The Cycle World International Motorcycle Show 2009

Every year Cycle World runs a series of shows featuring most of the major manufacturer and, at some shows, a few of the smaller ones. There really isn't much for me to say about the show in general. They have demonstrations, stunt shows, product showcases, an accessory marketplace, demo rides from some of the marques, and giveaways.

This year was no different. The closest show to us was held this past weekend in Greenville, SC. A short hop, skip, and a jump away from our home base in Atlanta. Aside from all of the features I've mentioned, the single best thing about big shows like this one is the chance to see almost every motorcycle that will be sold in the upcoming model year and sit on them back-to-back for a great comparison of the various models.

Without further ado, on to the photographic evidence we gathered. This is but a small sample of what you can find here.

Harley-Davidson had a demonstration on how to pick up a dropped motorcycle, in this case a Sportster 1200 which happens to be one of the most top-heavy motorcycles Harley makes. If you can lift this one, you can pretty much pick up any in their line-up. Even the touring models weighing in at 300 pounds heavier.

The stunt show had a trials rider displaying amazing balance and control. He was doing jumps and wheelies on platforms his motorcycle barely fit on.

Another bit of the Harley-Davidson display was the Nightrod Special.

Indian was on had with a line of their new cruisers, I just had to get a shot displaying their attention to detail. Here is the Indian light on top of the front fender.

Kymco had a spot close to the front entrance to show off the full line of scooters and the new 150cc motorcycle (not pictured.)

We saw a nice display of historical motorcycles, including this superb Norton Commando.

Ducati proves that some of the classic styling of motorcycles is alive and well.

Just as Honda shows off some of the newest styling on an bike missing the standard clutch, the DN1 only comes in automatic.

Suzuki takes some styling ques from the wildly successful Ducati Monster in the new for this season Gladius, a naked 650cc.

With these and many other bikes, it is easy to spend hours at the show just sitting on one bike then the next. But that is really the purpose of shows like this one. It gives the manufacturers a venue to show off everything they have and get to people who may not necessarily go to a dealer's showroom for a company they are unfamiliar with and it gives the enthusiast a chance to see all the new models without the sales pressure one might find at a dealership.

The only problem I can figure out with these shows is that now my list of next motorcycle purchase has about doubled.