February might be a cold month weatherwise, but it's smokin' hot when it comes to bike shows, and the 2017 show season is no exception. We started out the month with the 2nd Annual Women's Motorcycle Show hosted by MotoLady in Los Angeles, California. Next up, we had the Progressive International Motorcycle Show in Chicago, Illinois this past weekend that started Friday, February 10th, and rapped up on Sunday the 12th. Finally, our buddies across the pond get to look forward to the Carole Nash/MCN: London Motorcycle Show on February 17th through the 19th in London.

Continue reading for more information on the shows.

Second Annual Women's Motorcycle Show

Granted, this is still a rather small event, but hugely significant if you consider the rarity of female riders, and especially ones willing and able to put together a project for something that is part mechanicking, part artistry and almost totally male dominated. Those of you familiar with my work already know that I'm a big proponent of including the fairer sex in, well, everything, and though the bikes on display are built by and for women, there's at least a couple that I would ride in a heartbeat. Yes, I'm comfortable enough with myself to ride a pink bike, but you'll forgive me if I prefer to think of it as “salmon.” It's my story, and I'm sticking to it. Most large events started life as a small, grassroots gathering, and I for one would like to see this expand in scope both within the LA area, and the rest of the U.S.

Chicago Progressive International Motorcycle Show

We had the usual collection of activities to include a custom bike show, mobile Inked Tattoo Parlor, speakers and musical entertainment as well as hardware and representatives from nearly every major manufacturer in the world. The Italian influence was particularly visible with Piaggio->ke2268 on hand to showcase its new paint schemes and Moto Guzzi->ke1411 to give us (us.....U.S.?) our first look at the MY17 lineup. More on that later, wink nudge.

Carole Nash/MCN: London Motorcycle Show

Attendees can look forward to seeing nearly every builder you can think of off the top of your head, and some that you probably can't, plus the Coys of Kensington auction that hosts collectible antiques for the well-heeled among us. I'll be keeping an eye on this to see what revenant wonders will be revealed at auction, and if any of the world's manufacturers will reveal anything new-and-juicy for our consumption.

In short, no matter which side of the pond you hang your hat, the 2017 season is already shaping up to be an exciting one.