Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
The World’s Most Famous Beach was bike central for 10 days in March. (Andrew Cherney/)Daytona Bike Week usually turns out to be a great way to kick off the spring riding season, and the 83rd edition proved to be no slouch in the entertainment department. The sandy streets of Florida’s Daytona Beach were jammed with bikes for most of the 10-day party, with some estimating more than 500,000 riders in attendance this year. The portable two-wheel party has everything from jaw-dropping customs to coleslaw wrestling to big drama on the racetrack, which we saw with the King of the Baggers opening rounds. With record attendance, slick new model reveals, rad custom shows, and excellent weather, 2024 Bike Week ended up getting a big thumbs-up from almost everyone we spoke to. Fun fact: Coleslaw wrestling at Sopotnick’s Cabbage Patch Bar is second only to the Daytona 200 in terms of popular events at Bike Week.With March being National Women’s History month, it seemed appropriate that there was a noticeable increase in female riders at this year’s rally. (Andrew Cherney/)Main Street had no shortage of jaw-dropping customs parked for all to gawk at. The rat-themed “rustic” bagger went all in on the patina. (Harley-Davidson/)The King of the Baggers opening rounds were held at Daytona, with Harley Factory Racing rider Kyle Wyman winning the two races aboard the team’s new race-prepared 2024 Road Glide motorcycle. Teammate James Rispoli (pictured) finished third in both races. (Harley-Davidson/)Harley also pulled the covers off its new 2024 Hydra-Glide Revival model as part of its Icons Collection. A highlight was getting seat time on it around the Ormond Loop. (Andrea Wilson/)An octopus slithers into a Harley repair shop and… (Andrew Cherney/)A Boss Hoss trike rolling down Main Street. We saw lots of trikes, standards, and choppers, but touring bikes seemed to be the most popular style this year. (Andrew Cherney/)Manufacturers were out in force, both at the speedway and on Main Street, showing off their latest wares and offering demo rides galore. Nope, not on this one… (Andrew Cherney/)Women represented at Bike Week on all types of machines. (Andrew Cherney/)Bikers gotta eat and there were vittles aplenty at Bike Week, with vendors lined up on Main Street ready to grill up your favorite fowl or mammal. (Andrew Cherney/)Daytona PD definitely swelled their ranks this year, with motor cops everywhere, even on Main Street. (Andrew Cherney/)A short ride to the Ponce Inlet Lighthouse (Florida’s tallest) is always a good way to change up the scenery and get out of the hubbub of Main Street. (Andrew Cherney/)Another fascinating (but brief) getaway is the Birthplace of Speed Park, just north of Daytona Beach on A1A. One of the markers pays tribute to Glenn Curtiss, who set a speed record here on a V-8 motorcycle. (Andrew Cherney/)Checking out some of the new bikes in the Harley demo area, including this burly 2024 CVO Road Glide with the Milwaukee-Eight VVT 121 engine featuring variable valve timing (VVT). (Andrew Cherney/)On the other end of the scale is this 109cc Honda Navi. Of course, it’s also about $40,000 cheaper too. (Andrew Cherney/)Buell had a preproduction version of its 2025 Super Cruiser on site as well. The bike is slated to drop next year. (Andrew Cherney/)Based on our few days at Daytona, club-style bikes look to still be hugely popular. (Andrew Cherney/)Super bummed to have missed the annual Rat’s Hole custom show at the Daytona Indian dealership this year, but we understand it was a doozy. (Andrew Cherney/)
