
•    2:30 pm:  “Riding & Racing Opportunities”

   The 28th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo is a Mecca for all manner of bikes and motorcycle accessories and takes place during the Ford 65th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport, and Travel Show’s Opening Weekend, February 17-19.  
    No wonder that, for the past 27 years, the Expo has been known as the place “where motorcycle enthusiasts meet!”
    The Expo brings together the top local dealers, and bike-related exhibitors from across the country showcasing the very latest motorcycles and a full complement of motorcycle-related lifestyle products and services.
    Attendees will find an amazing array of new 2019 motorcycles, exhibitors featuring the best and the newest biker apparel, custom paint and fabrication, new and used motorcycles, and much more!  As you stroll the aisles, you’ll see hundreds of displays with everything from motorcycle accessories by manufacturers and retailers, clothing, safety products, the latest model bikes available from your local dealers and much, much more.  If you are looking to join a club, participate in a rally, or volunteer your time to protect the rights of riders, you’ve come to the right place! We have an array of clubs, organizations and nonprofits waiting to talk with you.

Attendees at the 28th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo will also find:
Biker’s Showcase Presented by Ride Safe Indiana
The Biker’s Showcase, presented by Ride Safe Indiana, is an exciting and nostalgic motorcycle exhibit and contest all rolled into one!  This year’s theme is “Big Show Bikes.”  You’ll also see:
Big Wheel Bikes: (Front or Back) 23″, 26″ or 30″ or BIGGER. 
Theme Bikes: Any bike customized to represent a theme – military, memorial, religious – etc.
Radical Custom: Extensive customization: chrome, paint, accessories, chopped and stretched.
Vintage Pre ’85: Stock wheel base and restored back to “like new” condition.
Barn Finds: Rusty, old, moldy, dirty – if it rolls, it’s in!
Rat Bike: Modified bikes bearing little or no resemblance to the stock bike they started out as.

Pioneers of Hoosier Motorcycling
In a very comfortable and casual setting at the 28th Annual Indiana Motorcycle Expo, the men and women who were “pioneers” in Indiana’s motorcycle world will share their stories and remembrances of the early days of motorcycling.

These moderated sessions will be tailored to various topics and themes but will be free-flowing as these amazing people re-tell their stories from “back in the day”.  If you are a motorcycle enthusiast, you won’t want to miss your opportunity to connect with the men and women who “pioneered” the sport and industry we currently enjoy. Questions from the audience will be welcomed, and in fact, are encouraged.

You’ll also see the private collections of the Pioneers, including many items never before seen by the general public.  And new this year is a remarkable display that recreates a vintage motorcycle shop bay, complete with period-correct equipment and bikes.  This vintage display is, of course, staffed by Pioneers who actually “turned the wrenches.” 

ABATE of Indiana Motorcycle Rider Courses
ABATE of Indiana has trained more than 130,000 Hoosier motorcyclists to ride over the past 40 years. Beginning in 1979, before there was a state-legislated program in Indiana, ABATE saw the benefits of riders having the skills and strategies to make their travels safer and more enjoyable. If you know someone that rides a motorcycle, it is likely they have taken a course with ABATE, and now it’s your turn. Registration for ABATE classes for beginning or experienced riders opens at the Indiana Motorcycle Exposition at the Indiana State Fairgrounds February 15th through the 17th.

From Barn Finds to Forgotten Treasures
Jeff Leveridge, owner of Leveridge Motorcycle Salvage, is one of the most successful collectors of barn finds in Indiana. Whether it’s a hidden treasure or a treasure hidden in plain sight, the display created by Jeff is of authentic barn finds as he found them at sites around the Midwest. Everyone from collectors to just plain admirers will enjoy the many gems Jeff is sharing at the show. Best of all – Jeff will be on hand to swap tales of adventures with you!

Tiny Tots Riding Experience
Let the little ones (85 pounds and under) ride at the Tiny Tots Riding Experience, sponsored by ABATE of Indiana.  It’s a great and fun experience for your future biker.  We’ll provide them a safe riding area, a scaled-down motorcycle, and riding apparel.   Also, in conjunction with the Tiny Tots Riding Experience, ABATE of Indiana will have the “ABATE Children’s Motorcycle Adventure” with several hands-on activities geared toward kids.

Show Hours and Ticket Information

Hours

Friday, February 15:  1-8 p.m.
Saturday,  February 16:  10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, February 17:  10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Ticket Prices (includes admission to the Ford 65th Annual Indianapolis Boat, Sport and Travel Show)

Adults (13 years of age and older) Box Office — $15
Adults (13 years of age and older) purchased online at IndySportShow.com–  $13
Kids (6-12) — $9
Adult two-day pass —  $24.

To purchase tickets, visit www.indysportshow.com or any of the Indiana State Fair box offices.

SEGMENT IS SPONSORED BY INDIANA MOTORCYCLE EXPO