All in all, I think it’s hard to go wrong with a motorcycle show. That said, I do have some things to share about this year’s event. As you may recall from my last post, I was wondering about the size of the crowd. We were able to park fairly close, but then we always arrive about a half hour before the show opens. There were a decent amount people right off the bat. The shoulder to shoulder crowd did not materialize until around noon. I don’t think that’s indicative of a smaller turnout, only that more people may have slept in. We’ve had brutally cold weather here of late and it wouldn’t be too far off the mark for some to want to consume their fair share of anti-freeze long into the night.

The newspaper lied. Well, let’s just say they fudged a little on the size. The layout was portrayed as larger than previous shows, but in actuality, there were probably fewer venodors than last year. But that doesn’t mean it was a bad show. I read a review of the show in New York, and what a scathing review it was. I can’t imagine that was the same show as ours. Not sure what they were expecting in NYC, but here, we ride and we take it seriously. One of complaints about the NYC show was the lack of bikes. You’ll never have that problem here. Plenty of local dealers had exhibits, as usual. If the manufacturer booths aren’t enough, there are always the dealer booths to visit, with scores of good deals on already customized bikes. There are always local riding clubs and organizations to check out and travel booths for planning riding vacations.

Harley-Davidson is usually positioned up front. This year Honda was up front. We proceeded to sit on some bikes— my favorite part. Three new Shadow Spirits were parked up front. I sat on one a while before I realized it had a stereo installed. The speaker was a perforated steel cylinder mounted over the handlebars. The controls were near the left grip. The new Honda WOW, Honda’s version of a chopper, was low enough that my girlfriend could ride it (she’s 5′2″) but it would have been a long, stretched out reach. We tried out the VTX in all its flavors and got ready to move on. I miss the VLX (600cc); it always reminded me of a little bobber. You sit “in” that bike, not on it. I also wonder if it’s wise to go from the 250 starter bike to a 750. Doesn’t that just send buyers over to Yamaha?

We headed over to the Yamaha booth after that. I sat on the V-Star Custom 1100— my favorite of the V-Stars. Yamaha also has a new 900cc offering and will be phasing out the 1100. Huh? I thought bikes were getting bigger, not smaller. They’re apparently going for a blend (and compromise) of power and gas mileage.

And speaking of gas mileage, many of the manufacturers had MPG stickers on the tanks to showcase the superior gas mileage— superior to cars, that is. Well, some cars, anyway. Remember, the smaller the displacement, the better the mileage. Some of the 1100s and 1300x had mileage figures not worth bragging about.

Harley-Davidson sported a more user friendly exhibit, in line with their recent efforts to cater to the female rider. Riding ladies’ numbers are growing rapidly. To this end, Harley-Davidson was offering bike pick-up demos every two hours, using pre-chosen volunteers from the audience. Also showcased was a Fat Boy customized for a smaller person, presumably a woman. My lady friend tried it (she rides, by the way) and she felt the handlebars were too close for her, but that can be adjusted. The odd thing was that the foot board was in the way of the sidestand. The technician said that another part would be needed to extended the arm on the sidestand. Pictured installed on the sidestand, it looked as if the floor board would get in the way of the new part, and to make matters worse, it would not make it any easier to lift the sidestand. Can’t reach means can’t reach. I think they need to work on that a bit more. Another thing that stuck me at the Harley-Davidson booth was that there was no printed literature available. Finally, we asked about that and someone brought out some brochures and started handing them out. I wonder how many people left wanting some printed material and just gave up. Sorry, but “visit our website” just isn’t the same. Yeah, maybe, if I remember. Too bad there isn’t anything printed to remind me!

We visited the Suzuki booth next. I love the look of their bikes but the seats always seem very uncomfortable to me. Oh well. Another thing I noticed was the lack of dirt bikes and ATVs. Yamaha had an adjacent booth, but I didn’t notice much else. And, there were not as many manufacturers there as there usually are. Victory was there. Moto Guzzi was not. OR at least I did not find them.

We checked out the new scooter pavilion presented by GEICO. The Piaggio MP3 3-wheeler was pretty cool. The two wheels in front have an independent suspension that allows each wheel to lean independently. A true lean on a three wheeler! It was impressive, although truthfully, not something I would ride. Then again, getting older, the day may come… The all-electric Vectrix Scooter charges with any AC outlet and boasts a user cost of 1 cent per mile. Hard to fathom, to say the least. Needless to say, this exhibit was was impressive in size and variety, as scooters are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to four wheeled vehicles for commuting. I’ll keep my bike, thanks.

There were displays of historical bikes and scooters, and some bike art. Some of the pieces were nice, but over all, I was disappointed in the bike art. Most of it was too abstract, and mediocre, whereas, realistic renderings would have made more sense for this type of event. There was a drawing wall where visitors could leave their mark. Some did, but there weren’t too many takers. I didn’t bother, and I’m an artist.

There were some leather vendors there but not as many as usual. The show is definitely shrinking. Cycle Leather was nowhere to be found. I was surprised. They have very good service; they fit chaps right to you, where some of the other vendors just slap ‘em down and you pay. Yes, there were not nearly the vendors there usually are. No shiny can stuff (aluminum polish), just one goggles vendor. I did see some better patches at the stitch-on leather places. Hmmm. Maybe it’s time for a new leather vest.

They had an area set up for seminars. I listened as we walked past. The dialog was very newbie oriented, to the point of being ridiculous. Call me jaded, but I couldn’t believe all the old guys sitting their. They didn’t look impressed, so I imagine they were just there to take a load off. I noticed a table where you could leave your feedback on the seminars. I didn’t bother, as they probably didn’t want to know what I thought!

All in all, it’s good that the show developers are looking for more interesting attractions to add to the show. Being that I live in a northern state with few and far between riding weather in the winter months, I always enjoy the Cycle World Cleveland International Motorcycle Show and wouldn’t miss it for anything. If you ride, you shouldn’t miss it either. Great deals abound, and there’s lots to see and do.

And now, on to spring!