MOTORCYCLE MANIA
Planning to attend the Motorcycle Supershow? Then don’t miss the Canadian debut of this beautiful, custom Vincent Black Chopper,
The little hand is on 2015 and the big hand is on January which means it’s time for the North American International Motorcycle Supershow at the International Centre on Airport Road. Wow — 2015 already? This will be the 39th time the Supershow has ushered in a new riding season and for many motorcyclists, it’s a “must do” event. Billed as the world’s largest consumer motorcycle show, the Supershow occupies seven halls and over 425,000 square feet at the International Centre. The formula of separate halls for separate interests seems to have worked, so they’re continuing as in years past.
Halls 1E and 1W are for touring and cruisers, 2E and 2W are the industry showcase halls with new 2015 motorcycles, dealers, clothing and accessories, Hall 3 is racing and performance while Hall 4 is for vintage and classic motorcycles including the popular Century of Motorcycles display. Hall 5 is reserved for choppers and customs, so if you’re into chrome and some incredible paint jobs, check it out. Taking this opportunity to air out my pet peeve, I really wish builders would go easy on the skulls as they’re so last decade — why not femurs or clavicles? Maybe a nice patella. But, with $50,000 and the Canada Cup up for grabs, I’m sure fans will find something to ogle.
Each hall has its own stage, vendors, clubs and organizations, and Hall 5 will have live bands going for most of the time. A highlight of the show will be the Canadian debut of the unique Vincent Black Chopper. Vincents are rare and custom Vincents rarer still. Originally built by Redneck Engineering in South Carolina, noted Vincent collector and Supershow producer Bar Hodgson acquired the rolling chassis at the Vincent Owner’s Rally in Colorado in 2012. A worldwide search found the correct engine in Switzerland (although totally dismantled), it was acquired and shipped to Canada, where Vincent Specialist Mike White assembled it and then Hodgson reassembled the complete motorcycle.
The frame is a custom curved backbone monoshock that uses the engine as a stressed member and it, along with the bodywork and front end, were custom fabricated by Redneck. The highly polished engine started as a1948 HRD Rapide1000cc unit that was originally found in Argentina and has gone through several owners (including the duo from the American Pickers TV show) before Hodgson acquired it.
The unveiling of this amazing custom will take place at 1p.m. on Friday, Jan. 2 in Hall 4 as part of the Century of Motorcycles display. I first saw this motorcycle in Florida last February and, even though I’m not a huge fan of customs, it really impressed me. And . . . not a skull to be seen.
If you’re in the market for a used bike, you can peruse the wares in three areas. Hall 2E will have the general, everyday used motorcycles, Hall 4 will have vintage and classic bikes for sale and, if you’re in the market for something purdy, check out the used customs in Hall 5.
And as usual, it will be a retail extravaganza with the best prices you’re likely to see all year on helmets, gloves, boots, riding apparel and even performance accessories.
The North American International Motorcycle Supershow runs Jan. 2, 3 and 4 at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Rd., Mississauga. Friday: noon to 10 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sunday10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For last-minute information and discount coupons, check the show’s website, motorcyclesupershow.ca.