Gastown Motorcycle Show: August 16, 2009

Recently Bobbie2 and myself visited the Gastown Motorcycle Show. There was FREE parking for bikes so naturally we rode our bikes downtown, myself on my new Suzuki V-strom and Bobbie2 on my maxi-scoot Kymco X500Ri. This is the largest motorcycle gathering in British Columbia. There are displays, vendor booths, live music, demonstrations, new products, demo bikes from major manufactures and yes, there was a show and shine, not to mention all the bikes parked everywhere.



Gastown is the birthplace of Vancouver, formerly in the skid row area where they dragged the logs. Now it is an upscale area filled with restaurants and fine gift stores.

Today's essay will not be an essay, but rather an assortment of photos in no particular order with a bit of narration. Sort of Conchscooter style using few words of substance to adorn a picture "of a thousand words"



Yes, Bobbie2 is an ardent snapper, he managed to get a few of myself. Just in case you jump to conclusions when it is very hot, I wear shorts under my JR Alter Ego riding pants, with armour. When I get to my destination, I remove the pants and get rid of the riding boots and replace with my trusty Teva or Chaco sandals. So while it would appear that I am in my beach outfit I do not ride without gear. My riding Jacket has leather uppers with removeable panels to reveal a full mesh jacket underneath, so while moving it is really sort of cool



It was very crowded. The streets were blocked off and bikes were parked on both sides of the asphalt as well as on the sidewalk. Bobbie2 managed to get another shot of me (in the white T-shirt).



I know nothing of these machines, except that it says "Norton" on the side. I can't tell if it's a 750 or 850



There were lots of custom machines there. I decided to post these pictures at Linda's (Montie & Me) (<-- click link) request to post a few from the motorcycle show. She was begging me for more photos.



There were lots of Harleys of every description



Finally I had my chance to snap a photo of Bobbie2 in action



For Jack "r" (what else can I say ?), I didn't see any brass poles around



I believe this custom had 500 cubic inch V-8 power.



This particular custom motorcycle builder only makes V-8 powered bikes. If you have $35 - $40K real dollars you could ride one home



Old style



Old skool kool, chopper, ape bars and flow back exhausts, wide white wall tyres



There was something for every taste



this Ariel was better than new



here is a glimpse of the control panel and gauges



they even had Beemers for the Mac-Pac wrenching society. With bikes like these they would never have time to ride



Now here's a Triumph for Lance, and perhaps also for Mr Conchscooter if he can manage to swing his short legs over . . . or he can borrow Mr Reeps elevated platform



I thought that these handlebars had a neat swept back look



at times you had to navigate through the massive crowds



during this depressed economy, manufacturers are taking every opportunity to display their machines



after a while all the machines start to look the same. perhaps it was the heat



It was a great summer's day and what better thing to do than to ride your bike to a motorcycle show and shine, and dream . . .

And speaking of dreaming, I spotted something for Jack Riepe . . . (<-- click link)



If only I won the Lottery . . . (Sigh)