Perusing the Wide World of Bikes at the
Cycle World International Motorcycle Show

Spending a day at the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show will probably remind you of what you love about bikes, and what you don't love, too. I won't use this as a platform to dissect my personal two-wheeled tastes, but in addition to the myriad manufacturers displaying their brand new, bone stock bikes, there are also plenty of one-off creations on display, including this custom 2008 Suzuki Hayabusa. A co-venture with urban clothing company L-R-G, the trick 'Busa is an exercise in clean styling, and features clear wheels that highlight the minimalistic tubular swingarm.

Yamaha is also displaying "Got Rake," BMS Choppers's virtually unrecognizable Road Star, which makes its west coast debut. This ex-Road Star is an exercise in excess, featuring the generous swaths of chrome, custom bodywork, and ridiculous rake we've come to expect from custom choppers. It also happens to be on the market for $125,000. Other offerings among the 700 bikes on display include DTM's ladies-only lounge, plenty of demo rides including the electric Vectrix scooter, and much more.

The Long Beach show continues through the weekend, and will also visit New York City, Novi, Washington DC, Atlanta, Cleveland, Minneapolis, and Chicago. Check it out if you can-- you're bound to find something you love.