Source: MotorcyclistOnline.com
The World’s Most Famous Beach, apparently—especially over the course of 10 days in March. (Andrew Cherney/)The 83rd annual Daytona Bike Week unrolled in its usual flashy style as upward of 500,000 bikers hit the sandy streets of Daytona Beach, Florida, last week. We won’t know the true numbers until later this month, but the locals we spoke with said traffic was up from last year, which had a projected tally of 400,000 riders. The bottom line is that we saw the streets of this beach town absolutely jammed with bikes of every stripe, from slammed cruisers and trikes to tricked-out supersports. The 10-day street party is usually called out for its eye-popping customs, bikini-wearing babes, and endless tattoos, but let’s not forget what started it all: the racing. And this year’s Daytona had plenty of action to offer on the banked International Speedway, with SuperHooligan contests, the King of the Baggers opening rounds, and of course the highlight of the week, the Daytona 200. The 82nd running of the famed 200-miler featured a totally stacked field with no shortage of high drama and near photo finishes.Here’s a peek at Volusia County’s monster two-wheel extravaganza, sprawling from Main Street in the heart of Daytona to the high banks of Daytona International Speedway to the smaller beach burgs both north and south.Related: American Flat Track Racing 2017 Season PreviewThis year’s Daytona 200 was a classic, with Josh Herrin capturing the win after 57 laps and two pit stops. This year’s running saw five motorcycle manufacturers and three tire brands featured; it’s one of the few roadraces that doesn’t require the use of just one tire manufacturer. (Ducati/Brian J. Nelson/)A historical side note: January 24, 1937, was the inaugural running of the Daytona 200. That first race was run on a 3.2-mile beach and road course situated just south of Daytona Beach. Ed Kretz of California was the first winner, riding an Indian motorcycle and averaging 73.34 mph.By comparison, Josh Herrin and company ran their supersport bikes at speeds in excess of 150 miles an hour over the course of 200 miles at the banked oval of Daytona International Speedway.Related: The 2017 Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club Show at Daytona Bike WeekHerrin rode his Ducati Panigale V2 again at Daytona this year. The Warhorse HSBK Racing rider won the 200 last year as well as back in 2010, making him the sixth three-time winner of the Daytona 200, joining the likes of Kenny Roberts and Mat Mladin in that rarified group. (Ducati/)Team Saddlemen rider Cory West rode a race-prepped Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 Special to victory and topped an all-Harley podium in the second race of the SuperHooligan series at Daytona. (Harley-Davidson/)The action on Daytona’s Main Street was a little bit slower in the velocity department, but every bit as loud. (Andrew Cherney/)Customs, one-offs, and insane theme bikes were out in force on Main Street. This big-wheel rat bike bagger drew crowds all day long. (Andrew Cherney/)Not entirely sure what the theme of the “Octocycle” chopper is, but we admire the commitment to the idea. (Andrew Cherney/)From the speedway to the beach and on everything from sportbikes to dressers to choppers, it was clear there were more women riders than ever at this year’s event. (Andrew Cherney/)Underneath that aluminum body we’re told there’s a 1955 BMW R69/75 electric-start streamliner fabricated by panel-beater Kyle Yocum of Yocum’s Signature Hot Rods. (Andrew Cherney/)Daytona’s always chock-full of the latest hardware, and BMW was just one of many manufacturers displaying new models and accessories as well as offering demo rides. (BMW/)Buell Motorcycle was out here as well with a running version of its new Super Cruiser, which is not expected to hit production until next year. The company also had its Hammerhead 1190 and 1190SX models on display. (Andrew Cherney/)There was no shortage of back-alley vendors at Daytona trying to offload questionable merch. It’s doubtful these lids are DOT certified, but hey, you can get some CBD with one. (Andrew Cherney/)Japanese sportbikes, American V-twins, Canadian trikes—you saw them all cruising down Main Street. (Andrew Cherney/)A clean, nicely tricked-out and painted Suzuki GSXR making the scene on Main Street. (Andrew Cherney/)Gold accents and a unique two-tone paint scheme mark this tight Honda Fireblade. (Andrew Cherney/)The cops were out in force at Daytona to clamp down on troublemakers—of both the biker variety as well as unruly spring breakers. (Andrew Cherney/)Just north of Daytona is the Birthplace of Speed pocket park, a fascinating site with memorials to the history that was made on this stretch of sand over a century ago. (Andrew Cherney/)One of those history makers was Glenn Hammond Curtiss, who set a land-speed record in 1907 on a V-8-powered motorcycle. (Current-day luxury motorcycle brand Curtiss Motorcycle Co. is allegedly named in his honor, though it makes electric bikes.) (Andrew Cherney/)Sure, you can ride your machine on it, but let’s not forget that Daytona is also a pretty nice stretch of beach to lounge on. (Andrew Cherney/)
