The Scene at Kentucky Kick Down 2015

We attended the inaugural Kentucky Kick Down a few years ago in Louisville, KY and knew it’d quickly become a popular event. In 2015, its third year, it has grown exponentially with a bigger footprint, more vendors and many more attendees. If you missed it, check out the scene via our photo feature…

The guys behind the show put in a genuine effort to create a motorcycle event that draws the kind of people who appreciate unique bikes and motorcycle-related nostalgia. There’s an anti-pretentious mood in the air; no one taking themselves too seriously. Most bikes, if not all, look ready to fire up and ride away.

Above, co-host Scott Halbleib revs his custom Gold Wing with hundreds of other attendees simultaneously. The group rev is a tradition that creates a smile-inducing, glorious noise.

Above, co-host Scott Shuffitt, announces winners and gives away moto swag on the stage outside the Barret Bar.

Choppers, bobbers, cafe racers, mild customs, crazy customs and vintage stockers lined Barret Avenue, which was closed for the event. Parking for bikes spilled over to Oak Street and all around the historic Highlands neighborhood.

There’s no one major dominating brand at KKD, they welcome any make and any year. Show winners, though, are limited to vintage bikes only. Read on and check out our photo summary below to get a feel for the mood and ambiance of this gathering of vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.

Even little enduro bikes feel welcome and help stir up memories of recreational motorcycling.

Many vendors of all types gave folks plenty to peruse in addition to the bike show.

Though everyone has their own opinion on what’s cool, some of the best artistic expression in motorcycles are found in choppers. There’s no shortage of custom, chopped or bobbed bikes here.

This couple, above, has a unique collection of vintage Z1 Kawasaki motorcycles. Jim and Paulette Turner are born-n-raised Louisville residents who own two Z1s for each year they were manufactured, both color options offered in 1973, 1974, and 1975. They’re part of the VJMC contingent that showed up for the event.

Folks are here to have fun and hang out in a casual sense. This ain’t no concours d’elegance.

Above, the Ton-Up Club gathers for a group photo in the background. They had a national meet here at KKD, with members coming from Chicago, Indy, Canada, and all over.

If you like old bikes and chill, urban settings, you should dig this show. Visit the Kentucky Kick Down website for info on next year’s dates and details. The photos in this feature are just a sampling of the many, many bikes and people you’ll find on Barret Ave in Louisville. The sticker below sums up the mentality of the characters who host this party and echoes a sentiment we can relate to, “Ride Old Bikes.”

To see and share even more Kentucky Kick Down photographs, visit our Facebook album; if you see yourself, feel free to tag the pic!