Long Beach Motorcycle Show

[sworobec]

Got back yesterday from it. No pictures (yes yes...a big screw up on my part)

Anyway...holy crap!

I must have sat on nearly every bike that didn't have some "Plz Don't Sit On Me k thx" note on it. Every manufacturer was there, besides Indian and KTM (damnit!). A great selection of street bikes, dirtbikes and quads, and some pretty neat vendors, too. One in particular, Touratech, looked awesome, as they did extreme enduro mods to BMWs and other touring bikes.

I've never sat on a sportbike before, let alone some custom chopper, so it was really a great experience. While getting a pure race bike in the future would obviously rule, I can now understand what Cycle World is talking about when they say that bikes like the Ducati 749 are not meant for a long haul. Really uncomfortable it seems, in comparison to some of the other less racey bikes. Buell had a good display going, with two of their Lightnings banked over via little posts at a 50% angle, which let you pretend you were dragging knee...a bit gimmicky, but cool nonetheless.

It's a shame I can't really tell the difference between 04 bikes and older models...so I can't really tell you anything specific about how they all looked in comparison.

I also came to the realization that Honda clutches kick ass (though I sort of knew this already)...super smooth and easy to pull.

Oh, and the Ducati SS series of bikes...really awesome, despite being lesser in comparison to the 749 and 999.

Met Malcolm Smith, too...one of the most awesome people ever. And my dad shook Jesse James' hand, which made his day.

Ack..another thing. A person working the Triumph display said that they would deduct $1000 for students who were in college and purchased a new Triumph, of any type, it seemed. Anyone familiar with this?

Yes...well, that's about all I can come up with at this time.

Did any of you guys attend?

[Jae]

Bryant and I were there from 10 AM to about 2 PM.

When we walked into the front entrance we were immediately greeted by the YZF R1. If I might say so, I think Yamaha has that magic formula for what makes a "complete package". The colors for the bike are spot on. The red is almost a velvet red, and really matches the bike well. The blue pays homage to the standard Yamaha blue. And the silver... oh the silver... words fail me on how stunning it is in real life. Just amazing.

We were also there for the unveiling of the first Aprilia RSV 1000 R Nera delivered in the US to none other than Friend's star Matt LeBlanc! At 1 million per episode, the 40K bike was probably just a drop in the bucket, but well worth the dough.

Also there was the Honda 1000RR, ZX-10R, vintage Ducati's and more.

We took a few hundred photos and we will place them in a gallery section soon. :)

Some suggestions for people going on Sunday... You can park at the convention lots for $8 but the line to get in is ridiculous, just go to those open lots instead ($5) and you'll only have to cross the street. Also, if you plan on going in the morning, arrive at 9:30. The line for tickets is pretty long. Otherwise, plan on going in the afternoon like 2 PM when people start leaving for lunch.

Motorcycles have their own special lot so you may want to look for it.

Also, the entrace to the show is behind the theater on the left side (if you are facing the theater) and not on the side with the large glass windows. Follow the signs.

[sworobec]

Did the manufacturers end up giving demo rides in the parking lot on Saturday? I don't think they did on Friday, when I was there.

Also...that Ball of Steel thing was pretty knarly.

[CjrJAM]

Good time at the show. Chuckster you should be happy to hear that I once again bleed blue, Yamaha blue that is. The next bike WILL be an R6:devil: Now only to decide which color to go with, the red looks awesome and the silver even better. :confused:
Deno, Aaron (I think was his name), it was good meeting you.
GP Tech, Chuck, Greg, Brendan as always good to see you guys again.

[GPTECHMAN]

Originally posted by CjrJAM
Good time at the show. Chuckster you should be happy to hear that I once again bleed blue, Yamaha blue that is. The next bike WILL be an R6:devil: Now only to decide which color to go with, the red looks awesome and the silver even better. :confused:
Deno, Aaron (I think was his name), it was good meeting you.
GP Tech, Chuck, Greg, Brendan as always good to see you guys again.
good seeing you too
glad you are going with the R6
the gixxer looks pretty dope as well, but Im sure that the R6 is just more comfy....
I cant wait to see how it rides(gixxer) especially the midrange grunt that it usually has...:D

[TreAdidas]

Originally posted by CjrJAM
Good time at the show. Chuckster you should be happy to hear that I once again bleed blue, Yamaha blue that is. The next bike WILL be an R6:devil: Now only to decide which color to go with, the red looks awesome and the silver even better. :confused:
Deno, Aaron (I think was his name), it was good meeting you.
GP Tech, Chuck, Greg, Brendan as always good to see you guys again.

I am sorry BLUE ROCKS THEM ALL... and you know it... don't even play :)

[GPTECHMAN]

ahhh hes coming over to the darksyde

[TreAdidas]

Originally posted by GPTECHMAN
ahhh hes coming over to the darksyde

Psh!... what chu talking? .... he ain't say he bouying a honda... the man is just having an identity crisis... he'll figure it out.. you just watch...

::crosses fingers::

[deathblow]

Ceez, you would look good riding red!

[CjrJAM]

Originally posted by deathblow
Ceez, you would look good riding red!

Hey braddah, you haven't heard me knockin Honda have you? I know betta, I used to ride red. I have since found better and more, how can I say this, suitable:devil: motorcycle. I am now a Yamaha man and it looks like it'll stay like that for a while. :p
I do think Honda is going in the wrong direction with some of the bikes they produce, just my .02

[Arnold_R1]

Got some pics for those who weren't fortunate to attend!

Chuck's winter plan when he gets back to WKRP in Cincinnati-build useless turn table for R6!

[Arnold_R1]

2004 R1 Engine (cross view)

[Arnold_R1]

Jamie Hacking's R6

[Arnold_R1]

.

[Arnold_R1]

This is for Allan-Miguel Duhamel's RC-51!

[Arnold_R1]

2004 Honda CBR 1000RR!

[Arnold_R1]

My next vehicle, minus the white strip! TRD Toyota/Yamahauler!

[Arnold_R1]

A*s shot! I'll take that YZ426 too!

[Arnold_R1]

Ducati 999s fitted with my favorite wheels in the whole wide world, Magnesium Marchesini's!

[Arnold_R1]

Ruben Xaus' Factory "Dew-Cat-Tee"

[Arnold_R1]

Official Drool Gauge reads-100% Mi Gusta MV Agusta!

[Arnold_R1]

Matt LeBlanc's Aprilia RSV Mille "Nera 1000R" -Drool Gauge also reads 100%

[Arnold_R1]

Vesrah Suzuki GSXR 1000.

[Arnold_R1]

Matt Mladin's Yoshimura GSXR-1000. Carlos, if you had this bike on Fri, it would be close!

[Arnold_R1]

Saving the best for last. . .*drum roll* BOTY for 2004! My favorite. . .2004 Yamaha YZF R1!

-I was a little upset though at the Yamaha reps? :grr: :mad: Not one of them could of explained the Radial Braking!?!?! WTF!

[sworobec]

Originally posted by Arnold_R1
A*s shot! I'll take that YZ426 too!

More like YZ450F!!

[Arnold_R1]

Originally posted by sworobec
More like YZ450F!!

Good lookin out! :rockon:

[pasta fredo]

Sweet pics! I agree with you that the MV and the new Aprilia have a definite 100% drool factor. With the MV just edging out the Aprilia in terms of mouth foaming desire. The Italian's really know how to put out works of art.