By Dean Larson

Photos by Dean Larson, Jeff Bruss and Derek Waterhouse

Most often, the distinction between bike guys and car guys is meaningless. If you identify as one, chances are you dabble, or at least can respect the engineering and style that goes into the other. I'd say I'm more of a car guy, but the benefits of motorcycles (namely cheap speed and adventure) have enticed me more than once. When I was 18, I scored my first bike. A barn find 1971 Suzuki TS185 two-stroke enduro that I rebuilt just enough to terrorize my college campus. Since then, I've owned a few other ’70s enduro bikes including a 1974 Yamaha DT250, which I miss dearly for no good reason. Today it's a 2014 Honda CRF 250L that I ride to work on nice days and explore the woods with. 

The SEMA Show is one of the largest trade shows in existence, and it's undeniably car and truck centered. But other kinds of vehicles play an increasing role in the show today also, including UTVs and bikes. While you might cherish the security of your seat belt and enclosed cabin, we're sure you'll admire our favorite two-wheelers from the 2017 SEMA Show.