Ron Simms customs: Ron Simms bikes on display at Street Vibrations 2008 in Reno

Crowds, Custom Motorcycles, Crowds, Music, Crowds, and more Crowds

This year's Street Vibrations in downtown Reno was even crazier than I expected. The streets were filled beyond capacity with bikers and performers. There were so many people that we couldn't get a good look at much of the surroundings on Friday or Saturday. Luckily we were on the scene Thursday and were able to scope out some of the vendor booths and other attractions in a more relaxed setting.

This year featured the usual assortment of side shows: Rock and blues bands, Ted Nugent made an appearance, and Monte Perlin's Globe-O-Cross drew major crowds.

And of course, major bike builders and custom houses were there -- such as Big Dog and Simms. Big Dog had their usual models on display, and they were drawing crowds. On a related note: while in Reno, I heard a late-night commercial for a local Big Dog dealer, offering $10K discounts on certain models. It seems obvious that the economic woes are going to have an impact on big-ticket discretionary spending, and a hyper-custom motorcycle is probably about as discretionary as it's going to get. Rough times ahead...

Street Vibrations Event Photos

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Street Vibrations Crowds: Street vendors, crowds, leather. Need I say more?

Street Vibrations 2007

Reno, Nevada September 19 - 23

Street Vibrations this year: September 19 - 23. Weather looks like it may be a factor. Global warming seems to be causing unseasonably cold and wet weather.

The street scene usually includes more Harley-Davidson customs than you can count, and other customs as well as the usual sights and sounds. Read  More...