Motorcycle madness

For those who choose four-wheeled transportation and might regard riders as renegades, visiting the Cycle World International Motorcycle Show at the San Mateo Event Center this weekend should be an eye-opening experience.

“This is like a traveling motocross circus,” said Robert Pandya, spokesman for the exposition now in its 29th year. The show that commenced in Dallas, began its West Coast swing Friday in San Mateo and will continue through Nov. 22 before traveling to Long Beach and subsequently, Seattle.

Now in his fourth year, Pandya himself got into motorcycles not for the passion or sport of it, but purely for their economic utility. As a student with little money, a bike was an attractive alternative for him.

According to Pandya, that bad-ass biker image is mostly a thing of the past as motorcycles are becoming increasingly recognized as viable alternatives to cars.

“All that is now is a shrinking stereotype,” said Pandya when asked if people could expect to see renegade biker gangs roll through the event center. “This is a family show. It’s about educating novices and experts in a welcoming environment. You can’t even buy bikes here, so there’s no pressure like if you were at a dealership.”

Pandya said that the proverbial image of bikers as gang members actually began at the end of World War II, ironically enough in central California. The combination of a surplus of cycles and returning servicemen hyped up on the adrenaline from war consummated that lasting image.

“Today the Bay Area is actually the most ‘European’ metropolitan area in terms of transportation options,” said Pandya when asked about the various markets throughout the country. “This show draws from hundreds of miles and is a highly educated market for motorcyclists.”

By his estimate, Pandya is convinced California has the greatest integration of all types of motorcycles, followed by Washington state. Those varieties, including cruisers, touring, sport, dirt bikes and the scooter will all be showcased this weekend, giving those looking for a high performance race machine, or even a frugal economical commuter, something of interest.

“I have seven motorcycles,” said Pandya. “They’re like shoes. You need the right pair for the job.”

In addition to the major original equipment manufacturer showcases, there will also be demo events, a seminar stage “hub,” training groups, lifestyle booths, vintage clubs with their respective bikes and a women’s center dedicated to educating the fastest growing category in the market. Pandya stressed that since experts and enthusiasts present these categories, not salespersons trying to make commission, the environment becomes truly accessible to everyone.

When talking bike trends, Pandya noted that because they aren’t as susceptible to fluctuation in trends as consumer vehicles are, don’t expect to see much in the way of electric or hybrid motorcycles.

Though bikes have always been more efficient than cars, they typically have everything exposed as well. In turn, this makes designing a hybrid bike not as simple as just downsizing the technology, it must be built to brave the elements as well.

Because the California Air Resources Board and the Environmental Protection Agency are clamping down tighter on emissions and efficiency standards, resulting in more miles per gallon and lower emissions, there tends to be more promotion of motorcycle efficiency than before, even when in reality there hasn’t been huge jumps in green technology.

“Alternatives are still really slim, but when gas prices hike up again expect to see an increase,” said Pandya.

At bare minimum, finding parking in a city with a motorcycle is still easier than with any four-wheeler.

While the motorcycle industry may be close to shaking off the bad-boy image — even though manufacturers like Harley-Davidson have adopted it — don’t expect Hell’s Angels to return to the depths just yet. The most devout followers are hardly ever moved by outside influence.



For more information about the Cycle World International show visit www.motorcycleshows.com or call (800) 331-5706.
Z
Put your ad or message here for $0.99